“We need to talk,” I said, my voice steadier than I expected. “In person. It’s important.”

  There was a pause. “Is this about your mother? Because I’m not taking her back⁠—”

  “No,” I cut him off. “It’s about me. And who I am.”

  Another pause, longer this time. “Fine. My office, one hour.”

  He hung up before I could respond, but it didn’t matter. The first step was done. No turning back now.

  I headed to my truck, determination replacing the fear that had consumed me for so long. I was going to tell my father the truth, consequences be damned. And then I was going to find James and beg for his forgiveness, even if I had to do it every day for the rest of my life.

  Because Stacey was right. James deserved someone who wasn’t ashamed to love him. And I was finally ready to be that person.

  Chapter 29

  James

  Two Weeks Later

  “I think you’re really going to like this place,” Mom said, practically bouncing in the driver’s seat as we drove across town. “It’s got a lake and a little park and lots of walking paths through the woods. It’s amazing.”

  “I’m sure you’ll really like it there,” I replied, my voice lacking enthusiasm. “It sounds great…”

  She’d been talking about this townhouse she’d found for almost three days now. Don’t get me wrong, I was happy for her, but it was starting to get on my nerves. Her marriage was over and it seemed as if her life only got exponentially better because of it. But my relationship with Kent hit the fucking fan, and I was more miserable than I ever had been in my life. And to top it off, Mom knew something was wrong, so she’d been hanging around… a lot. I couldn’t bring myself to tell her the truth, but she didn’t pry either.

  “That’s sweet of you to say,” Mom replied, giving me a quick glance. “But I want you to like it too. That way you visit more often.”

  I nodded automatically, staring out the window as we drove through an unfamiliar neighborhood. The houses were getting nicer, the lawns more manicured. Definitely not my part of town.

  “How’s work going?” she asked, clearly trying to pull me out of my funk. “That big project still keeping you busy?”

  “It’s fine,” I said, forcing myself to engage. “The client’s happy. Might lead to more work.”

  “That’s wonderful!”

  I couldn’t match her enthusiasm. For the past two weeks, I’d thrown myself into work, trying to drown out thoughts of Kent. It hadn’t worked. Every night I’d lie awake, replaying our last conversation, the hurt and anger in his eyes when I’d kicked him out. Each night, when I finally did fall asleep, it was with my chest aching so badly that I wasn’t sure I’d wake up in the morning.

  But I always did. To an empty bed.

  Mom pulled into a community that looked like it belonged in a real estate brochure. There were pristine townhouses with stone facades, perfectly trimmed hedges, and a small man-made lake glittering in the distance.

  “This is it,” she announced proudly. “What do you think?”

  “Wow,” I managed. “This is... fancy. Can you afford this?”

  She smirked. “It’s actually not too bad. Besides, I’m sure my alimony checks will help cover it.”

  Despite my mood, I had to smile at that. At least someone was getting what they deserved.

  Mom parked in front of one of the townhouses and practically skipped to the door. “Come on, I want to show you everything!”

  I followed her inside, genuinely impressed by the spacious interior. The place was gorgeous. It had hardwood floors, high ceilings, and massive windows that filled the space with natural light.

  “This is the living room,” she gestured grandly. “And through here is the kitchen...”

  I trailed behind her as she gave me the tour, pointing out features with childlike excitement. Despite my heartbreak, I was happy for her. She deserved this fresh start. I couldn’t deny I was a little bit jealous though. This townhouse made my apartment look worse than a cardboard box on the side of the road.

  “There are three bedrooms,” she continued, leading me upstairs. “Mine, a guest room, and I’m thinking of turning the third into an art studio.”

  “That’s a lot of bedrooms for just you, don’t you think?” I said, brows furrowed. “The art studio sounds cool, but isn’t this kind of… a lot?”

  “It’ll be fine,” she grinned, grabbing my hand and pulling me down the hall. “And the master bedroom is just through here⁠—”

  She pushed open the door, and I froze in the doorway.

  Kent was standing in the middle of the room, holding a bouquet of roses.

  My heart stopped beating for a moment. Kent. Standing there looking better than he had any right to, dressed in a fitted gray button-down that brought out his eyes. His hair was shorter, freshly cut, and he looked nervous in a way I’d never seen before.

  “Surprise!” Mom said, squeezing my arm.

  I couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. All I could do was stare at Kent, who looked just as stunned to see me as I felt seeing him.

  “What... what is this?” I finally managed, my voice barely above a whisper.

  Kent cleared his throat. “James, I⁠—”

  “I’ll give you two some privacy,” Mom said, backing out of the room. She paused at the doorway, giving me a meaningful look. “Just hear him out, okay?”

  And then she was gone, closing the door behind her, leaving me alone with the man who had broken my heart into a billion tiny pieces.

  “My mom’s in on this?” I asked, still frozen in place.

  Kent nodded, taking a hesitant step toward me. “I needed her help. James, I know I fucked up. Spectacularly. What I did was unforgivable.”

  “Then why am I here?” The anger I thought I’d moved past surged back, hot and bitter. “Why drag me across town for… this?”

  “Because I love you,” he said simply. “And I needed to show you that I’m serious this time.”

  I laughed, the sound harsh even to my own ears. “Serious? You suggested I be your side piece while you played boyfriend to Brittany. That’s not exactly the foundation of a serious relationship.”

  “I know. I was scared and stupid and I made the worst possible decision.” He set the roses down on a nearby dresser and reached into his pocket, pulling out what looked like a folded piece of paper. “But I’m done being scared.”

  “What is that?” I asked, nodding toward the paper.

  “The lease for this townhouse.” He held it out to me. “Look at the names on it.”

  I didn’t move to take it. “I don’t understand what’s happening right now.”

  “Just look. Please.”

  Reluctantly, I took the paper from him, unfolding it with shaking hands. There, printed clearly on the lease agreement, were two names: Kent Gallagher and James Bennet.

  “You... you put my name on the lease?” I looked up at him, confused. “Why?”

  “Because I want us to live here. Together. Openly.” He took another step closer. “I told my dad about us. About everything.”

  My eyes widened. “You what?”

  “I told him I’m in love with you. That we’ve been together. That I’m not ashamed of it anymore.” Kent’s voice was steady, but I could see the cost of that confession in his eyes. “He disowned me, just like we expected.”

  “Kent...” I didn’t know what to say. This was the last thing I’d expected when Mom had dragged me all the way across Seattle to look at a townhouse.

  “I joined an LGBT support group,” he continued. “Been going twice a week. It’s helping me figure out how to... how to be okay with who I am. With us.”

  I swallowed hard, trying to process everything he was saying. “What about Brittany?”

  “Over. Completely over. I walked out the same day I left your apartment. I couldn’t do it, James. I couldn’t pretend anymore.” He took another step toward me, close enough now that I could smell his cologne. “I’m so fucking sorry for what I did. For suggesting that... that arrangement. You were right to kick me out. To be disgusted with me.”

  “I wasn’t disgusted with you,” I said quietly. “I was hurt. I thought I wasn’t enough for you.”

  “You’re everything to me,” he said, his voice breaking. “Everything. And I’ve spent the last two weeks trying to prove that I deserve another chance with you.”

  I looked down at the lease in my hands, then back up at him. “This is a big step.”

  “I know. And if it’s too much, too soon, I understand. We can tear up the lease, start smaller. But I wanted to show you that I’m all in this time.” He reached for my hand, and when I didn’t pull away, he took it in his. “I love you, James. It’s that simple.”

  Simple. Nothing about this had ever been simple. And yet, standing here with Kent’s hand in mine, looking into those eyes that had once held so much contempt for me and now held nothing but love... maybe it could be.

  “I don’t know if I can trust you again,” I admitted, the words painful but necessary. “You hurt me, Kent. Badly.”

  “I know. And I’ll spend every day making it up to you, if you’ll let me.” His thumb traced circles on the back of my hand. “All I’m asking for is a chance to try.”

  I looked around the room, our room, potentially, taking in the space that could be the beginning of something new. Something real. The anger and hurt were still there, but beneath them was something else. Something that felt a lot like hope.

  “Your dad really disowned you?” I asked.

  Kent nodded, a sad smile crossing his face. “Told me to never contact him again. But you know what? It hurt less than I thought it would. Because I finally stood up for something that matters to me. Someone who matters.”

  I felt tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. “You didn’t have to do that for me.”

  “I didn’t do it for you,” he said, squeezing my hand. “I did it for myself. I couldn’t live a lie anymore, James. Not after knowing what it feels like to be honest about who I am. Who I love.”

  The sincerity in his voice, the vulnerability in his eyes broke something loose in me. I’d been holding onto my anger like a shield, afraid to let myself be vulnerable with him again. But standing here, seeing the effort he’d made, the risks he’d taken... it was hard to keep that shield up.

  “I love you too,” I confessed, the words coming out before I could stop them. “I tried not to. I tried to hate you these past two weeks. But I couldn’t.”

  Relief washed over Kent’s face, and he stepped closer, his free hand coming up to cup my cheek. “I don’t deserve you,” he murmured. “I never have.”

  “No, you don’t,” I agreed, but there was no bite to my words. “But for some stupid reason, I want you anyway.”

  His thumb brushed against my cheekbone, and I leaned into his touch despite myself. Two weeks of missing him, of aching for his presence, made even this small contact feel like coming home.

  “The townhouse is just a place,” Kent said softly. “We can live wherever you want. Your apartment, somewhere else entirely. I just want to be with you.”

  I looked down at the lease again, tracing our names printed side by side. Kent Gallagher and James Bennet. Not stepbrothers anymore. Just two people who had somehow found their way to each other despite everything.

  “I like this place,” I said finally. “It feels like... a fresh start.”

  Hope flickered in Kent’s eyes. “Is that a yes? You’ll give me another chance?”

  “It’s a maybe,” I clarified. “I need time, Kent. I can’t just forget what happened.”

  “I understand,” he nodded, disappointment visible on his face though he tried to hide it. “I’ll wait as long as you need. I’m not going anywhere this time.”

  I reached up, covering his hand with mine where it rested against my cheek. “But I’m willing to try,” I added softly. “Because these past two weeks without you have been hell.”

  Kent’s smile was like the sun breaking through clouds. “That’s all I’m asking for. A chance to try.”

  Before I could respond, he leaned in slowly, giving me plenty of time to pull away. But I didn’t. Instead, I met him halfway, our lips coming together in a kiss that felt like forgiveness, like possibility, like the beginning of something real.

  When we broke apart, I rested my forehead against his. “You’re going to have to work for this,” I warned. “I’m not going to make it easy.”

  He laughed, the sound warm and genuine. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

  “And we’re splitting the rent evenly,” I added. “I don’t care if you make more money than me.”

  “Done,” he agreed immediately.

  “And no more secrets,” I said, my voice turning serious. “No more hiding. If we do this, we do it openly.”

  Kent pulled back slightly so he could look me in the eyes. “No more secrets,” he promised. “I’m done being ashamed of the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

  I couldn’t help but smile at that. “You’re just trying to butter me up.”

  “No, it’s true.” He pressed another quick kiss to my lips. “I love you, James. I think I have for a long time, even when I was too stupid to recognize it.”

  “I love you too,” I admitted. “God help me.”

  A knock at the door interrupted us. “Is it safe to come in?” Mom called through the door. “Are both of you still alive?”

  Kent and I exchanged a glance, both of us grinning like teenagers caught making out. “Yeah, it’s safe,” I called back.

  Mom poked her head in, taking in our joined hands and close proximity with obvious satisfaction. “So? What do you think of the place?”

  I looked at Kent, who was watching me with such naked adoration that it made my heart skip. “I think,” I said slowly, “that we’ll take it.”

  Her smile was radiant. “I was hoping you’d say that. The moving truck with your stuff arrives tomorrow.”

  “Wait, what?” I blinked at her. “You already arranged for my stuff to be moved?”

  She shrugged, not looking remotely guilty. “Kent was very convincing about his chances of persuading you.”

  I turned to Kent with raised eyebrows. “Pretty confident, weren’t you?”

  “Not confident,” he corrected. “Desperate. And willing to do whatever it took.”

  “Including enlisting my mother as your co-conspirator?”

  “She was surprisingly easy to convince,” Kent admitted. “Especially after I told her everything.”

  That pulled me up short. “Everything?”

  Mom stepped fully into the room now. “Yes, James. Everything. Including how you two fell in love, how Kent panicked, and how he’s been trying to make things right ever since.”

  “And you’re... okay with this?” I asked cautiously.

  “Honey, all I’ve ever wanted is for you to be happy,” she said, her expression soft. “And despite everything, I can see that Kent makes you happy. Plus,” she added with a mischievous glint in her eye, “now that I’m divorced, he’s not your stepbrother anymore. Just the man you love.”

  I felt my cheeks heat at her bluntness. “Mom...”

  “What? I’m just stating facts.” She looked between us, her smile widening. “Now, who’s hungry? I made reservations at an Italian place nearby to celebrate.”

  Kent looked at me, a question in his eyes. Are we celebrating?

  I squeezed his hand in answer. Yes. Yes, we are.

  “Dinner sounds great,” I told Mom. “Just give us a minute?”

  She nodded, understanding immediately. “I’ll wait in the car. Don’t take too long or we’ll lose our reservation,” Mom finished, disappearing through the doorway.

  As soon as she was gone, Kent turned to me fully, both hands now holding mine.

  “I can’t believe you did all this,” I said, still trying to process everything. “The townhouse, telling your dad, the support group...”

  “I would’ve done more if I could,” Kent replied, his thumbs tracing circles on my wrists. “I was ready to stand outside your apartment with a boombox if I had to.”

  I laughed, the sound coming easier than it had in weeks. “God, you’re such a cliché.”

  “Only for you.” His expression turned serious. “I meant what I said, James. I love you. And I’m not running anymore.”

  I looked around the room… our room, and tried to imagine waking up here with Kent every morning, building a life together in this space. It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once.

  “I’m still mad at you,” I warned him, though there wasn’t much heat behind it anymore. I grabbed him by the collar, pulling him close. “You’re so fucking stupid, Kent.”

  Then I kissed him.

  But this kiss was different from the first. It was deeper, more certain. Kent’s arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me against him like he was afraid I’d disappear if he let go. I melted into him, my body remembering exactly how perfectly we fit together.

  When we broke apart, I was breathless. “For the record,” I said against his lips, “You’re still on my shit list.”

  Kent’s smile was brilliant enough to light up the room. “Is that so?”

  “Yeah,” I nodded. “So, you better do a good job fucking me tonight to make up for it.”

  His cheeks flushed, but he just held me tighter. “I think I can do that.”

  We stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms in what would soon be our bedroom, and for the first time in weeks, I felt whole again. The hurt wasn’t gone completely, it would take time to heal those wounds, but the love that had brought us together in the first place was stronger.

  Mom honked the car horn outside, breaking the moment.

  “We should go,” Kent said reluctantly, releasing me. “Before she comes back up here and drags us out.”

  As we headed toward the car where my mom waited, I couldn’t help but think about how far we’d come. From the bullied kid and his tormentor to this. Two men building a life together and choosing each other against all odds.