Page 86 of B is for Beg

“For what?”

“Being a beautiful, confident, caring man,” I say.

“For having the strength to be your own person,” Cal says.

Blake half smiles. “Thanks.”

“I would be proud to introduce you both to my parents whenever you fancy a trip up to Sheffield. They had me when they were older,” I add because Blake doesn’t know. “They thought they couldn’t have children, so gave up on the idea. Then my mum fell pregnant unexpectedly when she was forty-five.”

“What was that like?” Blake asked.

“Having older parents?”

He nods.

“I’m not sure it was really any different. My dad was fifty when I was born, so by the time I started school, he was fifty-five and very grey. I suppose I knew my parents were older than everyone else’s, but it never bothered me.” I sigh. “They’ve both been retired for some time. Mum was eighty earlier this year. Dad will be eighty-five in a few months. They’re both still active, although they did downsize and move into a retirement village five years ago. They enjoy having lots of company and organised events and trips.”

“Sounds like being back at school,” Cal jokes.

I laugh. “I suppose it is a little bit. It gives me peace of mind because there’s a warden who lives on-site, and all the apartments have panic alarms in each room. I know if anythingdoeshappen, help is close at hand.” I stare at my lap. “I don’t really like to think about them getting older,” I admit.

“I’m not sure any of us do,” Cal says softly. He strokes my shoulder. “On the flip side, Mum had me at nineteen, and childbirth damn near killed her, so she decided she didn’t want more. She remarried a few years after Dad died. For what it’s worth, Mum was thirty-five, and Ken was forty-nine when they met. I doubt either of them is going to have an issue with there being ten or so years between us and you, princess.”

Blake’s smile deepens, and he looks more relaxed for a split second before he sighs. “My parentswillbe worried that you’re both older than me. And that’ll be on top of being shocked that we’re a triad. My parents are open-minded—they kind of have to be with three sons who all identify as LGBTQ—but they’re notthatopen-minded.” He flops his head against the sofa.

“Maybe Archie will trailblaze being in an age-gap relationship,” Cal suggests.

“Maybe, but he shouldn’t have to. I’m just being gutless.”

“You’re not, baby boy,” I assure him. “There’s no rush for any of us to tell our parents we’re in a relationship. We’ll all do it in our own time. Okay?”

He nods.

“Now, you both have keys, so you can come and go as you like. Stay the night?”

“I haven’t got any clean clothes,” Cal says.

“Nor do I,” Blake says. “Or anything pretty to wear to bed.”

“As much as I love your nightclothes, I’m happy to take you to bed naked, princess,” Cal says with a chuckle.

“I bet you are.”

“Next time?” I suggest. “Bring some clothes to leave here.”

Cal raises his eyebrows. “Are you giving us a drawer?”

I laugh. “Yes, I suppose I am.”

“Wow. Weareserious, then.”

“I’m crazy about you both.”

“Me too,” Cal says with so much affection in his voice it makes my heart flip over several times.

“Me three,” Blake says cheekily.

I kiss him to reward his amusing comment. “Speaking of doing things in our own time,neitherof you has to feel like you need to reciprocate.”