Topnotch

In his early 20's, Kyan loses his wife and becomes a single father with 4 very VERY young kids (the youngest is only days old). This story follows him as he struggles to raise his children, mourn the loss of his love, and try to find some peace in his life. All the while, his brother-in-law has held a candle for years. Like all MrsGnomie's stories, we peel back real emotions and find that not everything is as it seems. It's not just about Kyan and Perry, but the kids and his in-laws each have a place/part in this story which gives it such great depth. A truly wonderful tale and worth a re-read to enjoy it all over again.

That's what I'm saying!

I can't help but wonder if Jessica walked in on her parents once and now it's her mission to make sure no one else experiences that kind of life shattering event.

Woah. Hey. Perry was tied to the bed? Okay. Yes. Why is this only happening at the very end??

If Mrs G was planning to throw a wrench at us in the 11th hour it would be the kids opposition. I don't *think* that's the case but I have my guard up. I do feel confident that we won't get much more about Max until his story. Which makes me want his story even more.

Perfectly said, as usual

Gracie is one hell of a character.

You've done a great job of building the mystery behind Reid and Max. If we don't get their story in the near future, there will be mutiny. Mark my words. This is a chapter of progression. I love that Perry fell asleep in peace, maybe for the first time ever? Then woke with a frantic message from Kyan. Not because he was in any trouble, but because he was receiving proper affection from Jed and it was overwhelming. I thought it was fitting. The family joining together, with Jessica being her normal oldest sister self, was also fitting. No one made a fuss over Perry and Kyan because it's how it should be. Everyone in the family had been waiting, and now it was here and they were all happy, as they should. I think the "I want" conversation was perfect. I agree with @84Mags it felt very much like a private exchange of vows. I see them having a very lowkey ceremony. Getting married for a second time, to the sibling of your first spouse, is weird. Even if Kyan was destined for Perry, it's weird. It would be weird to have a big ceremony and invite all the same people. I think Kyan is going to find his own success. He is going to find his independence while being part of a thriving partnership. This was beautiful. Can't wait to see what you have next.

I did once and then I beat @kbois to the first comment. A high I still chase.

According to Max, there isn't much commission sales in his past? He helped companies design locks and then designed them himself. I felt like he was just trying to make Reid's life a living hell lol. Trying to take his commission just to spite him. There is definitely something between them and I want to know what it is! Sounds like a good story

I can read fast, but not THAT fast haha.

From the beginning of the story (once I realized Perry was a point of interest) I wondered how Kyan never saw it. His explanation makes total sense. As a big fan of the power of love languages, no one in his life showed him acts of service except Perry. Its a great example of one's own experiences changing perception. I am glad they cleared it up. There should be no confusion for Kyan at this point.

I was surprised Perry didn't jump at the chance to tell Kyan he loved him but as I think about it, I don't find it too surprising. Perry was under the impression they would never share those words, so even though Kyan said it, Perry was still keeping it tucked away because that's what he'd trained himself to do. We're finally moving on up in the world. I can't wait to see the kids' reaction to Uncle Papa Perry

Oof. 💔 The first thing that came to mind was something he said in an earlier chapter "Woman marry their fathers and men marry their mothers." I know that is not the case with Perry (he is far too perfect) but I understand Kyan's fear in repeating that pattern.

Chapter full of great nuggets. What a long night for poor Perry. The guy drops what he's doing and drive to Kyan only to get blocked by the kids picket line. Honestly, I think it was perfectly done. Glad to see Kyan call his in-laws to watch the kids so he and Perry could have make-up sex. Gracie was brought down a few notches. I think they're still fighting an up hill battle with that spitfire. Some kids are just stinking difficult but at least Noah feels heard. I have feeling Kyan and Perry aren't done talking but I think it was a solid start. Perry was ready to do anything Kyan wanted, including moving on, so Kyan apologizing first was a pleasant surprise. Perry is a precious soul and he should get what he gives.

Not me thinking Perry is on a date with Reid and almost throwing my phone across the office.

This was my thought also. There is so much assumption about how Dayna would feel. I'm not saying they are wrong, but no one confronted her about it. Just like no one confronted Kyan. It's like the entire family is afraid of her. Why? She was a child! What did she have on them? The entire family needs a pow wow.

As always you have a really great perspective. I don't think Kyan is always going to look for Dayna's approval and I see his point in this situation. If he had known upfront that Dayna had concerns about him and Perry, THEY would have been able to work through that together, as Kyan's feelings for Perry grew. As it stands, he feels understandably betrayed. In previous chapters he did worry about how Dayna would take it. He was able to get passed that worry because he truly thought Dayna and Perry's relationship was solid. That was not the case.

Difficult answer, but I think he was. I see his point.

I cringed so loud the office next to mine heard it. Perry! Read the room. Now is not the time to bring that up. I'm still cringing about it. Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

I do love her. The other kids are amazing but Gracie is as Kyan would say "next level". Tho if I'm honest, she would probably drive me crazy IRL. But I love her in this story!

I was thinking this also. Perry may have loved Kyan but his life didn't revolve around him. He built a solid business, loved his family, dated (albeit unsuccessfully). He didn't let his life slip away because his feelings for Kyan went unrequited. For this reason alone, I know these two will go the distance.

I'm going stir crazy reading this chapter. It's time to go home.

This is a great chapter. If we didn't know Perry was 100% in the trenches, we do now. He's committed. Perry WILL be coaching the kids and he WILL be helping Gracie practice her debates. Watching him with his Charboil made me a little sad he isn't a dad, tho he doesn't seem upset. Perry appears to be fully content with his life (now that he has Kyan). He wants to parent WITH Kyan and I don't mean their own kid. Perry can look past biology. I think he will end up adopting his nieces and nephews. Papa Perry.

I read this scene and immediately had to find that song that's playing everywhere. It's good, but now I love it and will think of Perry every time I hear it.