“My name is Aiden and I’m not a parent.” Aiden stood in front of the support group and laced his fingers together. “I’m the not-so-rare breed called the child of gay parents. I grew up well-adjusted and happy. If my father, Keye, hadn’t died, we’d still be a happy family. My other father, Len, decided not to seek out another partner after Keye’s passing five years ago. Last year, he decided to try again with a man named Ross. Anyway, I knew I was loved, cared for, I had boundaries, and if I screwed up, my dads and Keye loved me enough to punish me.” He swept his gaze around the room. Meeting at the hospital wasn’t the norm for the group, but he couldn’t complain. They’d been able to come to him and he appreciated the gesture.

Colin Baker stepped up beside Aiden. “He’s leaving out the best part.” He grinned. “Aiden grew up big, strong and to become a doctor.”
              “Well, there is that.” The tips of his ears burned. He wasn’t embarrassed to admit his profession. Being a doctor was in his blood. Sure, he had a good job, but he wasn’t much different from anyone else. “I’m here at the hospital and I’ve put my work number on the business cards in case you or your children have questions. I’ve been in their shoes and know a lot of how they feel.”

He flexed his fingers and waited for questions, but none came. Some of the group members left their chairs and others turned to chat with those around them. He eased away from the people and made his way to the door. His phone hadn’t buzzed—good thing. According to the schedule, he was off for the next twenty-four hours, but that didn’t mean much. If the emergency room staff numbers weren’t up to regulations, he’d be called in until he maxed out his allowed hours. He’d racked up so much overtime that if he were hourly, not salary, the hospital would go broke.

“Good turnout tonight, especially since we scheduled it for a Thursday.” Colin straightened the pamphlets on the table, then arranged the various cards. “It’s not one of our usual chatty meetings, but the others will be happy to have another resource in you. The kids need to know they aren’t alone and can succeed.”

“Gage is doing just fine and I guarantee he knows he’s not alone,” Aiden said. “I’ve seen his artwork in the children’s ward. I’m glad the school teamed up with the hospital to do that for the pediatrics. It’s awesome and boosts our morale, too.”

“He’ll be thrilled.” Colin stuffed his hands into his pockets. “You’re going to be at the wedding, right?”

“I am.” How could he forget the wedding of Farin Baker and Steve Moore? He’d only known Farin since the seventh grade. Everyone in the gay community seemed to be invited to the ceremony. He wished he had a date. Going alone would suck and he despised hook-ups at such events.

“I’m ready to rip out my hair. I never realized how picky my baby brother can be,” Colin said. “If it’s not the flowers or lack thereof, it’s the music or the events at the reception. He’s got the whole damn thing organized. There’s a time for dancing and one for sitting and being quiet. Who’s quiet at a wedding reception?”

“The brother of the groom. It’s Farin’s day—well, his and Steve’s. Let them do it how they want.” Not that he knew anything about weddings. He’d never been married and his last relationship had lasted a whole three years. Other guys loved being with a doctor and the paycheck he received, but hated his hours and how much time he was expecteto spend away from them. Maybe I’m dating the wrong men.

“I keep telling myself that. Jordan tells me the same thing, but I still want to clobber Farin when he goes Groomzilla on us. I wasn’t this bad when I married Jordan—at least I don’t think so. We walked, we stood, we said I do, then had one hell of a party at the house.” Colin shook his head. “I just wouldn’t have thought he’d be…like this.”

“It’ll be over in two days. You’ll live.” Aiden clapped Colin on the shoulder. “Speaking of days, I have exactly one day off before I’m expected back at the hospital. I’m on for an eight-hour shift on Saturday, so if I’m running late, that’s why.”

“We’ll keep an eye out. Thanks for the heads-up and thanks for talking to the group. Have a good night.” Colin winked, then strode away.

Aiden grabbed his jacket from the coat rack. The weight of a twenty-four-hour shift had gotten to him. He wanted to go home but wondered if he’d make it. As he navigated through the halls of the hospital, he waved at a couple of the nurses and, in the foyer, nodded to the elderly woman behind the main counter. The moment he stepped into the chilly October air, he blinked and dragged a long breath into his lungs. Nothing worked to wake him up like crisp fall evenings. Well, nothing like those and a good blow job in the morning, but he wasn’t likely to get one. He’d need a boyfriend first. He’d worry about his lack of a partner later. Right now, he wanted to go home, slip into a warm bath or hot shower and collapse for twelve hours straight. Maybe he would meet someone at the wedding or reception.

Maybe hell will freeze over first.