Mom had laid out our steaming cups of cider on the glass table and sat beside Dad, who was at the head.
I greeted my father with a hug and took a chair beside Grey. “This is nice, Mom.” I scanned the expanse of high desert landscape with Mom’s rose bushes planted between and a beautiful view of the snow-capped mountains, the setting sun sprinkling them with long shadows.
Grey picked up his cider and blew across it. “This smells amazing, Janice.”
“Thank you. I found a recipe online and made it in my slow cooker.” She offered Grey a warm grin.
“Grey, how is your family?” Dad fingered a beaded bracelet tucked under the sleeve of his jacket.
“They’re…” He swallowed. “They’re fine as far as I know.” He set his cup on the table and stared at it.
Shit, I’d never told Mom and Dad what happened. We’d been too busy, and I wasn’t sure it mattered much. “Grey…” I squeezed his forearm.
“What’s wrong, son?” Dad leaned forward in his chair.
“Do you want to tell them, or should I?” My heart ached for him. I should have shared it with them and asked them not to bring it up. Fuck.
“I’ll tell them.” He lifted his chin, glancing from Dad to Mom. “My parents weren’t as accepting of us as you are.” His jaw muscle tightened, and he put his hand up. “They’re not homophobic, but my father wanted me to have a wife, like a female partner. He was very stubborn about it.”
“Oh, dear.” Mom’s brows wrinkled. “I’m so sorry. Are you not speaking now?” She studied him.
“Nope, and he cut me off financially.” He wrapped his hand in mine on the table. “But I have you and Malik and his friends, who are fantastic.” He scoffed a laugh. “Malik’s friend Caseybought my car, so I’d have the money to graduate from ASU and pay for training for the draft this spring.”
Mom’s brows popped up. “What kind of car was it?”
“An Audi S8.” He breathed in deeply and sipped his drink.
Dad whistled. “Damn, son. So, you gave up a car like that to stay with Malik?” Dad gave me a slow punch in the arm. “I hope he’s worth it.”
“Dad.” With a snicker, I shook my head.
“He’s worth it. Every damn penny.” Pulling on my hand, he leaned toward me and pressed a kiss on my mouth. “I love him more every day. I can’t see having a life without him.”
Mom sniffled. “Damn it, don’t make me cry.” Giving Dad a knowing grin, she grasped Dad’s hand. “I know how that feels.”
“Love you, dear.” Dad kissed the back of her hand.
TWENTY-TWO
GREY (GREYSON)
Ihad to find time to be alone with Malik’s parents. If I were to do this, I’d do it the right way. After dinner, Malik had taken a shower and prepared for our first night together in his bedroom, while I’d offered to help clean the dishes. I would use this time to my advantage.
As I dried a frying pan, my heart thrummed in my ears. “Uh, Janice, I have something I want to ask you and Marc about.” I set the pan on the counter.
“Yes?” Wrinkling her forehead, she set the sponge in the sink. “This sounds important.”
“It is.” I rolled my lips as my hands trembled. Fucking hell, I had to hold it together.
Keeping her gaze fixed on me, she said, “Marc, can you come in here?” She grabbed my hand and led me to their rustic dining table, and then we each took a chair.
Marc strolled into the room from the hallway, scratching his head. “What’s up?”
“Come and have a seat.” Janice patted the back of the chair next to hers. “Grey has something to ask us.” She folded her hands on the table.
“Oh.” Marc dropped in beside her and shifted toward me. “What is it? Everything all right?”
I had to just say it. I knew in my soul Malik was the only one for me. As sweat formed on my palms, I said, “Janice, Marc, I, uh, I want to ask Malik to marry me, and I want your blessing first.” My gut twisted, and I breathed through it. What if they said no?