Jerry nodded his head, a little reluctantly David thought, and then grabbed his husband around the waist, the two of them walking out together. David saw William still standing by the fence, his arm around Anne and hers around him, Billie sitting quietly by William’s feet. Anne had her head resting on his shoulder, and David noticed, for the first time, that Anne, although beautiful, was not what anyone would consider a typical teenager. She was dressed in sensible clothes that were clean and pressed, no jewelry that David could see, and her hair was not ratted and bouffant like something out of a beach party movie from the sixties. Anne was just herself, and David realized why William had fallen in love with her. She was just like William—smart, self-confident, and compassionate.
He smiled to himself, walking the meat platter over to Jerry who was also glancing at their son and his girlfriend. “She’s very pretty,” David said. “I don’t know why I thought she’d be one of those kids with piercings everywhere and purple hair.” He laughed nervously.
“I knew she’d look exactly like that,” Jerry said, his hand waving in front of his face, smoke billowing out of the barbecue as he placed the marinated ribs and hamburgers on the clean grill. “Guess I just know him better than you,” Jerry teased and held up the tongs, like a weapon, when David slapped him. “I know how to use these!”
David laughed, abandoning his husband and going to sit with Cory and Tara at the picnic table. He looked down at the platter of cheese and tomatoes and other fixings and scolded Cory for pilfering. David looked at Tara and rolled his eyes when Cory pointed to her, as if to say that Tara had somehow forced Cory to do it. He was whispering as he explained who the young girl was and why she was here. David got the sneaking suspicion that Cory already knew most—if not all—of the story, but he continued to recite the facts for Tara. David knew that, even if William had told his brother everything, Cory would never betray that trust by telling Tara, even if they were engaged.
The story told and all questions asked and answered, Cory and Tara made their way into the house to wash up for dinner. David glanced over at William and Anne again. They were making their way over to the table, their arms still around each other, Billie walking beside William. If it weren’t so inappropriate, David would have loved to have taken a picture.
“David, Dad,” William said as he stood at the end of the picnic table. “This is Anne Hill.” He turned back to Anne, arm still around her waist. “These are my parents, David and Jerry.”
Both David and Jerry stepped forward, prepared to shake Anne’s hand, but she squeezed William tighter and almost broke into tears. “I’m sorry to have caused all this trouble,” she said, her pale green eyes darting between the ground and William’s flushed face.
“Don’t worry about that right now, Anne,” Jerry said as he put a hand on his son’s shoulder. “David and William and I will be driving you home after you’ve had something to eat, and we’ll see if we can work this out with your parents.”
“Your mom knows you’re here,” David said softly. “I spoke to her a few minutes ago, and she agreed to you staying for dinner before we drive you home.”
“My dad is going to kill me,” Anne said, her face finally contorting. She pushed her face into William’s shoulder. David felt a lump in his throat as he watched William hug her close and tell her that everything would be alright, that he had the best dads in the world, and that they’d know how to fix everything.
“I know it may seem like he will right now, Anne,” Jerry said as he made his way back to the grill. “But I’m sure everything will work out.” Jerry looked at William. “You might not have as much freedom as you had before, but it won’t be as bad as you’re thinking.”
“William? Why don’t you take her inside so she can wash up for dinner?” David watched as William led her into the house. He turned to his husband. “What did you mean by that, precisely?”
“That Anne might have to earn her parents’ trust again,” Jerry said, his expression puzzled. “You think I was talking about William?”
“Yes, I did,” David said bluntly. “And I think William got that same message.”
“We might have to consider it,” Jerry said as he shrugged. Jerry fixed him with a stare, and David knew he was right. There’d been so much going on that David hadn’t really had a lot of time to think of how William had been irresponsible and kept the truth from them.
“Sorry,” David said, shaking his head. “I just remember what it was like at that age and—”
“You almost get a girl pregnant?”
At first David thought Jerry was reinforcing his point for having a frank discussion with William, but then he realized Jerry was teasing him. “No,” David said as he sauntered over to his husband. “No, I did not, but I’m talking about the feeling that you’re not in control of anything.”
“He’s had plenty of freedom up ’til now,” Jerry corrected. “I don’t think it’ll kill him to have to regain our trust.”
“Okay,” David said and started setting the table.
“No argument?” Jerry turned around, reaching for the plate to put the meat on.
“When do I ever argue with you? When you’re right, you’re right.”
“Can I get that in writing?”
David laughed and took the plate of fixings over, reminding Jerry that William and Cory liked cheese on their burgers.
WILLIAM’S nerves had calmed down some, not to mention the heat of embarrassment he’d felt in his cheeks ever since Anne arrived. He’d been so glad to see her that he was kissing her before he realized what he was doing. But he didn’t care about his dads and Cory and Tara seeing him with Anne. He was proud of her for standing up for herself, although it probably meant that they might never see each other again. It’s why he couldn’t seem to let go of her; if he didn’t have his arm around her waist, he was holding her hand. It comforted him to know that she couldn’t stand being away from him either. The only thing he wasn’t sure of now was how it would all end. Would his dads be able to talk some sense into Mr. Hill? Or would Anne be locked away because Mr. Hill didn’t trust her anymore?
He knew that there was that possibility for himself too. The look that his dad had given him before David sent Anne in to wash up told him that much. William knew he had some serious work to do in order for his dads to fully trust him again, but he would do whatever it took to make sure that he could keep seeing Anne.
Dinner seemed to be over way too soon. William kept taking deep breaths all the way through dessert, knowing that it wouldn’t be long now before he was face to face with Mr. and Mrs. Hill. His mind was racing through all of the things he would say, could say. Or maybe he shouldn’t say anything at all? Or maybe just if he was spoken to. He brought his hand up to his forehead and rubbed, trying to figure it all out.
A hand landed on his shoulder, and he turned and looked up into the face of his father. “You ready?” William looked over at Anne, who seemed just as nervous and apprehensive at the question as he was. William nodded and raised himself from the table. While he’d been worrying over what to do, David and Cory had cleaned all the dishes off the table, but he couldn’t recall seeing them do it. It was a weird feeling, not remembering something that had happened right in front of him.
He walked Anne over to David’s SUV and opened the door for her, getting into the back and sitting beside her. As soon as she was settled, William reached out for her hand. They weren’t really doing a lot of talking, and William figured it was because they were both so preoccupied with what was about to happen.
Jerry got into the driver’s side and David, the passenger’s side. The car started and then they were on their way to drop Anne off at home. William looked out the window, finding it ironic that it was so beautiful outside while a tornado whirled inside of his stomach. He felt Anne squeeze his hand as the SUV turned onto the highway, and he squeezed hers in return.
“Okay,” Jerry said from the front seat, startling William and Anne. �
��When we get there, Anne, you’ll do whatever your parents tell you to do. No arguing, no yelling. And William, you won’t speak unless you’re told to. Deal?”
“Deal,” William and Anne said in unison.
“We’re going to talk with your parents first,” Jerry continued. “Part of the problem, I think, is that your father doesn’t want you seeing a boy who has two fathers.”
“Jerry,” David said in a hushed tone, but Jerry just put up his hand.
“No sense lying to them, David,” Jerry explained. “We can’t fix this unless we’re all willing to deal with the issues on the table.”
“What if he won’t accept you two?” William’s voice was strained, scared even.
“Nothing we can do about that,” Jerry said. “Other than to try and show him that we’re good people and that Anne is very lucky to have someone as good and kind as you in her life.”
William noticed Anne turn and smile at him. He felt his face flush, but it gave him some courage to know that his father was willing to go to bat for him.
“Your father may want to talk about the pregnancy scare, and we’ll have to,” Jerry said, turning around momentarily before putting his eyes back to the road. “William, that means you’re going to have to accept some responsibility for your decisions that night.”
“Yes, sir,” William said, wondering if he’d ever be able to make up for such a stupid mistake.
“You too, Anne.”
“I know,” she said, her voice nothing more than a whisper.
William noticed David turn and offer an encouraging smile. He reminded himself to breathe over and over again, trying to convince himself that it would be better this way. He and Anne had some explaining to do and some promises to make, and would have to make sure they gained their parents’ trust again, but at least they’d be together again—maybe not as much as before, but it would get better, with time. He stared out the window beside Anne so he could steal the occasional glance at her, his hand still firmly in hers, and continued to psych himself up for their imminent arrival.
The arrival came after the last set of lights turned green. It was dusk already, the light fading and the sky awash in shades of purple and orange and indigo. Jerry pulled up to the house that Anne indicated, and parked on the street. David was the first out of the car, opening William’s door next. He squeezed Anne’s hand one last time, and they both exited through his door, William careful to stay near the door in case she needed help getting out of the vehicle.
“It’s okay,” David said reassuringly to Anne when Mr. Hill appeared on the front step, taking the few stairs in one shot and practically running for the vehicle. William wasn’t so sure it would be okay.
“Get in the house. Now.”
William reminded himself to take a breath and stand up straight. He was taller than Mr. Hill, but he didn’t really feel like it at that moment. With one last shared look, Anne walked away from the SUV and headed for the house. Jerry was now on the other side of William, his hand on one shoulder. William was concerned for a moment when Mr. Hill kept walking toward them at the same pace, but breathed a sigh of relief when David stepped forward, slightly in front of William and extended a hand.
“Mr. Hill? Hello, my name is David Loewenberger. William is—”
“I know who you are,” Mr. Hill said, his eyes not leaving William’s. “Thank you for bringing my daughter home.”
“You’re welcome, Mr. Hill, but I was hoping that we could discuss—”
“There’s nothing to discuss. Anne will not be allowed to see that boy again.” Mr. Hill turned and was headed back to the house.
“Why not?” David was following him.
“You’re on my property,” Mr. Hill growled, turning around to glare at David.
“I could yell all this from the street, if you’d prefer.” William noticed Mr. Hill dart his eyes around, looking at the neighborhood. “I’m not interested in changing your mind, Mr. Hill, or telling you how to raise your daughter.”
“Good,” Mr. Hill said with something akin to a sneer. “Then we understand each other.”
“No,” David said quickly. “I don’t think we do.” David turned around and looked at William and Jerry, neither of whom had moved since Mr. Hill had opened his mouth. William knew his father was staying out of the way because he had a temper, and William could feel the grip on his shoulder growing more and more painful, but he hadn’t moved because he didn’t think he could, even if he wanted to. “This was a bit of a surprise to both Jerry and me, as well, and while I don’t pretend to know what it’s like to have a daughter, I do know how concerned I am for their reckless behavior.”
“Their behavior?” Mr. Hill laughed, but with no humor. “None of this would have happened if your son hadn’t talked my Annie into it.”
“If William and Anne hadn’t slept together, would you allow her to date William?”
“Absolutely not,” Mr. Hill said with no hesitation.
“How about if William had a father and a mother?”
Mr. Hill seemed surprised. “What?”
“My husband told me that you left, abruptly, after finding out that William has two fathers.”
“That’s not what this is about,” he said, turning suddenly as if he intended to end the discussion right then. “I wonder why it’s always like this,” he said and turned back. “Why is it when a straight man doesn’t agree with your kind, you automatically think he’s a bigot?”
William watched David shove his hands in his pockets and take a few steps forward. “It’s probably due to the personal experience that my kind has with your kind, the kind of experiences that your kind dishes out under the guise of religious freedom or the hate-the-sin-but-love-the-sinner philosophy,” David said. “Look, Mr. Hill, you don’t want those two seeing each other anymore, that’s fine. It will be painful for William and Anne, not to mention confusing, but that’s fine.” David pulled his hands out of his pockets and folded them behind his back. William recognized this particular posture; he’d seen it many times when he was a student in David’s class. It usually meant that he was preparing to tell somebody why their thinking was flawed, as if he was one of those lawyers that William saw on television all the time. “Nothing is going to be solved here… for any of us, including Anne and your wife… if we’re not going to be honest with each other.”
William looked over to the front door and saw a woman standing there, her arm around Anne. He assumed it was Mrs. Hill. David noticed too, and William could see his gaze shift to the door, but then he continued to speak at Mr. Hill.
“I know you don’t like the fact that William has two fathers. I think that was firmly established when you were more than willing to discuss this with Jerry’s wife, but chose not to when you found out I am Jerry’s spouse. Unfortunately, for you, it doesn’t seem to bother Anne—or your wife, for that matter—one bit. So, it will be one more reason you provide that will seem… unacceptable… to the rest of your family. And unless you’re looking for years of chasing Anne every time you make a decision she feels is unjust, I’d like to respectfully suggest that you realize this is about her and not you.”
William wondered if he’d ever get the nerve to do that, to speak to people like that without feeling as if his heart was going to beat out of his chest. He watched David turn and start back to the SUV, leaving a stunned Mr. Hill standing in the middle of the front yard.
“Oh, and just so you’ll be completely informed,” David said, raising his voice a little and looking past Mr. Hill at Anne and her mother. “When a child of sixteen runs away from home, there isn’t much the police can do to bring her back. Jerry and I learned this six years ago when our other son ran away from his biological father. We can either work together to make sure that they’re well-supervised and to help them realize what they did was wrong, or you can continue to monitor her e-mails and take away her cell phone and her laptop and everything else… until she’s lying on the bare floor with a sleeping
bag and a padlock on the door.” David took a few steps backward and finished his thought. “In the end, Mr. Hill, you’ll see that none of it was for her benefit… but only for your peace of mind. And if you don’t believe that, I’ll let you talk to my mother, a woman I didn’t speak to for twenty years because she felt she had the right to tell me how to live my life.”
William felt the smile cross his face as David turned and winked at him, shooing him and his husband into the SUV. “Good night, Anne, Mrs. Hill,” David called, turning around as he reached the passenger-side door. “And good night to you too, Mr. Hill.”
William heard the car doors slam and then peered out the window. Mr. Hill was still standing where David had left him. William didn’t feel so worried anymore as he waved to Anne and kept looking at her while the vehicle drove away, headed back to the ranch, back home.
Chapter 10
THE drive home was done mostly in silence, Jerry checking the rearview mirror from time to time. William seemed to be a little more relaxed, especially after David’s speech. Jerry wasn’t really sure why he was so surprised that David was able to put it all into perspective, although he wasn’t so sure if any of what his husband had said would make any difference to Mr. Hill.
“My father had an expression he used when I was growing up.” Jerry turned to look at David and then glanced in the mirror to look at his son. “Whenever someone got their comeuppance, he would say, I guess you got your water turned off, hey Faucet-Face?” Jerry glanced behind him again when he heard William laugh. Not only had William gotten taller, but his voice was lowering, as well. His laugh wasn’t the same giggle that used to make Jerry feel like he was the centre of the universe. He shook his head, smiling bemusedly. “I wish I’d had a camera,” Jerry said, then glanced to look at David.
“I just hope that Mr. Hill will at least think about Anne, instead of himself,” David said. It seemed to Jerry that David appreciated the compliment, but Jerry also knew David well enough to realize that he would find no particular joy in having lectured Mr. Hill in front of his daughter.
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