Somebody to Love (Tyler Jamison #1) - April Wilson Page 0,105

your chest.”

Shane points a finger at Tyler. “I don’t ever want to hear you griping about the age difference between me and my wife, is that absolutely clear?”

Tyler laughs. “Crystal.”

“Good,” Shane says. “Because you two have us beat hands down. So, I don’t want to hear another word about it.”

Tyler extends his hand to his brother-in-law, and they shake. “Got it.”

Then the red-haired guy—Sam—slips in beside me and puts his arm across my shoulders. “I dig older men,” he says with a grin. He nods toward his partner behind the bar.

“No kidding,” I say, grinning at Tyler. “Older guys are hot.”

Tyler points from me to Sam and back to me. “You two are not allowed to be friends.”

“You know, we should double-date sometime,” Sam says to me with a wink.

Chapter 38

Tyler Jamison

I swallow past the knot in my throat as I observe my lover sitting on the great room floor, crossed legged, with the birthday boy perched on his lap, and Aiden seated beside him, leaning close and watching in fascination as Ian shows Luke how to operate his new toy camera. It’s just a simple little toy, one designed for toddlers, with a couple of flashy buttons that make noise, but Luke is absolutely captivated by his birthday gift.

Even with all the money at his disposal, Ian picked a simple, inexpensive gift for Luke, and he couldn’t have chosen better. The kid loves it, and Ian’s passion for photography shines through as he pretends to demonstrate to Luke how to take pictures.

My mom is seated on a sofa, holding one of Jake and Annie’s twin baby girls. Jake’s mother, Bridget, is seated beside Mom, holding the other twin. The babies look identical to me, and I have no idea which one is which. Besides the parents, I think Aiden is the only one who can tell his sisters apart.

I’m standing at the dining room table with my sister, while she puts the finishing touches on an elegant, three-tiered birthday cake.

Ian lifts his gaze and searches the room until he spots me. He gives me a smile before he goes back to entertaining the kids.

Beth inserts a single blue candle, shaped like the number 1, into the cake’s white icing. Then she glances over at Ian. “I really like him, Tyler,” she says, giving me a heart-felt smile.

“So do I.” I laugh. “I never thought this could happen for me.”

Beth puts her arm around me and leans her head against my shoulder. “I’m so happy for you both. Ian seems happy, too.”

This whole afternoon has been surreal. Every single person here has come pat me on the back, shake my hand, or hug me. And everyone has welcomed Ian with open arms. I know the world won’t always be so accepting of our relationship, but it feels good to start here in a safe place.

Everyone comes to gather around the table to sing Happy Birthday to my nephew. It’s hard to believe he’s a year old already. He had a rough start in the beginning, born prematurely and under dire circumstances. Beth had a difficult time of it, too. I think of her new baby, due to arrive this fall, and I hope she has an easier delivery this time around.

“You still don’t know what you’re having?” I ask my sister, as we’re eating birthday cake.

She lays her hand on her bump and grins. “Nope. We want to be surprised.”

“Does Shane still think it’s a girl?”

She smiles. “Yes. He’s convinced we’re having a girl.”

“Any names picked out?”

“Maybe.”

“Look what I have,” Ian says as he joins us. He’s cradling one of the twins in his arms.

“Where did you get that?” I say.

“From your Mom. This one is Everly. Isn’t she adorable?” Ian glances at Beth. “You have two boys in your family and two girls. I guess your new baby will be the tie breaker.” Ian bounces little Everly in his arms as she coos at him. “Aiden told me he’s hoping you have a boy, so the boys outnumber the girls.”

“I wish him luck,” I say. “That’s going to be a moving target. With this big family, there are bound to be a lot more babies on the horizon.”

* * *

Ian and I say our good-byes amidst lots of hugs and good wishes.

“Your mom and sister are great,” Ian says, as we step out of the elevator into the parking garage.

“Yeah, they are. Everyone was great.”

I open the front passenger door for Ian, but before getting into the car, he