Valentine's Dates Over the Years

Colin could hear laughter from the direction of Brooklyn’s bedroom as he opened the door. He knew that Phoebe had come over to help Brooklyn get ready for the dance so he assumed it was the laughter of the two girls he heard.

“Linc?” he called out, wondering where his boyfriend was.

“Kitchen!” The other man’s voice came back and Colin kicked off his shoes, setting them in the rack before heading in that direction as another peal of laughter rang out.

“How long have they been getting ready?” Colin asked after he greeted Lincoln with a kiss.

The blond rolled his eyes. “At least an hour. I have no idea what could take them so long, but they’re having fun so I’m not going to worry. I just hope they’re ready before the boys get here.”

Colin relaxed against the counter, leaning over to take a whiff of what Lincoln was preparing for dinner. He grinned as he recognized the beef stew. Lincoln had been cooking for hours if that’s what he was making. Colin was pretty sure the other man was using it to distract himself from Brooklyn’s date. Reaching out, Colin snagged Lincoln’s belt loop and dragged the other man towards him, settling their bodies together. “So they’ll be out for a few hours… Did you have plans?”

“Dinner,” Lincoln replied, his breath warm against Colin’s face. “Maybe some dancing. I’m sure we can occupy ourselves.”

Colin grinned, opening his mouth to answer Lincoln, but Brooklyn’s voice interrupted them, “Can’t you two wait until we’re gone to be gross?”

Lincoln rested his head on Colin’s shoulder for a moment before saying, “Mini-me, this is my house. I’ll be as gross as I want.” He pushed himself away from Colin’s body and turned. Colin felt his intake of breath as he saw his little sister for the first time. “You look beautiful,” he said softly.

Brooklyn’s face lit up at his words and she spun in place, allowing them to see her full outfit. The dress was red with black trim, befitting the theme of hearts for the dance. The top was a simple spaghetti style while the knee length skirt was full and fluffy. “Thanks, Linc,” she said, twirling again.

Colin watched as the two siblings embraced and he smiled. A moment later, Brooklyn danced over to him and hugged him also. “Thank you,” she whispered.

“For what?” he asked, squeezing her tightly.

“For being here. For being a part of our family.” She inclined her head towards Lincoln. “Have a good evening. Be gross together.”

Lincoln tugged a curl as he wrapped his arms around both of them. “One day you’ll find someone to be gross with,” he told her. “Also, shouldn’t you have outgrown thinking it’s gross?”

She tilted her head so she could look Lincoln in the eye. “Pretty sure I’ll always think my parents kissing is gross.”

Phoebe had watched all of this without comment, but now she said, “Brook, we’re gonna be late for dinner if we don’t leave soon.”

The teenager wiggled out of the embrace, leaving Colin’s arms wrapped around Lincoln. She pressed a kiss to each of their cheeks before crossing the room to link arms with her friend. “Love you both,” she said.

“Be careful,” Lincoln said. “Call if you need anything. We’ll come get you if you want.”

“We’ll be fine, but we will call if we need anything,” she assured him before heading out of the room.

Colin squeezed Lincoln as the two girls disappeared from sight. Brooklyn was growing up and Lincoln seemed to be reveling in acting as her father. He was happy to be a part of their family.

I'll be back on Thursday with the third and final part.