I’d joined the other two men in drinking red wine with the meal, though Liz had stayed with her white Z. Paul offered me more wine or something stronger, but I declined. We sat in leather chairs that faced each other on either side of the fireplace.
“Brent, I know this whole thing must be awkward for you, and you must believe me, Liz and I don’t want it to be. We’re prepared to love you because Gabe does, and even from our being together this briefly, I can see that you two love each other.”
“Yes. I never expected to find anyone in my life as wonderful as your son. I do love him deeply.”
“Do you have any doubt that he loves you?”
“No, sir.”
“Paul!” He grinned.
“Sorry, Paul.”
“Well, I just wanted to welcome you to the family. Don’t feel overwhelmed or on trial or anything. Try to fee
