Love Is Always Write Volume 4

church—but this was a compromise he'd arranged for religious-phobic Phillip. And, it turned out, the service was perfect. Emily slept through it, even when Danny dribbled the water on her head.
    At the end, everyone applauded. Soon after, many of the guests began to leave, including Phillip's friends, but about ten people hung around, talking and laughing. Even without Phillip, the party was a success.
    Danny went to the bedroom to change out of her vestments.
    Stefan, carrying the last pitcher of Spring Fever from the kitchen, heard Greg speak in a low voice to Mellady. "What was that?"
    "I think it's called a dedication ceremony. Wasn't the bit thanking me sweet? I loved it."
    "Yeah, I got that. Very nice. I mean Danny. Is he a man or a woman?"
    "Oh for god's sake." Over her brother's shoulder, she caught Stefan's gaze—but for only a second. Her voice was slightly louder as she said, "I can't believe you of all people are intolerant."
    "I'm not intolerant, just…" Greg waved a hand. "I'm just not used to it, okay? Call it culture shock. That's not the same thing."
    "So you say. But I'd think a gay guy would be a little less prone to criticism of out of the mainstream choices."
    Oho, so that was interesting. And Mellady definitely met Stefan's stare then. He rolled his eyes in return. Message delivered. Her brother was gay. Probably an idiot and careless with the baby, but gay. And hot.
    Stefan cleared his throat and took a couple of steps closer to them so Greg would notice him. "Danny identifies as a woman. So that's what she is."
    Greg turned to him and frowned. "See? That's all I was asking. I don't know the rules, so I have to ask, right?"
    "Honestly, you could just figure it out by listening. There's no need to sound ignorant," Mellady scolded.
    Greg's natural scowl relaxed into a smile. "Are you kidding? And miss the chance to annoy you by asking?"
    Stefan couldn't help grinning. He and Greg looked at each other. The traces of Greg's smile vanished, though the laugh lines still touched the corners of his eyes as he examined Stefan.
    "You heard all that?" Greg said in a low voice.
    "You mean that you're a homosexual?" Stefan drawled. He really didn't need to say it so loudly, but it was irresistible. The few remaining guests turned in their direction.
    Greg blushed. Actually turned red. The big, tough guy who traveled the world, made huge business deals, and took care of his six siblings—the attractive coward—was embarrassed.
    Stefan felt the need to reassure him. "You'll get used to life outside of the closet fast."
    Greg's eyes narrowed. In a low voice, he said, "Are you trying to put me on the spot?"
    "Nope. Really, I wouldn't do that to a guest in my house." Poor Greg. Stefan wanted to pull him into his arms, give him an encouraging hug, but the guy did have about thirty pounds of what looked like muscle and a couple of inches on him.
    Greg shifted from foot to foot. "Okay, look. I'm just…"
    "Touchy?" Stefan muttered.
    Greg did have a great smile. He shrugged. "Yeah, I guess. I spend a lot of time in circles that aren't real receptive to new ideas."
    Emily began to make little whimpering sounds.
    Stefan rushed for her and hauled her from her chair.
    Greg had followed him.
    Greg shoved his hands into his trouser pockets. "You really do love her, don't you."
    Stefan patted the tiny back. She reared back in his arms, and her sharp fingernails scratched his chin. "The first time I held her, she fell asleep on my shoulder. I had this moment." He swallowed, waited until he knew he'd sound light and unconcerned again. "She was asleep on me, and I understood I was the only thing between her and the rest of the world. And I knew that anything that tried to hurt her was going to pay."
    Greg sighed and rubbed his temple. "Ha. Welcome to my life way back when. Years ago, I was ready to run away when I heard Mom was going to have another baby. Once she handed this squirming piece of red meat to me, I knew I was doomed. Again. Damn babies." He shook his head as if marveling at his own stupidity.
    He held out his arms. "Let me."
    Stefan passed him Emily. And this time he didn't worry that her uncle would walk away with her.
    ****
    GREG
    They drove away from the party in silence.
    "Well, so? Did you have fun?"
    "Sure that's a great house." Greg noticed the small smear of baby puke on his suit as they pulled up to a light. He pulled out a paper napkin from the glove compartment and rubbed at it. "Not used to