Page 36 of Bryce


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“That’s a good idea.”

“It would be a lot of work, but—”

“No, it won’t be that bad. Maybe later this week, so they don’t think it’s anything out of the ordinary.” Wyatt’s mind started to whirl as he began to plan. “But what about you?”

“Me?”

Innocent wasn’t working on Wyatt because he shook his head, waiting. Bryce sighed. “I don’t know. With her coming today, I didn’t want to throw them into the chaos. And as much as I know she wants me to be happy and won’t care about me having two partners, I worry about how it will affect the business. Did you hear about my temp?”

Wyatt nodded, regret etched into his features. “I did. Most of your insureds won’t care or even notice, unless you guys get really crazy in the office.”

Bryce snickered. “I’ll do my best.”

Wyatt snorted. “I’m beginning to see that doesn’t mean the same thing in this family. It’s more likeI’ll try unless I can talk you into something else.”

Bryce gave a low chuckle. “Oh yeah.”

“What else happened?”

Bryce thought that was a very good question. One that he wasn’t sure he had the answer to.

Confused, he started with what felt like the biggest thing in his head. “I just didn’t like how it felt to put Oliver and Troy in firing range of someone like that.” Bryce shuffled everything around in his head, trying to put it into words. “There are always going to be idiots who say something about us being gay, but this time it was because of me. She would have kept her ridiculous comments to herself if I hadn’t added myself to the picture.”

“So two gay guys should be acceptable but not three together?” Wyatt gave him an understanding look. “Who gets to define that?”

“I know, but—”

“There’s always going to be someone who thinks me getting spanked or kneeling for Garrett is wrong. I can’t let that stop me, though. Sure, it makes me nervous and I worry, but I can’t let that fear keep me from living my life like I need to. Do you need them? I think that’s what you have to decide.”

Wyatt looked over to Garrett, who was trying to referee something between Calen and Brent. “I love him, but I also need what we have. I’m not going to lose that because of someone else.”

Bryce threw one arm over Wyatt’s shoulders. “When did you get so smart? It certainly wasn’t hanging around this mess.”

Wyatt laughed, shoving Bryce with his hip. “I love your family. Shame on you.”

“Yes, he should be ashamed of himself. For several reasons.” The sharp words coming from behind Bryce had him wincing.

Damn. How long had she been there?

He turned around. “Sorry, Mom.”

“Don’t ‘sorry’ me.” She gave Wyatt a pat on the shoulder. “Wyatt, dear, why don’t you go distract Garrett before Brent and Calen go after him?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Wyatt gave Bryce a you’re-on-your-own look and escaped.

“He’s so sweet.” She smiled as she watched Wyatt hurry away.

Bryce couldn’t even respond before she continued, giving Bryce a disappointed look. “Of course, I didn’t get to meet your young men.”

He winced again. “There was just a lot—”

“Do not give me that line. Why didn’t you bring them? I heard several people raise that question when they thought I wouldn’t notice.” She didn’t seem to appreciate her children trying to keep it from her.

He tried to talk, but she barreled over him again. “Your father and I both would support anyone you love. No matter what they liked or who they were. It doesn’t matter that there are two of them. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that counts.”

He gave her a questioning glance, not even bothering to actually talk. She gave him another look like he was acting ridiculous and charged in again. “You may lose some insureds, but I think you’ll be surprised. Enough about you boys’ escapades has gotten out over the years that they can’t be shocked.”

Bryce looked away, afraid of what his face would reveal. He wasn’t sure what she was talking about exactly, but he didn’t want to start confessing things she might not know. She made another one of those mom sounds that always let them know when she was disappointed and frustrated.