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My heart swells with an overwhelming rush of emotion. It’s more than lust or gratitude for the mind-blowing orgasm he gave me. It’s a soul-deep connection that I have with this boy. And I know without a doubt that I want to be with him forever.

I want to wake up to his smiling face every morning and fall asleep in his arms every night. I want to celebrate his victories and comfort him in his losses. I want to build a life with him—brick by brick until we have a home filled with laughter, love, and a bunch of adopted dogs.

The realization should terrify me. I’ve always been the cynical one who scoffed at the idea of soulmates and happily ever afters outside of romance novels. I’ve been burned before and built walls around my heart to protect myself from getting hurt again. But with Gerard, those walls are crumbling fast. He’s skated around my defenses and made himself at home in my heart.

And for once, I’m not scared. I’m excited.

Hopeful.

Ready to take a leap of faith and see where this journey takes us.

“What are you thinking about?” Gerard’s voice is husky from sleep and other activities. He lies down beside me and props himself up on his elbow. He looks at me with a soft, fond expression that melts my insides.

“You,” I answer honestly. “And how much I adore you.”

His eyes widen in surprise before crinkling at the corners as abrilliant smile spreads across his face. “I adore you too, Elliot. So much.”

He leans in and kisses me, slow and sweet. I can taste myself on his tongue, and it’s surprisingly intimate. I cup his face in my hands and deepen the kiss, pouring all of my newfound emotions into it.

We make out lazily because there’s no need to rush. We have all the time in the world to explore this thing between us. And I plan to cherish every single second of it.

Eventually, we break apart, breathless and giddy. Gerard rests his forehead against mine and nuzzles my nose with his. “Best Thanksgiving morning ever.”

I’m inclined to agree. Waking up to a blow job from the man of my dreams, followed by the understanding that this relationship may be for life? It doesn’t get much better than that.

My nerves areon high alert, knowing that I’ll be meeting Gerard’s parents for the first time today. I try to focus on the warmth of Gerard’s hand in mine, but it does little to comfort me.

I know I shouldn’t be this nervous. Gerard has repeatedly assured me that his parents are excited to meet me. And if they’re anything like Gerard, they’ll be the most easygoing adults I’ll ever meet. Yet, I can’t shake the nagging fear that they will find me lacking in some way or disapprove of me dating their son.

We enter the arena where Lily’s cheer competition is being held, and I remove my hand from Gerard’s, needing a few moments to myself. “I need to use the restroom.”

“Do you want me to come with you?”

I smirk. “I’ll be fine, Gerard. Find us some seats. I won’t be long.”

He waves, and my heart skips a beat at the gesture. I don’tknow how I got so lucky with this boy. I won’t ever take him for granted.

Stepping into the restroom, I’m relieved to find it empty. I head straight for the stall at the end, lock it, and sit on the toilet. I don’t actually need to do anything. I just need to take a few deep breaths without anyone watching me.

I also need some words of reassurance from someone other than Gerard. He’s too close to his parents, and rightfully so. I need input from people who know Gerard’s parents but don’t have an emotional attachment to them.

Retrieving my phone from my jacket pocket, I start a group chat with the three guys who know Gerard and his family best.

Me

Hey. I’m about to meet Gerard’s parents. I’m really fucking nervous.

Any words of advice? Tips on how to make sure they like me?

Things I should know about them before I make an ass of myself?

Oliver

Just be yourself, bud. You’re a great guy. They’ll see that.

Show genuine interest, offer to help out making dinner, and let your natural charm shine through.

Kyle