Page 80 of Finding Gideon

I stared at the phone. “What?”

“Sacramento Kings,” he said. “Because if this man walks into my house cheering for the Lakers, we’re going to have words.”

Mom rolled her eyes. “He’s joking.”

“Am I?” Dad muttered.

Camille laughed. “Look at you. So proud of yourself for dating a boy and disappointing Dad in one go.”

I shook my head, smiling so hard it hurt a little. “I didn’t say anything about basketball.”

“You’re dating a man,” my father said, like it was the simplest truth in the world. “And you’re happy. That’s all I need to know.”

My eyes stung.

Mom’s voice came soft again. “When you’re ready, we’d love to meet him. Face to face.”knee brushed mine, and I felt the tension humming under his skin. I gave him a look that asked,Are you ready?

He swallowed. Nodded once.

I turned slightly toward Gideon, who was sitting just out of frame, quiet and still. His

“I was hoping you’d say that,” I said to my family.

I squeezed my boyfriend’s hand—not to pull him in, just to let him know I was there, steady as ever. After a second, he shifted closer, enough so that his face came into view.

“Dad, Ma, Cam, this is my boyfriend, Gideon.”

Camille let out a low, delighted sound. “Your boyfriend?” A pause, then a smile spread. “That’s… really good to hear.”

Mom gasped like she’d just unwrapped something precious. “Any person my son cares about is family already.”

Dad tilted his head, studying Gideon a moment before nodding. “Good to finally put a face to the name.” Then he smiled broadly. ”Welcome to the family, son.”

Gideon’s fingers tightened around mine. “Thanks. It’s—nice to meet you. All of you.” He let out a shaky laugh, almost embarrassed. “Um. This is… new for me.”

My mom leaned closer to the screen, and I could hear the warmth in her voice like sunlight. “It’s new for us too, sweetheart. But we’re glad you’re here. You make my boy smile. That’s everything.”

“Your son makes me smile too.” He sounded less nervous.

“We do need to settle this basketball situation eventually.”

“Mom—”

“Kidding,” she said, though Dad muttered,"Go Kings."

Gideon chuckled. My thumb rubbed slow circles into his palm.

When we finally hung up, the quiet settled around us again.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

Gideon nodded. “They’re… great. You’re lucky.” A beat. “I wish my brother… My brother would’ve liked them.”

I pulled him close, arms wrapped around him. He smelled like apples and home.

“They’re going to love you,” I whispered.

I kissed his temple. Held him tighter.