Cain nodded and watched the wedding guests make their way inside the church. “You waited a long time and did the best you could bringing the lot of us up. It’s your time now, Dad.”
“It’ll be yours soon, son.” Robert smiled at him, and Cain returned it, thinking about his recent vacation, but he understood Robert’s concerns.
“I know you wanted something different for me.”
Robert sighed. “I wish it could have worked out for you, but she wasn’t the right one. She’ll come along one day, Cain, and you need to be ready for her.”
“I know.” He didn’t say a word about Archer. Now wasn’t the time to admit what he’d done on vacation. “How many kids does Lydia have?”
Robert twisted to stare at him. “Have you not listened to a thing I’ve said these past two years?”
“Er, yes?”
Shaking his head, Robert muttered, “Kids.”
Cain chuckled. “That’s why you had so many.”
“Don’t remind me. She has six. Two girls and four boys.”
“And you have five. Proper Brady bunch going on.”
“She has a gay son, too, so you need to be respectful.”
Cain rolled his eyes. He would never treat someone differently because of their sexuality, and after recent events, he was the last one to say anything. “Give me some credit.” He cringed, causing Robert to shake his head.
“I know, but I want to make sure you got the message.”
“Are you ready, Dad?”
Cain turned to the voice and smiled at Gareth, his brother, with Anton, another brother, trailing behind. “Almost. We’re just waiting for everyone to find their seats.”
Anton glanced at him then looked away, causing Cain to sigh. Their relationship had been strained ever since an argument years ago over Cain’s gay friends. It looked like that wouldn’t change any time soon.
“Anton, Cain’s home for good. That’s great news, isn’t it?”
Anton didn’t even glance his way. “Are we all here?”
“We’re just waiting for Devon to arrive, then we can head in. He was getting the girls ready when we left.”
“The gruesome twosome.” Cain chuckled. “I haven’t seen them since they were born.”
“You’ve been back for weeks, and you couldn’t make time to see them.” Anton sneered at him.
“Cut that shit out.” Cain watched Robert point at Anton “Get over it. He’s had a lot to do since moving back.”
“I don’t have to if I don’t want to. He’s a fucking—”
“Go!”
Cain gasped, watching Robert now point toward one of the cars. “Dad—”
“Anton. Just go. If you can’t behave civilly at my wedding, then just leave. I won’t have your hatred ruin it. It’s not like Cain speaks to you the way you do to him. It was a silly argument, and you have taken it too far.”
“It wasn’t a silly argument! He’s friends with deviants—”
“If god truly exists, then we are all the same in his eyes. You need to reread the Bible and think about the words in it.”
Anton glared at Cain. “I’ll keep quiet. I’m not missing today.”
Robert nodded then pulled out his cell and checked it. “Devon and the girls are on their way. Should be here in five.”
Cain looked toward the doors and tilted his head when he saw someone vaguely familiar watching him. He raised his hand to shield his eyes, screwing them up in an attempt to see better.
It looked like Archer, but that was impossible. No way would he be here. He’d left the man behind and even though he’d dreamed about him, he knew Archer wouldn’t be here. The person disappeared inside, and Cain heaved a sigh of relief. The man looked like Archer, that was all. It wasn’t him, even if deep down inside Cain wanted it to be him.
He’d had plenty of time to think about his fling with Archer and what it had made him realize about himself and his own sexuality. If Anton knew about Archer...
He turned when another car approached and grinned when a harassed Devon got out. He jogged over to help him, but the first thing Devon did was pull him into a hug. “I’m so glad you’re home. You staying for good this time?”
“I am. London was amazing, but it was time to come home.” Cain stepped back and grinned. “Now show me the gruesome twosome.”
Devon snorted, rolling his eyes. “That’s the right name for them. They were so sweet and innocent when they were born and now...”
Cain bent and looked in the car, seeing two gorgeous blonde-haired, blue-eyed girls. He looked back at Devon. “Thank fuck they don’t look like you, you ugly fucker.”
Devon punched him in the arm. “I’ll ignore that since you’ve just come home.”
Rubbing his arm, Cain opened the rear passenger door and popped his head inside. “Hello, girls.”
Two sets of squeals pierced the air. “Uncle Cain!”
Cain laughed and reached in to undo the seat belts. “You happy to see me?”
“What did you get us?”
Furrowing his brow, he glanced over his shoulder at Devon. “They want toys?”
“Oh yeah. You lived in another country. They think you’ve come back with lots of toys and dolls for them.”
Cain swallowed. “I didn’t.”
Devon shrugged and bent to wave at the girls. “Your funeral.”
“You never said I had to bring something back for them.” Cain crossed his arms over his chest and glared at him.
“Seriously? You didn’t think your nieces would want something?” Devon shook his head and stepped away from the car. Waving at it. “Go on. Explain to them why you haven’t bought them anything? I’m sure if you beg and plead, they’ll make your death a quick one.”
Cain glared at him then looked inside the car at one of the girls making grabbing hand motions. “I’m fucked,” he whispered.
“You so are.”
Taking a few steps back, Cain smiled. “I need to go. Tara.”
“Tara? What the fuck is that English shit?”
Cain grinned and flipped him off. “I lived there for five years, mate!” Laughing, Cain walked back over to Robert and leaned back against the other car. “Are they almost ready?”
“Five more minutes to make sure everyone is seated.”
“Nervous?”
Robert smiled and shook his head. “I waited a long time for her, Cain. No, I’m not nervous.”
A woman stepped out from the church doors and waved at them. Pushing away from the car, Robert brushed his suit legs and fixed his jacket. “Right. I look okay?”
“You look great, Dad. Let’s go. Lydia’s waiting for you.”
Cain followed Robert to the church entrance and walked to the front and stood, waiting for Lydia to arrive. He leaned closer as he scanned the church. “Why was Lydia here before you?”
“Lydia does things the way she wants to, and she wanted to greet the guests. Most of these people have been family friends for years, and it’s her way. Once you get to know her, you’ll understand. She’s like a mother to everyone.”