Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 77980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“I don’t know,” he answered honestly. “I just know that I don’t want to come between them.”
“Well, you already have one part of parenting down, and you’re not even a parent yet.”
“What is that?”
“That you don’t have all the answers. That was hard for me, how much of it is unknown. But then, I guess life is that way too, right? We never really know what to do or how things will turn out. All we can do is move forward with our hearts in the right place. It’s a better option than staying still or going backward.”
Clint was quiet for a moment, thinking about what his brother had said. He considered throwing a chunk of broccoli at his head, but refrained. “I hate that you’re so smart.”
“No you don’t, because you love me.”
“I love you a little.”
“You love me the most. I’m the best brother ever.” Ron popped a bite of food into his mouth and chewed. “You guys should come over sometime. Grace would love it. I haven’t seen August yet, and we should meet the famous Reese.”
Clint liked that, liked the idea of August and Reese around his family. “Slow your roll just a little bit. We literally just started this thing yesterday, and it’s a secret, remember?”
Ron pretended to lock his lips and throw away the key. “Except Grace. I have to tell her.”
Of course he did. Clint was okay with that.
“Do you think Mom and Dad would have cared?” Clint found himself asking. “That I’m bisexual and if I ended up with a man?” He wished he’d come out to them before they died. It was something he would always regret.
“No. Mom and Dad wanted healthy, happy sons. August makes you happy. He’s always made you happy. That’s all that would have mattered to them.”
Clint hoped he was right. He wasn’t sure why thinking that was something he needed.
They finished their hibachi chicken, rice, and vegetables. Clint needed to get home because he had a piece he needed to work on for a customer, and Ron had patients to see.
“Thanks. As always.”
“No problem. You know I always got your back.”
They hugged, and Clint was on his way, thankful for the millionth time that Ron was his brother.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
August
August got off work, headed home for the quickest shower in history, and then he, Reese, and Butter were heading to Clint’s. He had to admit he was slightly nervous to be around Clint and Reese together since they decided to secretly date. It was one thing to talk about keeping something from his son, but something else entirely to put it in action.
“You excited?” he asked Reese when they pulled down Clint’s driveway.
“For sure. Thank you for letting me do this—for all the stuff you’ve let me do since we moved to Harmony. It’s a lot cooler here than I thought.”
“Yeah, it is. You should trust your dad every once in a while. I know what I’m talking about.” He winked, and Reese grinned.
“I trust you more than anyone.”
August tried not to overreact. He had a habit of that sometimes, and he knew from experience that making a big deal out of things like this often made Reese keep them to himself more. But the truth was, hearing that was a big deal for him. Emotion clogged his throat, but he fought to keep it down. “I appreciate that. I am pretty freaking cool.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” Reese teased.
“You’re grounded.” They laughed. August parked and killed the engine. Sweetie and Midnight watched them from the porch. Guard dogs, they were not, but when August saw movement out of the corner of his eye, he looked toward the shop to see Clint walk out. He was wearing coveralls, with his welding helmet on top of his head. It probably shouldn’t have been such a hot look, but Clint in work clothes was a beautiful thing. Maybe he could talk him into wearing them one time when they—
“Dad.”
“Hm?”
“You’re spacing off.”
Oops. “Sorry. Not sure what got into me.” His inner teenage boy chuckled at his wording.
They got out, Butter behind them.
“How’s it going?” Clint asked when they approached, dogs off doing their thing together on the lawn.
“Good,” August replied, smiling.
“Thanks for teaching me,” Reese said.
“No problem. Here, I got you some stuff. Everything I have would be too big for you, and safety is hugely important in welding.”
August followed them inside. He didn’t know why, but he hadn’t even thought of Reese needing supplies. It should have been obvious.
“I guessed your size, but I think these coveralls will fit.” He handed them to Reese. “Then there’s welding gloves. They take some adjusting, but they’re very important to protect your hands. I have extra helmets, but I thought you might want your own.”
“Wow! Thanks. That’s really cool.” Reese looked at the supplies.