Chapter Twenty-One | Skylar

Two months later.

It wasn't often my grandma made her way out to Victoria. But she had her reasons. We'd been spending a lot of time on the phone. I'd been filling her in on my new relationship structure.

She wanted to meet Owen.

I brought a tray with tea and cookies into the living room and set it on the big leather coffee table. So far, my grandma was simply talking to Owen about his work.

That would change.

I poured everyone a cup of tea and took a seat between my men. Chad had made some vegan shortbread. I nibbled on one as I waited for the conversation to turn.

"So, Owen," my grandma started. "Tell me about your family."

Owen's chest expanded and then he exhaled. "Not much to tell. My mom and dad divorced when I was young. A year later, my mom married again. My brother and I got a new brother who was a few months younger than me in the bargain. My stepdad and I get on well, but I don't speak to my birth dad. My stepdad taught me how to work on cars. A passion of mine now."

"Why don't you and your birth dad speak?"

"He cheated on my mom repeatedly for most of their marriage. His behaviour is an affront to my core beliefs." Owen looked at me and Chad. "I would never do that to these two men. "

"Have you had serious relationships before?"

"Only one, but he was using me for my money. It lasted less than a year. Other than that, I haven't had any luck finding a man to spend my life with."

"And you think having two men is a good idea."

Owen smiled. "Double the love."

"You love them both?"

"My heart has never been this full."

"Where do you see this relationship going?"

Owen reached for my hand and clung to it. "I'm confident the three of us will last forever."

My grandma raised her eyebrows. "Are you living here with them?"

She knew damned well Owen wasn't living with us … yet. We both owned what amounted to lucrative estates. Moving in together would require careful consideration.

"We're still figuring things out," Owen replied.

"You mentioned you were passionate about working on cars. Tell me about that."

I felt immense relief on Owen's behalf. My grandma was easing up.

"I restore vintage cars and sell them to collectors. I do decent work."

"I've been helping him," Chad interjected. "He knows his stuff."

"And your relationship with Chad," my grandma redirected. "Do you have shared interests other than restoring cars?" She was digging again.

"We like to cook together," Owen replied. "Chad has been teaching me vegan recipes."

"You'll work together to cook for Skylar?"

I threw my hand up. "Hey, hey … I can cook too."

Chad nudged me with his shoulder. "Be honest. It's not your favourite thing to do. "

I chuckled. "True."

"I want to make sure Skylar isn't going to be left on the outskirts," my grandma said.

"All three of us are fully committed to one another," Owen responded. "No one is left out."

"My grandson is more sensitive and vulnerable than he lets on."

"We know," both Owen and Chad replied then cuddled closer to me.

My grandma nodded her head. "Okay. Thank you, Owen, for putting up with an overprotective old woman. I have no doubt the three of you are fully aware of what you're getting into."

I patted both Chad and Owen's thighs. "I need a moment with my grandma."

They both rose.

"We'll start dinner," Chad said.

I waited until they were gone then moved down the couch to be closer to my grandma.

"I need advice," I said.

"I'll help if I can."

Just talking it through was going to help clarify things. I hadn't brought up my thoughts to Chad and Owen yet. I wanted a plan in my mind before I shared what I was considering doing.

"I can't work for Aldec Pharmaceuticals anymore."

My grandma exhaled through her nose. "I wondered when that might be coming."

"I have a few reasons. My dad being my boss. The experimentation on animals. But mostly, I want to be here in Victoria with my family. I don't want to do the back and forth anymore."

"Having Owen join the two of you has changed things. "

"I love them both so much. I want to spend every day with them. I want to hold them and kiss them and spend every night with them in my arms." I looked at my hands. "Owen wants kids."

"Oh, Skylar … you'd consider that?"

I nodded. "I want him to be happy." I tilted my head as I looked at her. "Chad and I would be happy too. Falling in love with Owen made us realize how much love we have to give."

Tears gathered in my grandma's eyes.

"Look at you." She smiled at me. "Growing up before my very eyes. I never doubted you'd put your men first, but I worried you'd neglect yourself. That's not what I'm seeing."

"My life is so full, Grandma."

"And your life is here now." She reached for my hands and held them. "You're making the right decision. What are you thinking you'll do with your time? I know you don't need the money, but I don't want you to feel unfulfilled. You'll need to fill your days somehow."

"I was thinking of teaching at the university or maybe opening my own pharmacy."

"I can see you doing both those things. Have you told Chad and Owen yet?"

"No, but I will. I wanted to talk to you first. I've always valued your advice."

"Tell them soon."

I smiled at her. "Tonight. When I have them alone and we have a quiet moment."

My grandma patted my hand. "I'm so proud of you, Skylar."

A pleasure-filled grin lifted my glasses. She could still pull it out of me. No matter how confident and commanding I was, my grandma could reach in and find my inner young boy.

"Thanks, Grandma. Love you."

"Love you too, my starbright. "

I held her pet name for me in my heart for the rest of the night. Dinner was fabulous. Chad and Owen worked well together. My grandma was enthusiastic with her compliments.

When she rose to leave hours later, I was sad to see her go. I wouldn't be visiting with her as often. Our once-a-week dinners would be impacted by my complete move out of Toronto.

Desiring all the time I could get with her, I wanted her to stay with us instead of a hotel, but she insisted she wanted her own space. And she didn't want to impose on our privacy.

She left us by giving me what I needed to hear. In the front entry, she kissed my cheek and whispered, "Owen is perfect for you," in my ear.

My heart soared.

Later in bed, I held them both. I tugged them close. "I'm leaving Toronto."

They lifted their heads and looked at me. "What?" In unison.

"I don't want to live there anymore."

"But your job," Owen said.

I kissed them each on the forehead. "Is not as important as the two of you."

Chad pushed up onto one hand, his eyes wide. "You're really coming home for good?"

"I don't want to be anywhere else but here with my family."

Owen hummed and kissed my cheek. "We're going to need a bigger bed."

I cupped his face and gazed into his gentle, loving eyes. "In a shared home?" When he nodded, I kissed him. Chad squirmed beside me. He leaned across me, nearly knocking the breath out of me with the palm of his hand on my chest, and kissed Owen too.

I savoured the moment .

Everything I wanted in life was right here in my arms.

These two men—I wanted to share everything with them.

My life.

My heart.

My soul.

My absolute unwavering love.