CHAPTER 25
Bruno
Nathan and Summer’s apartment is in one of those old sixties blocks along Rainbow Street on the way to Coogee Beach. There are a few flights of stairs for us to climb, being on the third floor above the ground-level garages. However, I noticed it was high on the hill, so I’m betting there are some nice district views.
Ryan answers the door, giving us both a hug. “Sorry, Nath’s busy in the kitchen and Summer’s getting the girls dressed.” I love Ryan’s quiet, reserved manner. I also love the way he’s helped Bradford. Attending their support group has become a fortnightly ritual for the two of them, and I know I have Ryan to thank for it all.
“Wow! Look, it’s Goldilocks and the Three Bears!” A slim Hispanic-looking guy has appeared in the hallway. This could only be Ryan’s fiancé Dominic, someone I haven’t met as yet. Glancing at our little group huddled by the door, I laugh as I take stock of me, Ryan, and Bradford in descending order, with the yellow lab panting away in front of us.
We’re whisked inside and Bradford is swamped by little girls who predictably adore him. I stand back and smile as I observe the family dynamics. It’s been a real pleasure seeing the way Bradford interacts with these guys. Given the way he looked after my folks, I’m hardly surprised how loved he is. My heart swells as I think about all the opportunities we’re going to have to unite our two clans.
Summer and Nathan have put on a really nice vegetarian spread. Their balcony is long and narrow on one side of the apartment, and the food is set up on a table near the open sliding doors. Fresh spring breezes wind their way through the lounge to the balcony on the other side, where Ryan and Dominic are hard at work on a kettle barbecue. “Oi, Bruno!” Dominic pokes his head in the door, holding out a stubby of beer for me. “Come join the real men while we cook dead animals.”
I glance at Bradford, who grins up at me with a raised eyebrow. “Go on, you enjoy yourself. I’m gonna join the knitting circle.”
I must admit, I’ve curbed the amount of meat I usually eat since I’ve been living with Bradford. His cooking is amazing and I never feel like I’m missing out, but whatever carcass those two men are chargrilling out in that Weber has me intrigued.
Once we’ve all eaten our fill, Nathan and Summer get the girls settled in front of the TV with Brendan, then reappear on the main balcony with flutes of champagne for everyone. “OK, folks,” says Nathan, holding his glass aloft. “There’s a reason we only invited family to this housewarming. Um, as you know, Summer and I have been together for ten years, but my hippie other half has never agreed to officially tie the knot.”
We all laugh as Summer gives him a coy slap on the shoulder. “Excuse me! We had a spiritual ceremony, didn't we?”
Nathan makes a puppy face, putting his arms around her shoulder and squeezing her close. “You know I wouldn’t swap that day for anything, babe.” He looks back out to the rest of us with an impish grin. “But now I’ve finally worn her down and we get a proper one.”
Summer beams as she holds her hand up, complete with glinting engagement ring. Amongst the back slapping, hugs and congratulations, she shrieks at the top of her voice. “YOU!” She’s pointing right at Bradford. Bustling forward, she wrenches his hand up, studying the antique ring he’s wearing. “When did this happen?”
Bradford’s gone all shy. His face is visibly red. “Um, last night.”
Summer squeals like a little girl as she throws her arms around her blushing brother and jumps up and down.
“You reckon the church’ll give you a two for one discount?” pipes up Dominic.
“Not on your life,” chortles Summer. “I want a barefoot beach wedding. In the summer. At dusk. No awful speeches or anything, just lots of food and friends and family for one huge party.”
“Sounds like my kind of wedding.” This comes from Ryan. He’s been hanging back most of the evening, looking on from the sidelines.
I’m expecting some boisterous, cocky reply from Dominic—after all, he’s been one playful joke after another since we got here. To my surprise, he snaps to attention at the sound of his man’s voice. Taking Ryan’s hand, he looks straight into his eyes. “You know, big bear, if this is what you want, I’ll make it happen.”
“Well, I’ve been waiting over a year for you to make an honest man out of me, lontra. ” Ryan pulls Dominic towards him, engulfing the slender man in a crushing bear hug. “We can’t stay engaged like this forever, you know.”
Summer’s eyes meet mine. She looks to Bradford, then to Ryan and Dominic, and finally to Nathan. “This may sound like a lame Hallmark movie, but I have an idea…”