They get under the covers and cuddle close.
“Stay the night?” Zeke asks.
“Of course,” Brenton says, laying his head on Zeke’s chest, where he can hear his heart beating.
In the morning, Brenton gets up, wakes Zeke long enough for a kiss and to promise he has no regrets, no matter what happens today. Then he showers, dresses in fresh clothes, and arranges for security to take him to his parents’ house.
Brenton gets the security with him to agree to wait outside while he goes to visit his family. They search the area and give him the all clear. Brenton rings the doorbell, and his mom opens the door.
“Come in, son. You’re looking well,” his mom says, never not polite. It’d probably kill her not to welcome a guest the right way.
“Hi, Mom. Dad here?” Brenton asks as he comes inside.
“Yes, and your Uncle Mike and Aunt Lisa,” his mom says, and Brenton’s stomach sinks. That’s not a good sign.
She leads him to the family room, where everyone is sitting.