Part of the Family by Caz Finlay

Author:Caz Finlay [Finlay, Caz]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780008463342
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Danny shifted from one foot to the other as he stood on the doorstep of Grace and Michael Carter’s house. Despite being with Luke and Stacey, he felt very much alone. He was overwhelmingly anxious about the reception he was going to get on the other side of that door. Every Sunday, the whole of the Carter family got together at Grace and Michael’s house for dinner. It was tradition and it was rarely missed by any member of the family. Luke was included in that number now too, and Stacey, as his partner, was also invited along. Danny had been there plenty of times before, but always as Jake, Connor and Luke’s mate. He’d never been there as Jake’s significant other.

By now, everyone inside the house would be aware of his and Jake’s relationship. The plan had been for Jake to tell them while he was telling Stacey and Danny. Jake, however, hadn’t been anxious at all. He’d told Danny that no one would care, at least not in any negative sense. Jake confidently claimed that everyone would be happy for them, and Danny wished he could believe him.

‘You all right, mate?’ Luke said as he put a hand on Danny’s shoulder.

Danny ran a hand through his hair. ‘I feel like I’m meeting the parents,’ he said with a smile.

‘Well, you are, aren’t you? Not something you’re used to, is it?’ Stacey started to laugh. ‘Your previous dates would have been lucky to get a phone call, never mind meeting the parents.’

Danny frowned at her. Now wasn’t the time to be making jokes about his previous sex life. Before he could respond, the front door opened.

‘Afternoon,’ Michael Carter said before turning quickly to pick up his youngest son, Oscar, as he made a beeline for the door.

‘Where are you going, little man?’ Michael said with a chuckle.

‘Uncle Luke!’ Oscar shouted as he tried to wriggle from Michael’s grip.

Michael rolled his eyes and handed the squirming toddler to Luke, who took him and hoisted him over his shoulder.

‘Hey, little grouch,’ Luke said as he stepped into the house.

‘Hi, Michael,’ Stacey said and gave him a brief hug and a peck on the cheek. Danny watched them both walk inside and felt a pang of something – jealousy perhaps? They both looked so comfortable here – as though they belonged. As though they were already part of the family.

He became aware that he was still standing rooted to the spot when Michael spoke. ‘You coming in then, Danny, or what?’

Danny looked up at him. Michael was smiling and holding the door open for him. Just like he usually did. There was nothing different about his demeanour. Nothing in his face to suggest that their relationship had changed in any way. Perhaps Jake hadn’t told them?

‘Sorry,’ Danny said with a smile. ‘I was in a world of my own.’

He stepped inside the house and followed Michael into the kitchen.

‘Danny!’ Belle squealed when she saw him. Dropping her teddy bear onto the floor, she ran over and jumped into his arms.

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