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“I’m choosing to give her some forbearance because I’m not aware of what she’s gone through in life. The way she went about this is horrible and offensive. But for the same reason you wouldn’t sue her because of her child, I wouldn’t wish her ill will. I just hope from now on, she concentrates on being a wonderful mother and making her son happy.”

And with his words, I let go of all my anger. Thinking back on how difficult it must’ve been for my parents to raise seven kids with differing interests, personalities, and needs would’vebeen near impossible for my mama if she wasn’t as loving and resilient after my papa passed. Raising kids, even after they became adults, was a lifetime commitment.

“I hope so too,cariño mío.”

15

CONNOR

For the last five minutes, I’d tried and then failed at working on the cufflinks before I huffed out a frustrated sigh and left the walk-in closet in search of Ollie. I loved his fingers for many things and the dexterity in which he used them would have me aching for him. But I tamped down on my constant desire for the man’s hands on me. Determined to find him, I walked into the bedroom and stumbled as my eyes landed on his slim form, dressed to the nines.

Tonight, he’d donned slim black pants and shiny dress shoes, but it was the white jacket with black piping, layered over a black vest and bowtie that sent his look from sexy as all get out to classy and understated.

“Wow.Cariño mío, you’re gorgeous.”

With a shy smile he reserved when he was out of his depth, Ollie turned to me and tugged down the sleeves of his dress shirt. “You’re not just saying that, right? I mean, I want to look my best for the premiere tonight, for your debut.”

Without a word, I shook my head and, forgetting about the cuffs, I pulled him against me and cherished his actions as helinked his arms around me before he buried his face against my neck.

“I’m proud of you, Ollie. And honored to be seen with you, to be known as your boyfriend. There isn’t an outfit you could wear that wouldn’t flatter you, because you’re gorgeous inside and out. I love you,cariño mío.”

“I love you too, Connor. So much, beautiful.”

“Are you ready for tonight?” I asked.

My man stood tall, and brushed down his suit jacket, giving me a definitive nod.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of the start of your long career and I can’t wait to see which direction the next project will lead you. But one step at a time. Let’s go knock ‘em dead.” He gave me a devilish wink.

I blushed and said, “But first…” Holding up my sleeves, Ollie huffed out a laugh and with a precision I was in awe of, he slipped the cufflinks through and fastened them.

He leaned closer, and I shivered as his breath caressed my ear. “You’re so fucking hot in his tux, beautiful. I might have to peel it off you with my teeth when we get home.”

A loud groan escaped my throat as my cock plumped in my pants.

With a wicked smile, he reached for my hand and led me downstairs where, for the second time that night, I was in for a surprise. Thank all the gods above, I’d distracted myself enough to get my apparent desire for my boyfriend from showing in the time it took us to walk downstairs and into the living room.

Because when we arrived, our entire family waited for us in their elegant evening wear.

I stood there, speechless, while Ollie fawned over everyone, including Sam, who wore a black tux along with his boyfriend, Thomas. They looked debonair in their matching maroon bow ties.

The triplets all wore black except for their jackets, which were gold and black. The gold matched mama’s full length goddess dress along with the hair clip and earrings she wore. Emilia looked like an ethereal fairy in a classic collared white dress with a cape and Omi, in a gauzy light green number that made her look like a princess.

“Everyone looks spectacular,” I choked out.

Mama walked up to me and cupped my cheeks. “I’m so proud of you. And I know papa would be too.”

With my emotions clogging my throat, I gave her a watery smile as I leaned down and bussed a kiss to her cheek.

“Thank you, mama,” I stepped back, wiping the wetness from my eyes, smiling at my family, grateful for how close we’d grown over the past year.

“Ready?” Ollie asked, bouncing on his toes.

I gave him a kiss before I blew out a breath and nodded.

We piled out of the front door to find a limo outside on the street. Kaid, in a light sage green jacket and black pants, opened the door and stepped out, holding it open for my family with a genuine smile.

Of course, Ollie would have done everything in his power to get everyone in our lives to support one of the biggest nights of my career and as we were the last two to step into the car, I captured his lips in a kiss, telling him without words how much I appreciated all his efforts.