Page 97 of Not Looking
My alpha…
“Come on,” Kerry said, grabbing my hands once the cake had been situated. “Callum’s parents are here, and I want to introduce you.”
I chuckled as he led me to where the guests were mingling, Craig on my heels.
It was the first large gathering that I’d felt ready to include him, and I was glad to see him so welcomed.
Chapter 20 - Craig
~November~
Randy was like a spring leaf unfurling before my eyes. His bud first cracked with the storm of Jessie's arrival, but a hint of green shone before the end of the day. Then the dinner with his parents—still green and curled for protection. Finally, Kerry's gender reveal, where he started to seek the light.
It was beautiful. Rather than withdraw and harden his shell, he was allowing himself to grow into our relationship.
My thoughts were interrupted by my phone. I blinked and walked over to where it sat on my kitchen counter.
“Hey, Papa,” I said as I answered and started toward the living room.
“Hey, kiddo,” he replied. “How are you doing?”
I flopped onto the couch. “I’m good. How are you and Dad?”
“We’re good—wondering when you plan to come out for Thanksgiving. That way, we can schedule time off to pick you up.”
“Oh… um…” I fell silent.
“Craig?”
I licked my lips. “Papa?”
“Hmm?”
“I… I might not come.”
He chuckled. “Your dad had a feeling you might say that.”
“Really?”
“He said that your behavior recently reminded him of when he and I were just getting together. It’s your first major holiday with your new omega. And I know you’ve done Friendsgiving with Joey and everybody else before.”
A soft smile crossed my face. “You don’t mind?”
“No,” he said fondly. “You’ve found a man you want to hold onto. It’s not surprising that you don’t want to leave him behind to come visit.”
“I probably won’t come for Christmas either,” I admitted.
He laughed. “I’m not surprised.”
“I don’t want him to be alone.”
“Alone? I thought you said he has a tight family.”
“He does, but his sister-in-law is pregnant, and they’re going to Mexico to celebrate with her family before the baby comes. Randy says he doesn’t want to impose, so he’s going to stay back and do any housesitting that needs to happen while everybody else is away.”
“I guess that makes sense, but I’m glad you’re going to be there for him.”
“Me too.” I smiled. “So how are Mikey and Thomas doing? They’ve been too busy to talk the last few times I’ve tried to call.”
