Chapter 90

Tom wanted to swear. When Rush had first come to them, he’d been recovering from a stomach ulcer. All this time, he had been symptom-free, and now, in his brother’s presence for less than an hour, and they had returned with a vengeance.

“Easy, baby,” Thaddeus murmured. “Easy.”

“If they said they were going to come, I knew they would do something to ruin it, and it’s supposed to be the most perfect day of my life, and—” Rush’s voice hitched, and tears slid down his cheeks. “And I don’t care! I don’t want them here!” He tucked his head against his fiancé’s neck, and his shoulders shook.

“Oh, baby.” Thaddeus tightened his hold and stroked a comforting hand up and down Rush’s back.

Tom knelt beside the boys and wrapped his arms around them both. “It’s all right, Rush. They won’t be missed, I promise you.”

“There’s more,” Thaddeus said grimly. “Go ahead, Rush. Tell him.”