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“Lewis?” My mother gaped.

“Save it.”

I stepped back to leave, but Tia halted me. She squeezed my hand. Hers trembled within my hold. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, as if she were reining in all the anger, frustration, disbelief, and shock my parents had caused. Then, she glared at them. “My parents weren’t around much when I was growing up. When they were, they often voiced their disappointment in my brother’s and my career choices, but they never stopped us from pursuing what we loved. They never faltered in loving Cole when he was with a man, never told me to stop wearing boys’ clothes at school, and never interfered with our relationships. We dated losers, jocks, stars, skanks, and people who broke our hearts. No matter who we were with, they always supported and loved us.” Tia clutched onto my arm, tight. I wasn’t going anywhere. “You should’ve been there for Lewis when he discovered his sexuality. He ran away because you gave him no other option. Instead of wanting to change him, you could’ve gotten help to understand homosexuality and learned how to be more accepting. But you didn’t. You failed him big time.”

My father’s face reddened. “Enough.”

“You’re right. It is.” For once, I agreed with him. They weren’t worth wasting air on. “I’m not asking you to be queer. Just stop being hell-bent against those who are.”

“No,” my mother snapped. “It’s not right.”

“Then once again, we’re done.” I hooked my arm around Tia’s shoulders and kissed the side of her head. “Thank you, but it’s okay. Let’s go.”

But she didn’t budge. She swiveled to face me and cupped my cheeks. Tears welled in her eyes as she injected love and seriousness into her tone. “Our children will know nothing but unconditional love. We’ll always be open-minded and accepting. They’ll be surrounded by people who care for and support them. We’ll love them, no matter what. You hear me?”

My breath shuddered through my lungs. She stole my heart all over again. Tia was exactly who I needed. I kissed her palm and nodded. “Yeah, I do.”

She shook her head at my parents. Acid filled her tone. “That won’t include you. You’ll never be a part of their life.”

“Lewis?” My mother scolded me, fumbling with her shawl. “Control your rude girlfriend.”

Chuckling, I slid my arms around Tia’s waist. “No chance.”

She raised a saucy eyebrow at me. “Are you sure about that?”

Okay...maybe in the bedroom.

I had to keep my mind off getting her between the sheets.

Dragging my gaze away from Tia’s sexy lips, I looked at my parents. They may have been my blood relatives, but the ties were truly severed, and I didn’t need to mend them. “I agree with every word Tia has said. If you can’t see that being gay has made my life, not destroyed it, that’s your problem, not mine. I’ve loved some incredible men, have great friends in the queer community, and every relationship I’ve had, the good and the bad, has made me who I am. They put me on a path that led me to a new incredible life and to Tia. I’m happy...and in love. That’s all that matters.”

My father folded his arms, drew his shoulders back, and hissed, “I’m already questioning your choice in women.”

I held up a finger. “Don’t. She’s the one. Like always, at every family gathering I’ve been fortunate enough to be invited to, you’ve reassured me that running away all those years ago was the right decision. Tia loves me for me. That’s more than you’ve ever done. So before you say another word, we’re leaving.” I took Tia’s hand. “You want to get out of here?”

“Yes, please.”

Without a backward glance, we walked toward the exit, past the gaping mouths and shocked glances on half the guests’ faces. I got a nod and salute from Lee and a quick hug and kiss from Lucy, then Tia and I rushed out the doors.

On the sidewalk, I pulled Tia toward me and cradled her face between my hands. “I’m so sorry about that. But I fucking love you for standing up to my folks.”

She clutched onto my forearms. “They don’t have to like everyone on the planet. But to be so hateful, and unaccepting, and to disown your own children over sexuality are things that are impossible for me to comprehend. To change that view and welcome you home at the flick of a switch was a hard ‘hell no’ for me.”

I brushed my thumbs across her cheeks. “Same. Thank you for being you.”

“Always.” But she swayed and closed her eyes. “Did...did you want them back in your life because you’re with me?”

My heart didn’t shudder or falter. “No.” I tilted her head back so I could touch my lips to hers. “My family is now in LA. You’re the one I want. I’d follow you to every corner of the universe just to be with you.”

“How about just to the hotel?” Her smile turned sheepish as she toyed with a button on my shirt. “I lost the bet. Your parents were horrid.”

I arched my eyebrow. “You gonna deliver?”

“You know I will.” She slipped her hand into my suit pants pocket and pulled out my tie. She hooked it around my neck and whispered against my lips. “And I’m going to make good use of this.”

Unable to contain my grin, I kissed her. Breathed her in. Drank in her scent. “What were you going to do if we didn’t get back together?”

“Failing wasn’t an option.”