22.

Milo.

"You're a father?" A husky voice questioned coming down the stairs. He was the older Melroe no doubt, his tan skin much like Ken, black hair with streaks of grey, the 6'4 or 5 height. There was no mistaking it, he was the father to Ken.

The boys came over to me as yet another unknown person had entered the room. Where he stood, his posture and mannerisms spoke for themselves. He was tough and it seemed his whole being screamed alpha male much like Ken.

I knew how to break into that tough shell if given the chance, I had dealt with businessmen far worse than him but he was still Ken's father so I had to tie my tongue and be respectful of his home as well.

"Papa who is that, he looks like you." Haven asked looking up, the silence in the room could be sliced out by a knife because even though Haven had whispered I was sure we all heard him.

"He is your grandfather Haven and Haden." Ken stated and the man stood there staring at me and the kids. The scrutiny and judgment were so evident but it wouldn't make me cower away.

"You must be Mr. Melroe Senior, I'm Milo LaNoir so nice to meet you, sir." I extend my hand with a smile and he nods extending his hand to meet mine. When we broke apart he parted his lips.

"Before I let you step any further into my home what is your net worth and how can I be sure you're not here for the wealth my son or family possesses." He asked and I sighed knowing this situation had been inevitable.

"Dad!" Ken yelled. "Harold!" Mrs Melroe chastised. "I will not accept another leech in my house, it's bad enough he likes men but a gold digger I will not accept." He was strong-willed and just like my grandfather stubborn as a bull.

"Dad do you remember that restaurant you love so much, and mom the cafe you were glad was opened with the Art exhibition on the second floor that I showed you?" Kate asked with a sly smile and they both nod. Kate took her phone and I knew she was showing them who owned them.

"You're the owner?!" They both spoke baffled by the revelation and Ken had a smug grin on his face when I nod. "To answer your question, Sir 'm worth a couple of millions if not billions, I have shares in several companies including yours, I own two restaurants and the cafe your wife loves." When I finished reciting everything he stood there with pride looking at his son.

"This is a gold mine Ken, do not in the least hurt this boy, and Milo I'm proud of your achievements, it may seem I value money but Ken has always had a habit of picking the wrong kind of men to date." I sighed with a soft chuckle when he softens and leans down looking at the boys.

"I'm sorry for my behavior little ones, you must forgive me." The man apologized and his behavior had turned completely, Ken's mother had a smile on her face.

I understood where this man was coming from and looking at Ken's past I would have done the same, if my oldest son had been involved with Luca. It was the parent in him much like myself.

"I understand your reasoning though we must talk about that scrutiny you hold against male couples, boys greet your grandfather." I instructed and they went to him, the hug they gave him shocked me.

"Don't even think about it!" Ken warned, we both knew they were wrapping the older Melroe under their spoilt little fingers to do their bidding and this time it worked despite the warning.

"Granpa can we play tag sometime?" Haden asked with his puppy dog eyes, rolling out the charm. "Yeah and we could eat chocolate cake after." Haven added as he was laying the charm on the ground and he was hooked.

"I would love to talk about it with you Milo, and how can I say no to you two, the first grandkids I ever got." It warmed my heart hearing those words, because I really wanted to give the twins an experience with my own parents but Ken's were the next best thing.

"Harold you're not having anything sweet." Mrs Melroe piped up and all three were pouting, the puppy dog eyes had me and Kate laughing. How was this dominating businessman and father pulling a cute puppy dog face and pout, it made me realize where Ken got it from.

"Fine ice cream after dinner." She finally caved, only Ken could resist, I still caved to their whims when they tag teamed me. "Come along dinner is ready, and Milo I want that recipe for spinach Alfredo, Harold won't stop ordering it from H's." Mrs Melroe spoke leading me to the kitchen, leaving Ken and his father along with Kate and the boys in the dining room.

"It's alright, we can find a date and we'll meet just you and me Mrs. Melroe then we can go through my recipe book." She stared at me for a bit until she moved. "Honey it's mom now, your children already call me grandmother, don't you think you ought to get used to the term mom." I chuckled with a nod.

"I doubt Ken will let you go, I've never seen Harold love kids or smile like that in a long time, and I've never seen Ken smile like that. He is a father now and it seems you're taking good care of them and that's all a mother can wish from the person their children choose to love." I nod toward her and wipe away the slight tears.

I had wanted to be accepted by her because Ken wanted it too, I was taught to value family, even though they may not like your choice or they may make you do things which would create a rift between the both of you, family is still family.

"Thank you. Mom." It felt good saying it after so long. "It's okay my boy." I replied without need to explain, she knew it was always a thing when it came to mothers and children. Though I didn't give birth to the twins I was their dad and I always knew.

Dinner was served and Haven sat on Ken's lap whilst Haden was already on his grandfather's lap. Heaven knows what the two were so engrossed in as Harold laughed. We all just sat there smiling, they didn't have a care in the world and I knew Harold had found his favorite.

~~

"Do you have to go so soon?" I chuckled as Kate whined. The boys had school tomorrow and a play date. "The boys need to rest they have school tomorrow, but you can always visit, you're closeby." I reassured her and she smiled enthusiastically.

"Milo can I talk to you for a minute?" I nod to Ken and walked behind the Mr Melroe Senior, he led me to what seemed like an office but it had a library feel to it with the couches.

"I always thought males could not be a perfect unit as a couple, growing up in our times it was shunned to love another man, but you twenty first century kids, rather you Milo changed my mind tonight, you've accomplished so much, yet stayed so humble, my son is happy and mature." He chuckle looking outside.

"I always thought I'd never get grandchildren with how he handled his life but seeing you and him, how you've tackled that bull by the horns leading him on to the right path, it really made me see you in a different light." He exclaimed with a smile.

"I know he plans on marrying you one day and as a father I believe no other choice would trump the one he's made, so welcome to the family and thank you for doing what I couldn't." He genuinely spoke and it made me smile.

His words were what I wanted, the acceptance of a father. I hugged the man tightly and he responded with equal force as he rubbed my back just like my own father once. "Thank You."

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LMJ