T-Rex chuckled as he helped Isaac fastened MJ back into his car seat. "It's an outside bathroom. I'm pretty sure worse things than that have gone on in there."

Isaac paused as his brows furrowed. "What kind of things?"

Leaning in closer, T-Rex whispered into Isaac's ear. "Sex."

Isaac crinkled his nose. "People use the public bathroom for sex?"

T-Rex gave his mate a quick kiss. "Sweetheart, you have so much to learn."

"I'd rather not learn about bathroom sex," he said before climbing into the backseat. "At least not a gas station bathroom."

T-Rex got in and they took off, this time without MJ stinking the SUV up again. It took two hours before he finally turned down his parents' street. So many memories came flooding back, and T-Rex felt that familiar tightening in his chest. He could see him and his brothers racing up and down the street on their bikes as kids. They'd played baseball in the field behind his parents' home, and when T-Rex was older, he had helped his dad work on the car in the garage.

"You're smiling," Isaac said as he leaned forward. "Does it feel good to be back here?"

"It's bittersweet," T-Rex replied as he pulled into the driveway. "So many memories of another life."

Isaac's expression grew sad as he sat back, and T-Rex felt for the man. His mate didn't have the fond memories T-Rex cherished. Isaac hadn't grown up in suburbia. The man could never go home.

T-Rex got out and opened the back door. He pulled Isaac out and then enveloped the man in his arms. "Mom's gonna love you. You'll see. My family is yours, Isaac. Always remember that."

Isaac nodded as he took a deep breath and reached into the backseat for MJ. T-Rex's mother came, and her entire face lit up. "Tanner!"

T-Rex went to her and gave her a hug.

"I'm glad to see you, but what are you doing here? You didn't even call to say you were coming."

Releasing his mom, T-Rex waved toward his mate. "I wanted you to meet the love of my life, Isaac Newton."

She hurried away from T-Rex and introduced herself to Isaac. She hugged Isaac tightly, something he knew she would do. His mom had been like that since forever. He'd never seen her riled up or angry. She'd raised seven sons, and she had a spine of steel. But when it came to the girls his brothers had dated, or the women they'd married, she was a softy.

Isaac was no exception, and T-Rex knew his mate wouldn't be. His mother hadn't cared when she'd found out the T-Rex was gay. Neither she nor his father had batted an eyelash.

"You have a baby?" she turned, wide-eyed. "I should skin you alive for not telling me!"

T-Rex walked to the SUV as he cleared his throat. He handed his mom the papers Marcus had left with his son. She frowned and took them, reading them over. Tears gathered in her eyes before she turned toward MJ. "Marcus's son," she whispered as she took the infant from Isaac's hands. "He never said...I can't believe..." She swallowed and held the baby close to her bosom. "He's still here with us."

T-Rex's father walked outside and gave him a hearty hug before his mom said, "Ronald, this is Marcus's son."

His father took the boy and gazed into MJ's eyes, and T-Rex could see the pride swelling inside his father. "What a handsome young man."

"Come," his mom said. "Let's get inside where I can get Isaac something to eat. He's so darn thin."

T-Rex leaned close to his mate. "Watch it. She loves to feed everyone."

His father turned and looked at Isaac and then at T-Rex. "Aren't you going to introduce us?"

T-Rex smiled. "Dad, this is my partner, Isaac."

"Welcome," his dad said as he curled MJ in one arm and used the other to shake Isaac's hand. "Welcome to the family."

T-Rex slid his arm around Isaac's waist when his mate's eyes misted. Isaac cleared his throat and released the man's hand. "Thank you, Mr. Rexford."

T-Rex's father scoffed. "You're my son-in-law. Call me Ronald."

Isaac's smile was bright enough to rival the sun. "Okay, Ronald."

T-Rex slid his hand into Isaac's, and they walked inside.

Isaac had never been with such an open, loving, laughing family in his life. They'd ended up staying for a week so T-Rex's parents could spend time with MJ. He hated to see the week end. T-Rex ended up shopping for clothes since both Isaac and his mate hadn't been prepared to spend so much time away from home.

His mate's mother had doted over Isaac the entire time. Ronald had treated him like one of the family, asking Isaac if he liked sports, did he drink, and if he liked fishing.

Isaac felt awkward when he'd answered no to all three. The man hadn't seemed disappointed though. He swore he'd fine something they had in common. And he had. They both liked eating.

Isaac had to have gained ten pounds over the week. T-Rex had been right. Gloria loved to cook. He'd also met a few of his mate's brothers who had stopped by to get a look at Isaac and MJ. His mate's brothers had been the typical all-American men. They were tall, broad, and most were married with kids. They barbequed and watched football on the television as Isaac helped Gloria in the kitchen.

"I'm going to miss you," she confessed on the last night. "I love having you here."

"You have a beautiful family," Isaac replied. "Thank you for being so accepting."

She waved her hand at him. "Tanner is my son. Why on earth would I turn my back on him just because he loves men instead of women? I've taught my boys that love is love, no matter who the person is." She smiled at him. "Besides, if I didn't approve, I would have missed out on your wonderful company."

"I wish my parents were like you," Isaac said and then curled his lips in. He hadn't meant to say that out loud. It was bad enough that the men at Big Bear Ranch knew his shame. He didn't want Gloria looking at him in a less favorable light. She was the sweetest woman, and he would hate it if she thought him not good enough for her son.

Gloria continued to mix the macaroni salad as if she hadn't heard him, but Isaac could see her blue eyes growing soft. He was thankful they weren't growing cold. "Not everyone is parent material, and we all make mistakes."

Isaac fisted the hand towel and nodded.

"But you're welcome to call me anytime, and I would love to visit Bear County."

"You'd love it there," Isaac said. "You should see the ranch. It's beautiful." He sat there and told her everything he loved about it, including the mountains and the quaint feel the town had.

"Sounds like a place I'd love to visit," she said. "And I'm glad MJ will be growing up there."

"Aren't you upset that Marcus asked T-Rex to raise your grandson?"

"T-Rex." She laughed. "I haven't heard that nickname in forever. But no, I'm not upset. I've done my raising, and if I had to, I would raise MJ. But you and Tanner are young and can keep up with the boy. Besides, you deserve to have a family together and experience the joys I did raising a son...or seven." She laughed again.

Isaac grew quiet. For the first time since they'd arrived, he thought about what the doctor had said to him. He would never be able to raise seven sons. He couldn't give T-Rex that.

"What is it?" Gloria asked. "You look so sad."

"It's just that..." Isaac wasn't sure how to tell her or if he even should.

She came around the table and gave Isaac a hug before she whispered, "I know, hon. Tanner told me about what you are and the tragedy you've gone through. Please don't be mad at him. I forced the information out of my son."

Isaac wasn't mad. How could he be? T-Rex's family was the polar opposite from the family Isaac had grown up with. "Thank you, for being so kind."

"I must say, it is strange to know I'm hugging a bear," she said. "But when one door closes, another opens. You were given MJ for a reason. Don't mourn over what you've lost but smile at what you've gained."

She kissed him on the cheek. "I know it must be devastating, but Tanner loves you. I can see it in his eyes when he looks at you. You're that man's entire world."

"I'm going to miss you as well," Isaac said.

"FaceTime me."

Isaac frowned. "Do what to you?" He wasn't sure if that was something T-Rex's mother should be saying to him.

She picked her phone up from the table. "Have Tanner show you how and then we can talk, face-to-face."

"Really?" Isaac said. He never knew people could do that. T-Rex had said his phone could do everything, but Isaac never imaged it could do that. "I'll have him show me."

"Great!" She set the bowl in the fridge. "Now let's go pester our men."

Chapter Eleven.

He loved visiting his parents, but there was nothing like getting home. T-Rex rolled the window down and inhaled the fresh country air as he drove through Bear County. Life had thrown him some hard curve balls, but it seemed as if everything were finally settling down.

For the most part. His fingers gripped the wheel just a bit tighter as he thought about bringing MJ to his home. He knew his friends would accept the little guy, but it felt strange being responsible for another life.

"This has been one long trip," Isaac said from the backseat as he yawned.

"We'll be home soon." T-Rex glanced in his rearview to see Isaac's eyes drooping. He couldn't believe how much he loved Isaac. He never thought he'd find the perfect man to spend the rest of his life with. He certainly didn't think he'd be a parent either. But as he gazed at the two in the backseat, T-Rex knew his life was complete.

He let go of a long breath when he finally pulled into the Big Bear Ranch. The day was in full swing as he spotted the row of vehicles parked to the side. He could see past the house to the corrals where Rowdy and the ranch hands were hard at work.

It was good to be home.

As soon as he parked, T-Rex got MJ out of his car seat. When Isaac tried to grab their bags, T-Rex shook his head. "Leave it. We'll get the stuff later."

Isaac grabbed the diaper bag, and they both headed into a noisy house. It was midmorning, and the kids were all awake and letting everyone know that fact. The noise level was loud. But it was a noise that T-Rex was used to and had grown to love. He wasn't sure how he and his men survived all those years without little feet under them.

Legend was sitting in the middle of the chaos, allowing Sofia to brush his shoulder-length hair as he read a book to Chris, who was trying to get away. Legend grabbed the small boy and pulled him back every time Chris took off, which only made Chris squeal in laughter. Abriel and Moirai were in their bear forms, wrestling around, grunting and growling.

"Good to see nothing has changed," T-Rex said as he closed the front door.

Legend looked over his shoulder and then frowned when his eyes landed on the infant in T-Rex's arms. Before Legend could say anything, Stripper walked out into the room. He stopped, gazed at MJ, and then said, "Please don't tell me you kidnapped a cub for Isaac."

T-Rex shook his head. "You're an idiot."

MJ began to wiggle in his arms, so T-Rex set his nephew down in the middle of the chaos. MJ half crawled, half swam toward the others. Sofia was up on her feet and racing toward him, stopping the others from going anywhere near MJ.

She sat and started to brush the black hair on MJ's head.

"I think she's found her an infant to mother." Legend chuckled. "So who is he?"

"My nephew," T-Rex said as Isaac collapsed on the couch and curled up, closing his eyes. He stood there and told Legend and Stripper what had taken place when he went to Maria's.

"Damn," Stripper said softly. "A baby."

"I was pretty shocked as well," T-Rex admitted. "Marcus hadn't mentioned having a son."

He still couldn't figure out why, but he would never have an answer. T-Rex was just glad that he'd gone and hadn't ignored Travis. But he had a feeling that if he had, Travis would have brought MJ to him.

"Handsome little devil," Legend said as he stopped Sofia from trying to put clips in MJ's hair.

T-Rex smiled. MJ fit right in.

Glancing at the couch, T-Rex found his mate was fast asleep. Isaac had taken care of the infant almost the entire ride home. MJ was filled with a lot of energy. T-Rex and his mate were going to have their hands full.

"I'm going to take Isaac upstairs," he said to Legend. "Mind watching MJ?"

"Nah, I got this." Legend waved a hand at T-Rex. "Take care of your mate."

T-Rex pulled Isaac into his arms and carried the man upstairs. Isaac hardly stirred. He moved into his bedroom and closed the door with his foot before placing Isaac in the bed. T-Rex slipped Isaac's shoes off and then undressed his mate.

Before he could tuck the covers around Isaac, his mate pulled at T-Rex's arm. Isaac opened his eyes and stared at T-Rex, and T-Rex wasn't sure what to make of that stare. It was dark, almost hungry. He tried not to react, tried not to take his mate. They hadn't slept together since before T-Rex left to go meet his brother. He missed his mate but wasn't going to push Isaac until the man was ready.

"I miss you," Isaac said. He pulled a little harder on T-Rex's arm.

T-Rex slid into the bed and pulled Isaac into his arms. "I miss you, too."

He knew his mate was talking about the intimacy between them, or lack of, for weeks now. But he wasn't entirely sure what his mate wanted. T-Rex would place the world at Isaac's feet if the man asked. He loved Isaac more than he'd ever loved anyone in his life, and the intimate distance between them was killing him.

And not just sex. They weren't as close as T-Rex thought they should be. Although Isaac was coming out of his depression, the man still had a wall he kept in place. T-Rex wanted to tear that wall down. He wanted his little Amish guy back.

He held his mate for the longest time, and then Isaac pulled his head back and began to kiss T-Rex with so much passion, so much need. Isaac gripped T-Rex's hair, holding tightly as he threw one leg over T-Rex's thigh.

"Make love to me," Isaac whispered into T-Rex's mouth.

Pulling out of the man's grip, T-Rex yanked his shirt over his head and let it fall to the floor. He shoved his shoes off before he finally moved from the bed and yanked the rest of his clothes free. He was erect, aching, and ready to give the man whatever he needed.

When he crawled back into bed, Isaac surprised T-Rex by scooting down until he was settled between T-Rex's legs.

"Isaac, you don't have to do-"

He hissed and held Isaac's head firmly as he restrained that fire, controlled it, and watched it burn brighter inside Isaac as his mate's lips opened over the thick crest of T-Rex's erection and took it into the burning heat of his mouth.