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We’re at the airport, waiting for Lewis to get through security. The boys have made ‘Welcome Home’ banners. As a result, my house looks like it’s been hit by a glitter bomb.

Cameron and I stand hand in hand. Exploring our mutual attraction has led to five amazing months of getting to know each other in new and wonderful ways. I’ve never been happier, and judging by the way Cameron smiles at me every day, the same is true for him.

Despite Lewis giving us his blessing—so to speak—I can’t deny I’m nervous about seeing him face-to-face for the first time since Cameron and I got together.

“There he is! There he is!” Elliott exclaims.

He and Peter bounce up and down, waving their banners. Multicoloured glitter drifts onto the floor around their feet. Lewis is wearing a casual linen suit. He has a rucksack slung over one shoulder and is pushing a large suitcase. His skin is tanned. He has a few more grey hairs and crowfeet than I remember but overall looks happy.

As soon as he’s close enough, he puts his bags down, holds out his arms, and crouches. Elliott abandons his poster and hurls himself into his dad’s arms. Lewis hugs his youngest son tightly. When Elliott finally lets go, Lewis stays where he is, arms outstretched once more, and winks at Cameron.

“Oh, no. I’m too big for that,” Cameron says.

“You’re never too big for hugs.” Lewis stands and gives Cameron a hug combined with a pat on the back. “It’s good to see you, buddy. I’ve missed you all.”

“We’ve missed you too, Dad. But hey, the house didn’t burn down while you were gone.”

Lewis laughs nervously. “Good to hear it. Is it still in one piece?”

“In one piece. Clean, tidy, with a fully stocked fridge.”

“Impressive.” He turns his attention to me and shakes my hand.

It’s a more formal greeting than I was expecting. What was I expecting? A handwave, perhaps. Maybe even a brief hug like the one he gave me when he left for Hong Kong. But a firm handshake?

“How have you been?” he asks.

Oh, you know, enjoying kissing your son. Enjoying running my hands all over his body. Enjoying having his—Never mind. “Great.”

He glances at Cameron. “Are you taking care of my son?”

What do I say to that?

Lewis laughs. “Relax, I’m kidding.”

“You’ve got used to the idea of there being an us, then?” Cameron asks.

Lewis shrugs. “I didn’t have much choice, did I? Are you making each other happy?”

Cameron and I stare into each other’s eyes for far too long a moment.

“Yes, they are,” Peter and Elliott say in unison.

“I’ve never seen Dad happier,” Peter says.

“It’s the first time Cameron hasn’t dated a loser,” Elliott says.

“Hey!” Cameron objects.

“It’s true.”

Cameron cups my face. “I’m not going to confirm or deny anything about my past boyfriends, but you’re definitely not a loser.” He kisses me. In front of his dad. It’s not a peck on the lips either but a long, passionate kiss with tongues.

I stop caring about Lewis’s presence after the first few seconds. I close my eyes and kiss Cameron just as hard.

“They do that a lot,” Peter says.

Cameron and I break apart.