Page 79 of Healing the Twin

Just like that. He didn’t even need to think about it. He was a generous man, I was discovering. And I loved him for understanding I wasn’t moving. Not to be overdramatic, but I had so many memories tied to my house. Memories of my kids being born and growing up but especially of Samuel. He’d taken his last breath there, and I didn’t want to sever that remaining connection with him.

“How do you think your kids will react to the news?” Tiago asked me.

“Considering Josiah all but ordered me to ask Tomás if he wanted to date me, I doubt we’ll have a problem there.”

Tomás looked stunned. “He what?”

“When everyone was over for dinner and I went upstairs to check on them? Josiah told me I should date you. He said he could see you made me happy.”

Tomás’s eyes softened. “Was he right?”

“I wouldn’t be here if he wasn’t, but I was a little shocked he picked up on that. He’s very perceptive.”

“They’re great kids,” Tiago said with a wistful note in his voice.

I bit my lip, but why wouldn’t I ask him? I didn’t believe in tiptoeing around hard topics. “Is that something you would want? Kids, I mean?”

He looked at Cas, and a wordless communication passed between them. “We’ve signed up to take a required class to become foster parents,” Tiago said softly. “We both felt that would be a good fit for us because we can offer a lot of stability with me not working, and there are so many kids who need the safety and care we could provide.”

“That’s wonderful,” I said. “And you’re right. There’s a huge shortage of foster families.”

“We still need to jump through a lot of hoops, so we’re not approved yet, but it’s a step in the right direction,” Cas said.

“I didn’t know this was something you wanted,” Tomás said to his brother, and oh, my heart ached at the hurt in those words.

“I didn’t until recently,” Tiago said. “And I didn’t want to tell you yet because Cas and I were still talking about it. And then you took off for London, and this wasn’t something I wanted to share through text or a call.”

Tomás raised his chin. “You’re right. And I need to stop feeling butt hurt when I’m not the first one to know what’s going on. It stings, but that’s my problem, not yours. I didn’t tell you I was back for two days because I wanted time with Fir. That was the first time I held a secret from you, I think, and I didn’t understand till now that’s normal. I’m no longer the first person in your life anymore, and”—his voice broke—”and that’s okay because you’re not my first person anymore either. I’m sorry it took me this long to see that.”

“You’ll always be my other half, Tomás. Nothing will ever change that,” Tiago said.

“I know, and I feel the same way. But we’ve been each other’s number one for a long time, so it’s gonna take some time to get used to this.”

They would be all right. Tomás would be okay. The peace of that knowledge washed over me. It would take time, as Tomás had said himself, but they were talking and being honest with each other. As long as they could hold on to that, they would be okay.

And so would Tomás and I.

26

TOMÁS

I was more nervous than I had ever been in my life. Hell, I hadn’t even been this out of sorts for my first photo shoot. I’d worked with famous photographers and designers, had shared the runway with legends and pop stars and whatnot, but I’d never felt as anxious as I did now that Fir was going to introduce me to his kids as his boyfriend.

His boyfriend. Santa Maria, I still couldn’t believe I was with Fir Everett. Sweet, sexy, strong Fir who was somehow everything I’d never known I needed. I could only pray I would be the boyfriend he needed and deserved as well.

“It’ll be fine,” Fir said for the tenth or so time. “I promise.”

So far, he hadn’t managed to convince me. When a car parked in the driveway, I went upstairs to stay out of the way. Samuel’s father didn’t need to see me, not when Fir’s kids didn’t even know yet, so I waited until he was gone and Fir called me down.

“Guys, I know you’ve met him already, but Tomás and I are officially dating. We’re boyfriends,” Fir announced, and both boys turned toward me.

“Cool.” Gabe extended his hand toward me. “Welcome to the family.”

Josiah grinned at his dad. “I told you, Dad.”

Fir ruffled his hair. “Yes, you did. Good call.”

“Can we go upstairs and unpack?” Gabe asked.