“They might,” Teal answered his son honestly. “They love each other very much. And they live in the same house together.”
“If they get married, will Niley still be our nanny?”
“I really hope so, sweet pea, but even if he’s not, he’ll always be a part of our family.”
Zayne grinned, appeased for the moment. “Look,” he said, “I made a happy face with the teensy tommy-toes.” Teal admired his son’s handiwork. “I hope Jax likes cucumbers like me,” the four-year-old continued. “I put some extwas just in case.”
When the doorbell rang fifty-five minutes later, Teal opened the door with a dramatic roll of his eyes. “For goodness’ sake, Niall. Why are you ringing the bell when you have a perfectly fine key?”
“Don’t know. It just felt weird to use it today.”
“Well, that’s silly,” Teal said affably, trying to put the beta couple at ease.
Teal had met Jax a few times when he’d picked Niall up at the house, but they’d never had a chance to get to know one another. With his long hair and firm jaw anchoring a severe expression, along with tattoos stretching down his arms and peeking over the neck of his T-shirt, Jax gave off a distinctly broody vibe. But the warmth beneath his stern exterior was visible in the way he leaned in close to Niall, and in the hesitant smile he offered Teal as he handed over a casserole dish covered in foil.
Teal watched Niall squeeze Jax’s hip. This man was important to Niall, and therefore important to Teal, Ronan, and the boys.
Determined to make Jax feel welcome, Teal smiled widely and ushered the betas into the house. Taking the dish, he declared, “Smells delicious.”
“Thanks,” Jax said. “It’s the one thing I know how to make. Tater tot casserole. My dad taught me.”
“It will go perfect with everything else.”
The men walked through to the kitchen. Teal put Jax’s dish down and lifted the aluminum. “You said your dad taught you this recipe? Was he also a beta?”
“Yeah. Both my dads are betas. My younger brother too. They still live in the beta neighborhood where I grew up.”
It was common for beta couples to have children via adoption or surrogacy, and even more common for all-beta families to live in beta neighborhoods. But since Jax and Niall lived in a mixed neighborhood now, Teal assumed Jax wasn’t one of the betas who had an issue interacting with other genders.
“Don’t worry,” Jax said, sensing the direction of Teal’s thoughts. “I’m not a beta isolationist.”
“That’s true,” Niall added, giving his boyfriend a peck on the cheek. “Jax is proud to be a beta, but part of the reason we fell in love is because of our shared belief in omega rights, in equal rights for all three genders.”
“That’s wonderful,” Teal said. “Having the support of like-minded betas has been integral to getting omega rights codified into decrees.”
“Good thing there are men like you fighting for them,” Jax offered shyly. “Niall is very proud to work for you. He says so all the time.”
Teal locked eyes with Niall and smiled. “We’re the lucky ones to have him looking after our sons.” The air between them crackled with mutual adoration. Teal worried their obvious connection might bother Jax, but the beta seemed almost amused as his gaze volleyed between his boyfriend and Teal.
A squeal sounded from outside, followed by thesplatof water against the sliding glass door to the backyard.
“I have to warn you,” Teal spoke conspiratorially to Jax. “The boys are incredibly eager to meet you, so they may come on strong at first.”
For the first time since he’d arrived, Jax’s smile was unreserved. “Don’t worry. Niall already told me. I’ve heard so much about Garin, Kino, and Zayne. I’m excited to meet them too.”
Teal was charmed by the obvious effort Jax made, using the boys’ names and seeming genuinely excited to meet them. He took a chance and put a palm on Jax’s wrist. “Jax, I’m so glad you’re here.”
Niall smiled down at Teal’s hand.
“Me too,” Jax replied sincerely. “Now, should I arm myself with a water gun before going out there, or do we think the troops will stand down for some proper introductions?”
Niall laughed, opening the slider. “Gents, I’m coming out, so put your weapons away. I have someone to introduce you to.”
***
An hour later, the four mensat around the patio table watching the kids build a fort out of giant foam blocks. Despite the mountain of food Ronan had grilled to perfection, Jax’s casserole was the hit of the day. Niall promised to get the recipe and make it for dinner soon.
Teal had bought the makings for an ice cream sundae bar, but everyone decided to wait for dessert, to let their appetites come back.
