As Webber came around the corner, I could see he was bolstering his courage for a confrontation. I got a bright fake smile from him, but I knew him well enough to see the stress. “Have you decided to go see the world again? I thought for sure when we didn’t get an invite to a housewarming party you’d been making plans to head out.”
Of course he had.
That was probably the line he’d given Deborah, but it seemed like he’d given her more than a few lines of bullshit lately.
“No, I’ve decided to stick around.” I leaned against the door and smiled. He stepped back before catching himself and forcing his feet to move closer again. “I just wanted to thank you for letting me use the cabin. There must have been a bit of a mix-up with the schedule because it turned out it was Joseph’s time to use the cabin, but he was very gracious and let me stay.”
I could see Webber swallow, which only made my smile wider. “He’s grown into quite a man. I’d say you must be proud, but I heard you had a bit of a…falling out.”
“Now see here—”
If he thought that was the call to get his high horse out, he was crazy.
“No.” I jumped in, not willing to listen to a moment of his bullshit. “I don’t need to hear your lies or excuses. No, I just stopped by to say thank you.”
His eyebrows went up and I could see the wheels turning in his head. “What—”
I ignored his attempt at a question. “I had two very wonderful weeks discovering a smart, insightful, and very confident man. I haven’t met anyone like him in a very long time and I just wanted to thank you for the chance to…get to know him.”
I let the words hang between us for a long moment before I continued. “I’d tell you that I’d invite you to the wedding in a few months, but we both know you’re not invited, and well, I haven’t popped the question just yet.”
But soon.
I had a ring and a collar burning a hole in the glove compartment of the car and my patience only extended so far. I figured three months had to be plenty of time to live together before I asked him to marry me.
“I’d tell you not to spoil the surprise, but again, you’re the asshole who kicked out your son, so I’m pretty sure that won’t be an issue.” Straightening, I smiled at his shocked face and reached for the door. “Oh, and I wouldn’t count on that job over at Monument either. It seems like they were looking for someone a bit more open-minded.”
The last part might have been petty, but it was fun.
He was still standing there stunned as I waved and headed out the door. Behind me, I could hear Deborah’s voice start to rise. “What did he mean, Webber Carson? Don’t you lie to me! What did he mean? You kicked out Joseph?”
Oh, that was interesting.
Before I got to the car, I heard the clip of high heels behind me. “Forest, wait. Please.”
I thought I was prepared for anything but not the look of hope on her face. “Please. You have to tell me the truth. What happened with Joseph? I came back from a trip to plan his graduation party and Joseph was gone. Webber said that Joseph walked out because we’d never appreciated him or gave him enough, but…”
She looked back at the house then toward me again. “I didn’t think…he never called…”
Deborah took a long breath and seemed to stand taller. “I think there are some holes in the story I was given.”
I’d say that.
I pulled out my wallet and handed her a business card. It wasn’t completely up to date, but it would work. “My cell is correct on this. Talk to Webber and then if you want the truth, or at least the rest of the story, call me. I won’t put Joseph on until I’m sure where you stand, so don’t even ask. He’s my priority now.”
She swallowed down the sorrow that flashed over her face, then nodded. “Of course. I heard congratulations will be in order soon.”
I finally gave her a genuine smile. “I haven’t asked him yet, but it won’t be long.”
“And you’re sure he’ll say yes?” I couldn’t tell if it was her socialite side coming out or if she was actually curious about Joseph, but that might have just been cynicism clouding my judgment.
“Yes.” He was going to hem and haw for a few minutes, but then he was going to tell me I was insane as he threw himself at me.
“Is he happy?” To me, she hadn’t earned the hopeful sound in her voice.
“Now he is.” She started to ask another question, but I shook my head. “Talk to Webber and then if you really want the truth, call me. But be prepared, I won’t hold back and Joseph is the only one I’m worried about protecting in this situation.”
She took in a slow, unsteady breath and nodded. “I’m glad he has someone like you in his corner.”
I’d have liked her better if she’d ranted and raved like my mother would’ve if the situation had been reversed, but again, maybe my perception wasn’t completely clear. My entire focus was on my sweet boy and nothing else mattered.
Including her.
“Thank you.” But then I gave her honesty she might not have been ready to hear. “But if you really meant that, you’d have done more to find him and to figure out what the hell went so wrong. So before you try to step back into his life, you need to take a long look at that as well.”
She winced but gave me one of her regal beauty queen nods.
Yeah, we had a long way to go before I would let them anywhere near my boy.
Without another word, I got into the car and drove away.
There was nothing there for me and probably nothing for Joseph as well, but we’d see what he wanted to do. As much as I wanted to protect him from the world and bundle him up tight, that just wasn’t practical.
His boyfriend and lover might have to let the world in, but as his Daddy and Master, I was going to wrap him up in my arms as we walked through the trials together. He would never be alone again and I was going to spend the rest of my life making sure he knew that I would be there every step of the way.
I was his Daddy.
I was his love.
And one day, I would be his husband.
~~~
Cameos
If you haven’t read my books before, this is my moment to confess I have a terrible time letting go of characters. To keep from having to say goodbye, I bring them back in unexpected places. If you’re curious, here’s some information about side characters from this book that have their own stories. Have fun with my guys, and visit my website or stalk me on Facebook if you have any questions.
In this book
The online friend that Joseph mentions is Cody from my college world. Embracing Faith is the first book for Cody, Ford, and Jameson. They have a duet that shows how the three men came to be together. Cody keeps everyone on their toes. They’re each very different with Jameson being new to BDSM and Ford being an asexual Daddy Dom, but they fit together perfectly.
I can easily see Joseph working up the courage to meet Cody and the rest of his friends in person. Joseph could use a few accepting friends like Cody and the gang. Let me know what you think of Joseph making a few cameos with the guys.
Read The Whole Series!
If you loved this book, make sure to read all of the Snowed In - Valentine’s Inc. series for hours of MM romance reading pleasure. All books can be read as standalones and are connected only through a shared premise.