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What can I say? We’re a sensitive group.

  “I’m so sorry I dragged you two into this. I—”

  Boone grabbed and squeezed his hand. “Don’t ever be sorry. You were there for Avery, when he lost Daisy and for me when my diabetes nearly killed me. We’re your brothers, Cotton.”

  “’Til the end,” Cotton murmured.

  “’Til the end,” Boone and I chorused. He gave us another quick hug and hurried to security.

  “Is it stupid to miss him already?” Boone asked from beside me.

  Cotton waved to us as he cleared security and disappeared into the throng of travelers. I turned and slung my arm over Boone’s shoulder.

  “Nope, just means you love him, Boone. Come on, let’s get some breakfast.” We left the airport, shy one triplet.

  Chapter 7

  Martin

  It was my weekend and Poppy chattered beside me as we drove back to my place. I listened, gearing up to talk to her about me and Avery. We had insisted on making sure our kids knew we were dating. He’d talked to Peg and it was my turn to talk to Poppy. I was fast getting used to having him in my life. Poppy had met him several times outside of school and seemed to like him. I stopped at a light and seized my opportunity.

  “Poppy, do you like Avery? Peg’s dad?” I queried and craned my neck to the right to check her reaction.

  She stopped talking about her friends and gave me her full attention. “Yes, Daddy. He’s nice. Why?”

  “You know Avery and I are datin’.”

  She rolled her eyes giving me the duh look. “Yes, Daddy.”

  “You’re okay with it?”

  Am I sweating?

  I was sure I was hyperventilating,

  “Sure. You like Avery, just like Mommy likes Matthew.” Her eyes widened and she clapped excitedly. “Are you in love with Avery?”

  “I didn’t say that, Poppy. I’m very… fond of Avery.” I stumbled over my own words. “I am plannin’ on spendin’ more time with him and I wanted you to know because some people, mean, ignorant people, may say nasty things to you when they find out we’re datin’.”

  She snorted in a very unladylike fashion. “You mean like that butthead, Davey Smith? Don’t worry Daddy. He says somethin’ mean to me, or Peg, and I’ll pound him!” The glee in her eyes was funny and scary at the same time. My little girl was going to be a ball buster when she grew up. She was fearless like all the Gaither women.

  “You promised me no more fightin’, Poppy. Remember last time?” I somehow managed not to grin when she pouted.

  “He deserved it,” she whined.

  “No, I’m talkin’ about yesterday.” She blushed bright red.

  “Myrtle Lynn deserved it. She called me carrots!” Her hand went to the long red braid dangling over her left shoulder. Like me, she got all the grief that came with being a redhead. I’d been called so many names growing up: carrot, Beaker, pumpkin head, rust nuts, strawberry shortcake, orange crush, Lil orphan Annie and my personally, hated favorite, Opie! I’d heard them all. I was still touchy and that’s why I insisted on being called strawberry blond, when in fact I’m definitely a redhead. My poor little girl was going through the same bull I had and I tried to reassure her that, in the end, she was going to be stunning like her Aunt Nan. Most days she could take the teasing but she didn’t like Myrtle Lynn Wayne at all.

  “You know you shouldn’t hit people,” I chided her.

  “Myrtle Lynn’s not people. She’s a froggy face!” Poppy declared hotly.

  I smothered my laughter with a coughing fit I’m sure she didn’t buy one bit. “Doesn’t matter, Pops. You don’t hit people. Not Myrtle Lynn or Davey Smith. If they give you any trouble, you tell Ms. Greco.” I poked her in the side as she scowled up at me. “Promise?”

  “Mommy said you shouldn’t make a promise if you know you’re gonna break it,” she said as she fiddled with her braid.

  Dang it.

  Jackie had said that to her. It’s amazing how Poppy can forget I told her to clean her room, but remember what’s useful to her without even thinking about it—little sneak. She had me between a rock and hard place.

  “Promise you’ll try.” Bargaining was my last hope.

  “I’ll try, Daddy.” She batted her eyes at me and I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself from smiling. She was so not going to try but I knew I was on the losing end of the battle.

  “Just do me one favor. Don’t go tellin’ all your little friends Avery and I are datin’. I don’t want trouble for you or Peg.” She liked Peg, so I was banking on her not wanting him hurt in any way.

  “I won’t. I promise you.” She paused and tilted her head. “Can I tell everyone that Davey Smith’s dad was kissin’ the lunch lady, Mrs. Wilcox, in the futility room?”

  I smiled benevolently at her. “Of course you can, sweetie”

  Meh, so I’m bitch sometimes… sue me!

  *

  I knew something was bothering Avery when we met for lunch at my place the following Saturday. Poppy and Peg were out back playing in the warm early fall sunshine. They’d finished their lunch and asked to be excused to go out and play. As we sat eating a leisurely lunch at my kitchen table, we talked about our week or at least I did. My normally quiet Avery was nearly completely silent. It bothered me that he didn’t feel comfortable enough yet to be completely open and honest with me.

  He poked at his food, clearly something on his mind. I washed my food down with a draw from my beer and asked him gently what was going on. He fidgeted in his chair, and I could see him warring with himself on what to tell me. I gave up hope after a few minutes went back to eating, which was then that he blurted out Cotton was in Raleigh at a detox center for alcoholism.

  “I didn’t know Cotton had a drinkin’ problem,” I said, astonished. I took another bite of my sandwich and Avery went on to tell me how Cotton’s love of alcohol had affected him growing up and how it had affected the family. The pain in his voice was mirrored on his face as he spoke.

  “We Myer boys, we take care of each other. It bothers me that Boone and I can’t visit him.” He pushed his food away and settled back in his chair. “I miss him so much. We’re not used to being separated.”

  I paused as I stood up and started clearing the table. “Did he say not to visit?”

  He patted his chest and burped. “No, but by goin’ so far away to Raleigh he’s basically said he needs to do this on his own.” Stroking his bushy beard, he gave me a baleful hang dog look. “Still miss him.”

  “I know you do, Avery.” I said gently. “It’s one of the things I admire about you, your love for your family.”

  He grunted and the conversation about Cotton ended. I figured he’d talk to me more when he was ready.

  I tidied the dishes, removing his picked over plate and loaded the dishwasher. A bead of sweat trickled down my temple and I used the hem of my shirt to wipe it away. It was warm in the kitchen even though I wore a pair of camo shorts and a white tank top. Avery had on baggy shorts and a red striped tank top, but both of us were damp from the warmth of the afternoon. I was airing out the house so the AC was off and all the windows were open. I was beginning to regret that decision and a cool breeze would be welcome right now.

  I closed the dishwasher and padded back to the table to stand behind his chair. I wrapped my arms around him. Despite the heat, touching him sent a chill down my spine. He leaned back and I buried my face in his neck. My Avery was hurting… my Avery. I was already staking a claim even though we hadn’t talked about the future of our relationship yet.

  “Let’s go lie on the couch and watch some TV.” I kissed his neck, smelling the sweet musk of him. He didn’t look at me, only nodded and stood up after I let him go. I gently shoved him toward the living-room. “I’ll be right there.” His long hair was loose and swayed as he walked. It was so soft and I loved to wind it around my fingers and snuffle it.

  He shuffled off and I walked over to the back door. Poppy and Peg played on the
swing set, laughing. I’d insisted they go outside because I hate all the computer games they play. I personally think all those games led to fat, pale kids. I refused to let that happen to my girl. Poppy was only given an hour of online time a day—max. I opened the screen door and stuck my head out.

  “You two okay?” I hollered.

  “Yes Daddy!” Poppy squealed from her swing. Peg gave me the thumbs up from his.

  “If ya’ll need anythin’ just come in and help yourselves. Avery and I are gonna watch some TV.” I turned then added over my shoulder. “I’ll come get you after a while. We’re still going to see Big Hero Six later at the Mapco Twin. You’ll need to clean up ‘fore we go.”

  Peg grinned, dimples deepening. “Yeah! Big Hero Six!”

  I shut the screen door and padded back through the house. The heat had made me drowsy and my eyelids drooped as sleep tugged at me. Avery had turned on the TV and an old episode of Friends filled the screen. I loved Phoebe. She was my favorite character.

  Avery was stretched out on his side and I crawled in next to him to assume one of our favorite positions; me on my back and him curled to my side with his head on my chest. His hair fell loose, tickling my armpit and his scent wafted over me. I felt a tug and tucked my chin to my chest to see what was going on. Avery had pulled up my tank top and exposed my right nipple. His warm lips closed over the tight nub and he suckled gently. His beard felt so good on my skin.

  Crap! I love it when he does this!

  Avery had a fetish for nipples and seemed to love mine. Whenever he could, he would lick, nibble and suck on them. The sensation went straight to my cock and I swelled. His tongue made lazy circles around my areola and the beard burn on my nipple chaffed erotically.

  “You keep doin’ that and I’ll want you in me, Avery,” I warned him, huskily.

  He smiled around my nipple and murmured low in his throat, “I love your tits, baby.” He hummed as he sucked harder, his beefy hand sliding down to grip my hard-on through my shorts.

  I groaned and humped into his hand. “Dang it, Avery.”

  “I love how you taste, like salty sweet caramel.” He gave me one last lave of his tongue and tilted his head. I met his lips and we kissed wetly. He let my lips go and gave my lower lip a lusty nip. “I know we can’t fool around because the kids are here, but maybe later?” he asked hopefully.

  “It’s gonna be late when we leave the movies and way past their bedtime,” I said practically. He nodded in unhappy agreement. What crawled out of my mouth next will, to this day, never cease to amaze me. “It’d be easier if you and Peg lived here with me then you wouldn’t have to drive home every evenin’.”

  Oh crappers! Did I just ask him to move in with me?

  Avery stilled beside me.

  Dang it, I ruin everything!

  “You want me and Peg to live with you?” He pushed himself up on an elbow. His heated gaze bore into me and I started to sweat for reasons beyond the warmth of the room. “Here? With you?”

  “I’m sorry. I know it’s too soon,” I replied hastily. “I mean, I don’t want to rush things. I adore Peg, he’s a cute little cuss and I hate when you leave to go home and I was hopin’ you’d feel the same, and I don’t expect you to answer me right away, and I totally understand ‘cause it affects Peg and I wanted you to know that I’d like to wake up to you in the mornin’ ‘cause I really like you, and to be honest—”

  His finger covered my mouth, silencing me. “I love you, Martin.”

  I was speechless. He smiled up at me so tenderly I had to bite my cheek to stop myself from blubbering.

  “I love you too, Avery. So much it hurts.” I worried at my lower lip, uncertain. “Is this all too soon? I mean we’ve only known each other a few weeks—”

  “Feels right to me.” Avery Myer ladies and gentleman, a man of few words.

  “I didn’t want to seem needy or clingy or—”

  Avery kissed me quick, shutting me up before I could dig a bigger hole. He patted my thigh, indicating he wanted to me to sit up and we untangled our limbs, facing each other. He gave me a look I couldn’t quite read and my nerves returned.

  “I do want to live with you, Martin. Hell, it kills me when I leave you each night, but I have to think of Peg. He’s used to livin’ with my Momma and Mawmaw. I need to give him time to adjust to us being a couple. Please… can you give me some time, Martin?” His voice was low and thick with emotion.

  “I understand.” I nodded and sighed heavily. “Poppy doesn’t live with me full time, but I know how change can affect a kid. She was a monster when Matthew and Jackie first startin’ seein’ each other. I never knew I had such a well of patience. She came around in the end and so will Peg. I only wanted you to know that I wanted to be with you.”

  He touched my chin and I lifted my gaze to meet his. “I’m only gonna say one thing. Are you sure? I’m a long-haul type of guy. If we do this, it’s forever…or until you get tired of me.”

  I launched myself at him and he oofed as I slammed into him. Kissing him hard, I left us both panting. “I’m sure. I’ve wanted you since that night at Hobbins. When you skedaddled out of there I was kickin’ myself for lettin’ you get away.”

  He grunted and smirked. “Who knew we would meet at our kid’s school a few weeks later?” His hands traced lazy circles on my lower back. Moving downward, he massaged my butt, kneading my flesh. “I have to talk to Momma and Mawmaw. They should know about our plans.”

  “I understand,” I agreed and he nibbled my neck.

  “No, I’m not sure you do. If we move to the next stage, you’re inheritin’ a mother, a Mawmaw and two brother-in-laws who, although lovin’, carin’ and helpful, at times will be a total pain in mine and your ass.” He sighed and kissed my nose.

  “Hah!” I snorted inelegantly. “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet. Wait ‘til you meet my siblings and the rest of the Gaithers. They’re all nuts, so your family will fit right in!”

  My hand strayed beneath the waistband of his shorts. I wrapped my hand around his turgid cock and gave him a long milking stroke. Shoot… I loved his cock. I was also fascinated with his balls. I had a big thing for low hangers. I loved watching them swing when he walked naked in my bedroom after we had sex and he kept them smooth as glass. He liked to have me on my back on the bed as he slowly lowered them into my mouth. It was a stretch, but I could get them both in there. My sisters always said I had a big mouth. If they only knew how right they were.

  “We’re in agreement then?” I said. “Once the kids, particularly Peg, are okay with us, we move ahead with you two comin’ to live here?” I held my breath in anticipation. Avery was a thinker. He didn’t rush into things and usually mulled it over for some time before making a decision. I liked that about him, since I tended to rush in headlong half the time. I had no doubt living together was going to be a challenge, especially with Peg having to leave his Grandma and Mawmaw. I didn’t want Peg to resent me or think I was taking away his daddy or, worse, think I was taking him away from his family. I wanted the three of us to be a family.

  “How ‘bout you come over for dinner on Wednesday and we talk to my family?” Avery mumbled. I could tell he was nervous about telling them our plans.

  “Feedin’ me to the lions, huh?” I remarked and he had the good grace to flush.

  “Yep, but I’m not worried. They’ll love you.” He chuckled low at the face I pulled. “You really love me, Martin?” The uncertainty in his voice made me clutch him harder.

  “With all my heart, Avery.” I might as well tell the truth.

  He let out the breath he was holding “Thank God. I’d thought I was the only one feelin’ that way.”

  “Our families’ are gonna think we’re nuts.”

  “They will, but it don’t matter. You’re mine Martin Gaither.” His loopy grin was too cute. I wanted to pinch his cheeks off.

  Dang, I’ve got it bad.

  “I think—” The back screen door slammed and we jum
ped apart like scalded cats. We both crossed our legs to hide the bulges in our shorts just as Poppy and Peg raced into the living room. Both were sweaty and out of breath. Poppy galloped over and plopped down beside me. Peg ran over and stood by Avery.

  “Daddy, can Peg and me have a pushy pop? We’re hot.” Poppy wiped her forehead clean of sweat with the back of her hand. I was about to say yes, then looked over to Avery. I couldn’t speak for him… yet. He gave me a measured look then nodded.

  “Sure, Pops. They’re on the inside door of the icebox. Only one apiece!” I yelled as the two of them shrieked happily and raced out of the room. I leant on my legs and pushed up. I held out my hand and Avery took it, his gaze questioning.

  “Wait ‘til you see me eat a pushy pop,” I slyly quipped and his eyes darkened with desire. I pecked a quick kiss to his bearded cheek. “They’re also good to use on a naked body.”

  His gaze narrowed and his nostrils flared. Yep, he was going to love those cheap frozen treats, both in and out of the bedroom. I laughed and we walked, hand in hand to the kitchen. The low rumbling from beside me made me shiver.

  *

  Days passed; the sun rose, the moon shone and my love for Avery grew…

  Jeez, I sound like a Jane Austin novel!

  We’d spent the entire weekend with the kids and I was happier than I’d been in ages. He loved me—me! Redheaded, motor-mouthed Martin Gaither. I wanted to shout for joy. Instead, I held it in and grinned like a fool.

  One evening we’d gone to Stone Mountain for the night time light show. It was an incredible show and, as we were waiting for it to start, I’d spotted a couple walking near us, laughing at the tottering of a little dark-haired boy. One man was tall, over six feet and his hair was black with liberal shots of silver. It was shaved on the sides and he had a nice full black beard. His laugh was deep and made you smile. The other man was Asian and appeared younger than his partner. His black hair was in bangs and he had a ready smile on his sweet-natured face. The two men danced around the little boy between them.

  The little boy wasn’t too stable on his feet yet and his chubby white legs jiggled as he walked, or at least tried to walk. The two men kept up a constant patter with the little boy, encouraging him along. The boy had a head full of dark hair and his giggles could make even a hardened soul melt. The men laughed at something the boy had said or done and when they did, he took off at a full run. The bigger man scrambled to catch the little boy and I caught a snippet of his conversation with the toddler.