Page 62 of Donovan's Men

“One of the few classic standalone diners left in Canada.” Donovan smiled. “I’d love to show you the episode.”

“Well, the entire series.” Hamish bit his lower lip. “Or I can watch it alone.”

“Not alone.” Donovan said the words with such vehemence that I turned to look at him. His gaze cut back and forth between Hamish and me. “Never alone. Not with us around.” He subtly leaned against me.

Despite the diner being almost full, I didn’t worry. Here, this far away from Vancouver, we were safe. And in the next booth, two men appeared to be trying to wrangle twin toddlers who were clearly finished with their food and wanting to get into mischief. One gentleman was an older ginger with a full beard while one was a younger South Asian guy.

That younger guy grabbed a toddler-sized coat. “Violet, you’re going to let Daddy put the coat on.”

“No.”

Hamish glanced over his shoulder, then turned back to face me. “I know twin toddlers. My sister. Pure chaos.” He whispered the words, obviously so the men wouldn’t hear.

“See, Violet? Victor is letting me put his coat on.” The ginger grinned.

After a moment, the clearly recalcitrant Violet allowed her father to put her coat on. “Okay, Papa.”

“Good girl.”

“I’ll pay while you get them settled in the car?” The younger guy grinned.

The cute ginger groaned.

“Hey, I did car seats to get us here.”

“Yeah, I guess. Okay, who’s ready for a ride?”

Victor raised his hand while Violet jumped up and down. Her father wrapped his arms around her and managed to get her outside the booth and onto the floor.

As the other guy did the same thing, their father grabbed their hands. The two men kissed, and soon the younger guy and the twins had departed.

After a moment, the ginger stood. He caught my eye. “Sorry.”

I waved him off with a smile. “Lovely family.”

“You mean pure chaos.”

Hamish twisted in his seat. His red hair was more golden than the deep red of the frazzled father. “My sister has twins. They’re a joy.”

“If you say so.” The guy smiled, though. “I’m a very lucky man.” He gestured with his chin. “Enjoy your meal in silence. Well, relatively.”

The loud music mixed with plenty of chatter—but I understood his meaning.

“Have a great day.” Donovan grinned.

“I will.” With that, the guy left.

Hamish exhaled. “Oh, I’m a little appreciative they’re gone.”

“Watch, the next family will be worse.”

He shuddered. “I’m so glad we’re good with not doing that.”

Donovan laughed. “Me too.”

I nodded my agreement. I was also relieved that, even out here in bible-belt Cedar Valley, an interracial gay couple could be free with their affection. I shook my head. “Where were we?”

“Just saying that we’re never going to be alone again. Right, Tyson?” Donovan’s words jolted me out of my ruminations about other gay couples.