Page 56 of No Rules
“His squadron will be deployed to Europe, training with our NATO allies.”
“Not the worst place to spend some time. I’m sure Ashley is relieved.”
Alex’s sister-in-law had just announced she was pregnant with their second, so knowing they’d be staying in a country with first-class medical care would matter a lot to them.
“Yeah, she is. She’s hoping it’ll be Germany, as she has fond memories of spending a few years there as a kid.”
Ashley was an Army brat herself, which made her the perfect partner for Cole. She knew what she’d signed up for with him.
“Fingers crossed. And I talked to Tessa last month. She said she’s on schedule to graduate in June.”
His father smiled. “Can’t believe my little girl will have her master’s degree in international relations. She’s so freaking smart. She called me the other day to ask some questions, and I swear to God, I had to work hard to keep up with her line of reasoning.”
“Yup, smarter than all of us combined.”
“I’m proud of all three of you. I hope you know that.”
“I do, Dad. So, how was your trip to DC? Was it all meetings?”
“No, I was also invited to speak at a conference about maintaining strong international alliances in an increasingly unpredictable world. People seemed receptive to my ideas. More receptive than General Flint, I can tell you that. That man is…” Alex’s father rolled his eyes.
Alex laughed. “He’s always been the bane of your existence.”
“God, yes. Though I have to admit he’s abandoned his viewpoint on gays in the military. That was a shocker.”
“He has?”
“According to the scuttlebutt, it’s because of his son coming out as bisexual and being in a relationship with more than one guy. I haven’t heard it confirmed, but that’s what the rumors are saying.”
Could it hurt to confirm it? Probably not, since Alex knew they were open about it. Besides, the information was safe with his dad. “It’s true.”
“How do you know?”
“Wander did a job for Noah Flint and his boyfriend. Or boyfriends, plural. I’m a little hazy on the correct terminology there, but he’s in a poly relationship with more than one man.”
“I’ll be damned. Well, that explains it.” His father sighed. “I always tell people they should be careful who they hate ‘cause it could damn well be someone they love.”
“Makes me so grateful you and Mom never gave me any crap when I came out.”
“By that time, it wasn’t a surprise to us, but even if it had been, we love you the way you are. Gay and all. Doesn’t make a difference to us, and you know it.” He leaned forward. “And neither does you being submissive and engaging in BDSM or whatever you call it. Though I would like to meet this Ryan if that’s possible.”
Alex groaned. “Dad… You can’t grill him like he’s one of your subordinates.”
“No? Hmm, we’ll see about that. If he’s responsible for my son, he’d damn well better be able to handle some heat.”
Fuck, there was no way out of this, was there? He sighed. “Let me go get him. If you’re gonna try to intimidate him, you can at least do it where no one else can witness it.”
With lead in his shoes, he went back to the living room, where Ryan sat chatting with Wander. “Ryan, my dad wants to meet you.”
“Should I be concerned?”
Wander snorted. “The man can get highly trained killers on your ass with one phone call, and you ask if you should be worried?”
“I’m sorry. I told him about being a sub, and he insisted on meeting you. He’s protective of me, I guess.”
Ryan got up. “It’s not a bad thing for a dad to want to protect his son, baby boy.”
“Please don’t call me that in front of him…”