Page 100 of Big Britches
“It is. But I should have consulted with you first. A decision like that is gonna affect both of us. It’s not fair of me to put this on you after what you’ve been through. Not without asking.”
Pedro’s expression softened, relieved. “I thought you were going to say something else, something horrible. Like maybe your father’s condition had worsened, or that you had murdered Silas.”
“I came close,” Titus murmured.
“So you went to Compton’s?”
He nodded.
“That–” Pedro said, releasing Titus’s hands and leaning back in his chair, “–is something that I have a problem with. What were you thinking? Tuttle forbade you to go there. Why didn’t you come to me first?”
“Because you would have talked me out of it.”
“Yes, I would have. Please tell me you didn’t hurt him.”
“I didn’t lay a hand on him. Mason Barksdale was there, too, which, in retrospect, was probably for the best. It kept me in check.”
“What did you do?”
“I found out everything we suspected was true. I informed Silas that he was forfeiting most of his business by being such a giant asshole. But then Mason implied it would only be temporary, that he would give Silas the business back when he became mayor.”
“And you told Mason that wouldn’t happen because he’d be running against you.”
“You know me well.”
“I do. But there’s something else I want to know? Did you out Mason’s father to him?”
“No. It was tempting, but then I thought–I don’t even know the man. What right do I have to do that to him? The only reason Milton and Daddy ever became enemies was because Daddy hurt him, intentionally or not. Then I realized Violet had pretty much done the same thing to Mason. She didn’t mean to hurt him. She just chose me. We Shepherds have indirectly wounded two generations of Barksdales by breaking hearts. Why on earth would I rub salt into that wound by outing Milton to his son? No. In fact, when I’m mayor I’m gonna do everything I can do to patch things up between our families. Not only am I gonna do my best to diversify Spoon, I’m going to reach out to Milton and try to help Morehead grow as well. Fighting is easy. Building bridges is hard. And I’m done with taking things easy.”
“I love you.”
The words leapt from Pedro’s lips with an urgency insuppressible. Titus stared, stunned for a moment, then broke into a big grin. He opened his mouth to speak, but Pedro lifted a hand to his lips and shushed him.
“I’m sorry I didn’t say it that night when you did for the first time, but I do love you, T. I knew it when we first met. I just couldn’t bring myself to admit it because of all the stupid relationship rules people adhere to. You know? Things like no sex on the first date, no talk of past loves, no premature I love yous. It’s ridiculous. I know that now because of… well, you. I think it just becomes ingrained in us subconsciously, or maybe even inherently, to avoid getting hurt. But you’re not like anyone I’ve ever known–I sensed that early on. We broke most of those rules on the very first date.”
“You were also concerned about your job, keeping your green card.”
“I was. But after our first conversation and Barb’s glowing reference, my worries got less. Soon, my only concern was what would I do if I lost you.”
“Never gonna happen.”
“I know that now. But when I was in jail those few hours, my mind went black. Deportation was all I could think about. I was just sitting there, waiting for INS to show up and take me back to Mexico.”
“I would have followed you there.”
“You couldn’t, T. You have Tucker to think about.”
Titus’s brow furrowed with consideration. He shrugged. “I would have figured something out. I always do.”
“Yes.” Pedro smiled. “I believe you would.”
“So, you’ll have me. Me and Tucker, that is. That’s always been my worry. That if I ever met someone, they wouldn’t want us both.”
Pedro took Titus’s face in his hands and gave him another quick peck on the lips. “Of course, I want you both. I love Tucker, T, just as much. Because he is you… a part of you, anyway. I’ve always wanted kids. It’s why I considered teaching before my father got sick. I was afraid that, being gay, I could never have children. I thought teaching would have to suffice.”
“Well, not anymore. Because me and Tucker are a package deal if you’ll have us.”
“Sold. However, there is one condition.”