He took a long breath. “This is important stuff! I have to continue.” He didn’t waste any time. He went on as he shrugged out of his windbreaker. “I was so focused on finding a good partner for Daddy that I forgot my own feelings at first. I just knew it said click, click, click, and everything was perfect. But then you left, and it kinda broke me. I couldn’t stop crying. Something was suddenly missing. And Daddy was sad too, but he mostly gets quiet and broody and worried—”

I silenced him with a kiss, because I couldn’t hear another word right now. It was too much—in the best way, and I wanted to savor the moment. The bliss that rolled over me was something I’d never felt before. It spread warmth through me and gave my future color.

“I’m so glad you’re here.” I kissed him again, softly, then shifted my attention to August.

He was a lot more patient than his boy. Our boy.

“We’re done thinkin’,” he murmured. “You belong with us, Anthony. I’m not sure there was ever an alternative. And we flew out because we’re hoping we can figure things out—together. Not apart. Not with us in Nashville and you here.”

My throat closed up, and he must’ve noticed I’d become too overwhelmed, because then he was right there, hugging me to him, and I screwed my eyes shut.

Deep breaths. Deep, unsteady breaths. There was something I had to get out.

“I’ve spent every waking hour since I left Nashville trying to make my work more flexible.” I had to clear my throat. “I can’t leave New York altogether, but I’m gonna free up some time.”

“We wouldn’t ask you to leave, sweetheart.” He inched away and palmed my cheek, and he brushed his thumb under my eye. “Flexible is nice—but we happen to like New York too. I hope we can find a way to split our time in both places.”

That would be the dream. “I’ve worked things out with Nicky a little already. He told me to cut my summer classes—leave them for other instructors. And just a few hours ago, Gideon… Actually—” I exhaled a breathy laugh, getting ahead of myself. “We’ll work it out. We can talk about this whenever.”

“We have time,” August agreed with a warm smile. “It’s so good to see you.”

“You too.” I kissed him chastely, then peered down at Camden, who was sort of trapped between us. He wore a happy but sleepy smile, and it made me think of my wandering thoughts from earlier. Now it might actually become my reality. We could turn the second bedroom into another Star Wars and Marvel haven for him.

We were done counting down till Monday.

Like August said, we had time.

Epilogue

A few hours later