Page 101 of Structure of Love

“Honestly? It’s some kind of mix between relieved it’s over and pissed off. Even with me standing there, speaking to them, it’s like I was a brick wall. They didn’t even glance at me. To think they honestly consider themselves good parents is just…”I snorted in disgust. “And Erin’s right, they didn’t fight as hard for her as I suspected they would. I really expected them to resort to violence. But when she told them flat out she’s gay, I could see the change in their eyes. How they recoiled from her, emotionally. I think in a few months, they’ll change their tune completely about her, they’ll say she was always this problematic child. She’s no longer the light of their lives.”

“That’s…pathetic. And kind of scary.”

“Preach, honey, preach. I owe Zar and Madison a massive favor. Those two were rockstars today.”

Gage shrugged. “You can always throw a birthday bash at the bar for them. Their birthdays are only a week apart, so sometimes we throw them a joint party.”

“Yeah? I’ll keep that in mind. I know you’ve got to go, but come by later for cake, okay?”

“I promise I will.” He paused, really looking me over. “I think I better do my inspection and come straight back.”

I selfishly wanted him to do just that, but… “Are you sure you can?”

“Yeah, nothing immediate or urgent today except the inspection.” He kissed my forehead like a promise. “I’ll be back in two or three hours, okay? Hopefully I’ll make it back by the start of the party.”

I felt better hearing that. I could lean on Gage without feeling like I was oversharing or being a burden. I hadn’t argued with him being here today because it had been reassuring to have him with me.

He gave me a kiss and a long hug, and those two things grounded me like nothing else could. Then I let him drive off, even though I would have preferred he stayed with me.

It was fine, I was an adult, I could deal. I didn’t want to, but I could. He’d be back in two hours or so anyway.

I headed back inside and found Erin had indeed changed and now wore shorts and a tank top. The outfit suited her much better than that fluffy white monstrosity she’d worn.

“I get a haircut tomorrow?” she asked Grandma, voice rising in excitement. “You are seriously the best!”

Grandma hugged her, a smile stretching from ear to ear. “I know how much you want to hack it off. That’s my present to you.”

“You couldn’t have picked a better present.” Erin turned to me, still beaming. “This is now becoming the best birthday ever thanks to you two. My room’s perfect, I love everything you did, and it’s so much moreme.And Gage! Wow, he’s stunning. Logan, I love you, but you understand why I have to ask—how the hell did you get that man’s attention?”

“I honestly have no idea, but I’m running with it.”

“Smart man.”

Grandma had aYou two are being idiotslook. “Logan is very handsome in his own way.”

“Spoken like a doting grandmother.” I leaned down to kiss her forehead.

I was attractive in my own way, I owned that, but I agreed with Erin. Gage was stunning, and I still wasn’t sure how I’d caught his attention. I just felt grateful I had.

But today was my little sister’s day. I urged her, “Get your new phone. Start copying over phone numbers from mine. Our brothers made me swear you’d call them once you were free.”

“Oh, shit, I need to do that!” She immediately dove back into her room.

My house was about to be much livelier than before. And likely swarming with teenagers, as I’d be much more relaxed about them hanging out here. I didn’t mind, since Erin deserved freedom and space to be herself in.

That said, with Cooper now living with Gage for the foreseeable future, I was a little concerned about finding alone time with my boyfriend.

Hotels might be a common thing in our future.

32

Gage

I had every intention of swinging by my house, checking on Cooper, then immediately going to Logan’s house to grab my slice of cake. My plan was foiled the second my house came into view.

My mother was in the driveway.

She was literally parked smack in the middle, leaning against the back of her car and…crying? It looked like she was crying.