Tony went back to his sister and held out his hand. “I’d love to have my big sister back in my life. But,” he warned, “you’ll have to fit in with my family here. I won’t allow you to hurt or upset them.”
She took his peace offering, accepting his hand. “I understand. I’m not saying it’ll be easy, but I’d like to start over.” She hugged him.
He embraced her, his heart happy for the moment. “Good. Now, come on. I’m sure you’re exhausted and by now, Margie’s probably already got one of the guest rooms made up for you. I’ll introduce you to the others tomorrow after you’ve rested.”
Brody stood on the other side of the door when Tony opened it, hand raised to knock. His lover looked at him with concern and he smiled, letting Brody know things were okay.
“Margie said to tell you the room’s ready. Also, there’s a nightgown and an extra toothbrush in the bathroom for you, Mrs. Martinez,” Brody told Angelina.
“Please, call me Angelina and it’ll be Romanos after the divorce is final.” She touched Brody’s arm. “I look forward to getting to know you better.”
Brody’s surprise showed on his face, but he nodded. “I’m sure we’ll have time soon.” Brody kissed Tony’s cheek. “I’ll be in the living room.”
He watched Brody make his way back down the hall towards the front of the house.
Turning, he caught Angelina watching them. He couldn’t tell what she was thinking.
“Your room’s down here.” He led the way down the hall. “How did you find out about Luis?”
“Tia Elena can be a vindictive person when she feels someone has hurt her family.”
Angelina grimaced. “She asked me to drive her to Austin. Her directions managed to get us lost and we ended up outside a club. Luis was kissing some man in the crowd.”
“That had to be a shock,” he commented.
“I wanted to throw up. I couldn’t believe he’d cheat on me. Where have I been all these years and how blind was I?” She shook her head. “Tia Elena never liked Luis. She told me my husband has hurt our family enough and deserves to be treated like the dog he is. I took her home and confronted him when he got home.”
Tony opened the door to Lindsay’s old room. “You can sleep here tonight.”
“Thanks.” Angelina stepped into the room, and then turned around. “When I accused him of cheating, Luis was furious. He yelled about that fag spilling his guts. He had to be talking about you. He was so angry, I got frightened and left. I called Mama and Papa to tell them I was getting a divorce. After I hung up on them, I called Elena and asked where you lived now.”
“And she told you,” Tony supplied the words.
“Yes. I drove straight here.” A yawn interrupted her.
“Call Mama. Let her know you’re okay. It’s up to you whether you tell her where you are.” He kissed her cheek. “Sleep as late as you want. We’ll talk more tomorrow.”
“Thank you, mi hermano. I don’t deserve your kindness.”
“Yes, you do. You’re mi hermana. No matter what happened before.”
He waited until she shut her door before he headed back to the living room.
* * * *
Brody stood when Tony came into the room. He watched as his lover went to the side bar, poured a double shot of whiskey and slammed it back. Two more disappeared in similar fashion and Brody shot Les a worried look. Les shook his head.
Tony propped his body against the cabinet and took a deep breath. Brody moved over to stand next to him, resting his hand on a slumped shoulder.
“Are the boys still awake?” Tony’s question was low, but Brody heard it.
“Yes. They went out to check on one of the mares. She’s ready to drop her foal any time now.” Brody rubbed his hand over Tony’s shirt, trying to comfort his cowboy.
“Randy, call down to the barn and have them come in. We need to talk.” Tony turned, wrapped his arms around Brody’s waist and held tight.
Brody crushed Tony to his chest, not caring all the air in his lungs was being squeezed out. He held on, letting Tony know he was there for him.
“They’re on their way in.” Randy touched Brody’s arm. “Les and I are going to bed.”
“No.” Tony pulled away. “We’re family and there shouldn’t be secrets among us.”
Les took Randy’s hand. “We’ll go make some coffee.”
Brody waited until the other couple had left before he asked, “What the hell is going on, Tony?”
“I’ll explain everything as soon as the boys get in here.” Tony’s callused palms cupped his face. “I promise no one is dying or dead. If I see my brother-in-law any time soon, that might be a lie.”
“Tio?”
Juan and Yancey came in, worried frowns on their faces.
“Go wash up and come back. We need to talk,” Tony said.
Yancey shot him a glance and he nodded. Whatever was going on was important to Tony and Brody would make sure it happened.
They all arrived back at the living room at the same time. Randy and Les had the coffee and mugs. The boys carried plates with pieces of Margie’s apple pie on them.
Everyone settled down. Les and Randy snuggled together in Les’ big chair. Juan and Yancey sat next to each other on the couch, so close that with one move, Juan could be sitting on Yancey’s lap.
“What’s going on, Tony?” Les broke the uncomfortable silence.
“Angelina is divorcing Luis.”
“It’s about damn time,” Juan shouted.
“Juan, watch your mouth.” Brody admonished the younger man.
Tony stared at his nephew. “How long have you known about your uncle?”
“U-m-m…” Juan glanced at Yancey for help.
Brody’s younger brother spoke up. “He didn’t want to hurt his aunt’s feelings.”
Tony held up his hand, stopping any more words
