Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 82568 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82568 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
That he would go skinny-dipping with Roe at just the mention of it, and how he liked to get off with Roe around town because he knew it did something a little extra for Roe.
Still, he didn’t say it right away. He looked at Lindsey over Wyatt’s head. The mother of his son. One of the most important people in his world. The last thing he wanted was to hurt her.
“Yes,” she said. “Your daddy loves him. And because we love Roe, we want him to be happy, right? That’s what you do when you love someone—you want what’s best for them.”
“But what about you?” Wyatt asked. “You love Dad that way. I heard you talking to your friend about it when you had that weird wine women’s night thing where she slept over. You said you’re in love with Dad, and if Dad and I love you, shouldn’t we want what’s best for you too?”
Christ, how did things get so messed up? Roe’s throat was dry. He didn’t know how to do this. Lindsey’s happiness meant the world to him, but…he could never be with her romantically.
Wyatt turned to him. “Don’t you love Mom and want her happy?”
“Of course I do. I’ve loved your mama since I was a kid. She’s my best friend in the world. The only person I would have wanted to start a family with—and have you. But I’m not in love with her. You know I’m gay, buddy. We haven’t ever kept that from you.”
“I know, but I thought…” His head angled down. “You could be bisexual or something. There are lots of options.”
He smiled at his son, a sad sort of smile. “I’m not. I’m just gay. But I want your mom to be happy, more than I can say. We couldn’t work out together. I wouldn’t be able to give your mom the kind of love she deserves. It would mean I wasn’t living my truth, and that’s not fair to me or your mama.”
A lot made sense now—Wyatt getting upset when he heard Holden was gay, but better after he found out about Vince; how he tried to get Lindsey to spend more time with them when Holden was around.
Roe’s gaze met Lindsey’s, pleading with her to understand. She gave a small nod, wiped the tears from her face. “My feelings are complicated, Wyatt. I care about Daddy, but I know we could never be together. He’s gay, and I’ve accepted that a long time ago. It’s not meant to be, but sometimes it’s hard for my heart to remember what my brain knows. I didn’t mean to put you in the middle of it. That conversation wasn’t for your ears, and I’m sorry you overheard it. If things work out with Dad and Holden, I’ll be so, so thrilled for them.”
Wyatt picked up a piece of hay, rolled it between his fingers. “I thought… Sometimes I thought we could be like a real family.”
“Hey,” Roe said. “We are a real family. We’re the best kind of family. We love and respect each other. We enjoy each other’s company. We hang out together, and laugh together, and we’re always there for each other. That’s what family is.”
Lindsey said, “I feel so lucky to have you both in my life—my favorite guys. And if I meet a man one day, or if Daddy becomes serious about someone, that will never change who the two of you are to me and that we’re a very real family.”
“Okay,” Wyatt said softly.
“Are we good?” Roe asked. “I want to make sure you understand. I don’t ever want to hurt you. You’re my world, kiddo. Don’t you know that?”
Wyatt started crying again then, harder than he had before. He threw his arms around Roe, who hugged him tight, kissed the top of his head, told him it would be okay.
When he finally settled down, Wyatt said, “I love you. You’re the best dad in the world. Don’t you know that?”
Roe’s heart expanded. Damn, he was lucky to have so many great people in his life. To have two sitting beside him right then. “Well, I figured I was, but I needed to check.” Roe winked.
“I hope things work out with Holden. I like him too, but I do have one question. What happened to his boyfriend?”
Roe chuckled. “They broke up. They’re still good friends, though.”
They sat there together for a few minutes, letting everything wash over them. Eventually, Wyatt said, “I’m not mad at you or anything, Dad, and I know I’m supposed to go to your house tonight, but do you mind if I go home with Mom?”
Because he wanted to take care of his mama and make sure she was okay. One more reason for Roe to be proud of him. “Yeah, of course. Maybe you can stay with me tomorrow night. Do you mind if I go home with you guys for a little while?”