They may have had an emotional and long night, but Toni and Jaiden were enjoying the next morning together.  Being open seemed to take the weight off Jaiden's shoulders, and now he was falling into place.  

Their Sunday morning consisted of just the two of them curled up on the porch love seat and watching the sunrise. Toni ran his hands through Jaiden's hair, enjoying how the light cascaded on the blonde highlights. He looked down at his phone when he received a text message and froze. "Fuck." He exclaimed.

Jaiden jumped from the unexpected noise. He looked at Toni, who flipped to his phone's calendar. "Fuck!"

"Toni? What's wrong?" Jaiden held his arm.

Toni gave him a sheepish smile. "You know that shit always spout about family is everything?"

Jaiden nodded.

"It sounds like bullshit if you forget your mom's birthday." He groaned and fell back in the chair.

"Did it already pass?" Jaiden asked, trying to hide a smile.

"No... but she had her party today with the family, and it completely slipped my mind." Toni groaned again.

Jaiden couldn't hold it in anymore and laughed. "You're acting like you haven't been working on an insane murder case for a month now."

Toni pulled him into his arms, so Jaiden sat on his lap. "You forgot to mention my extremely distracting partner."

Jaiden kissed his cheeks a couple of times. "Come on, sexy. You better get ready for your mom's party."

Toni agreed, and they both got up. After showering together, Jaiden remained in his towel and watched Toni get dressed.

Toni seemed to be a little nervous and kept glancing at Jaiden.

"What are you thinking so hard about?" Jaiden finally asked and ran his hands through his wet hair. Toni was almost always confident, so it was interesting to see him flustered.

Toni rubbed the back of his head. "I was wondering... if you..." He coughed a little. "If you want to go with me."

Jaiden's eyes widened, and he felt himself flush. "To meet your family?"

Toni's hand moved from his neck and down the length of his jaw. "I know it's a big event, so you don't have to until we're..." He didn't know how to finish. More established?

Jaiden ran his hands through his hair again. "I should wear a long sleeved shirt to hide these." He held up his bruised wrist with a grin. The handcuffs were a hot addition to their night but definitely left a lasting reminder.

"Are you sure, mi sol?"

"Yeah. It's going to be great." He said with a forced smile and a higher pitched voice. Inwardly he cursed himself for being unable to resist that adorable bashfulness in Toni. He had never had to meet parents or families before. He never felt the need to impress someone. He kept everyone at arm's length because the moment that you become associated with a lover's family, the ability to break it off becomes harder.

He got up and started to dig through the side of the closet that had suddenly turned into 'his side'. Toni observed him as he got dressed and nervously tried to style his hair.

"Fuck. I should have found a barber a long time ago." He muttered.

Toni wrapped his arms around Jaiden's waist and kissed his shoulder. "I like your long hair."

"You like pulling my hair." Jaiden complained.

Toni smirked. "You like it too." He lifted his hands and started to run his hands through the loose curls, making Jaiden close his eyes and lean into him. It was a weakness he found in Jaiden. He couldn't get enough of something playing with his hair.

"You asshole." He practically whimpered in Toni's hands.

"If there is any moment you are uncomfortable, we turn around, mi sol. Remember, I have a big family, and it can be overwhelming." Toni said. His sincerity and concern touched Jaiden.

"Valeria has three sons and two daughters. All have a truckload of kids. I'm used to large families. Besides, you already met my wonderful stepfamily and allowed Valeria to ambush you." Jaiden said with his eyes still closed.

"Jaiden, I don't want to force you into anything." Toni whispered. He could feel the unease dripping off of Jaiden.

Jaiden turned so he could face him. "You're family means a lot to you, right?"

Toni nodded.

"I don't want to avoid something important to you just because I'm outside my comfort zone." Jaiden wrapped his arms behind Toni's and pulled him closer, capturing his lips.

Toni sighed. "You're important to me as well, mi sol."

Jaiden flushed a little. Being desired is one thing, but being considered important was something entirely different. It felt good. "You are too."

His voice trembled a little like he was scared of saying those words. He couldn't bring himself to look at Toni but could feel his eyes piercing him. Toni kissed his forehead.

"Mi sol." He murmured.

Jaiden tried to hide his embarrassment. He wasn't one to gush about feelings typically, but he was an open book with Toni.

He coughed. "Now, let's go pick out a gift for your mom so that I can make at least a half decent impression." Jaiden escaped Toni's arms and smacked his ass while walking away.

Jaiden helped Toni pick out an Alpaca wool shawl and a large bouquet of flowers.  He was sitting in the passenger seat with his leg bouncing.  He felt like he drank a case of energy drinks like they were tequila shots.

He watched the scenery change from the city to a rural area with acres of land between houses.  He knew that they were close to the bosque with the increasing amount of cottonwood trees.  Suddenly, a warm hand was placed on his leg, calming him.

"There's no need to be worried.  They're going to love you." Toni said with some amusement in his eyes.

"I don't know about that.  I always tend to have issues with authority... and parents." Jaiden gave him a weak smile. "I normally feel more comfortable hunting down killers."

Toni glanced at him. "If your uncomfortable, we can-"

"Stop.  We're not turning back. I want to do this, Toni.  Don't try to talk me out of it." Jaiden placed his hand on top of Toni's and squeezed it. 

Toni nodded and kept his hand on his leg.  He turned down a dirt road and continued at a slower speed.  After more driving, the road opened up to a large gravel driveway.  A large adobe house sat in the center with what seemed to be in the middle of miles of open land.  A large stable and barn house was in the back, and Jaiden could see several horses running around. Cottonwoods lined the screen like a backdrop, and the Sandias stood proudly in the background with a bit of snow covering the tips of the peaks.

Jaiden whistled a little.  "It's beautiful."

Toni grinned proudly.  "This is home.  My grandfather built it after he found the land he wanted to raise his family on."

He parked next to the line of cars, and they both stepped out.  Jaiden could hear the number of voices coming from the back of the house.  Loud music was playing, but it couldn't drown out the laughter and happy screams of children.

Toni gave Jaiden a reassuring look. "You're going to be amazing, mi sol."

Jaiden chuckled with apprehension but walked with Toni inside of the house. Jaiden could see the pack of children of all ages running around the home.  Some turned towards the new guests and screamed with delight.  They rushed Toni with a gleeful 'tio'.  Toni would accept their hugs and noticed that they gave Jaiden a curious look.

Toni chuckled.  "Hola.  Where's mamá?"

"Nana is in the back." One of the kids said with a smile.  She was at an age where she was losing teeth.  "Who's your friend?"

Jaiden gave the best smile he could muster.  "Hey.  I'm Jaiden."

The girl blushed.  "I'm Maria."  She ran off to the other children, giggling about the pretty boy Toni had brought.

Toni frowned.  "I need to talk to her father. She is too young to act cute around boys in general. She needs to be at least 25 before talking to any man."

Jaiden thought it was adorable to see him protective of his niece and couldn't conceal his laughter. He truly cared for his family.

Toni clicked his tongue.  "Boys are dangerous."  He muttered and led Jaiden through the house.  He pointed out a couple of areas to give Jaiden an idea of the layout. 

As they made their way through, Jaiden had noticed more eyes focused on him.  He kept a stoic face and continued to look forward, trying to hang on to every word Toni said.

They made their way to the backyard, where most of the adults were at.  Jaiden, check out the scene.  There had to be nearly thirty adults standing around.  Some were at a grill, others next to a cooler with beers, and some around a roasting pig. 

However, many were gathered around an older woman.  She was short, and her hair was primarily white, but her face still looked younger. Next to her was a taller man who was leaning on a cane. Jaiden didn't need to guess who he was because he looked like Toni, but with white streaks at his temples.

The woman made eye contact with Toni and let out an excited scream.

"Mijo! No sabía que venías!" She said happily as she pulled him into a hug.

Toni chucked and hugged her tightly.  "Of course, I would be here for your birthday, mamá."  He kissed her cheek and handed her the gift bag.

He turned towards Jaiden.  "This is Jaiden Ryder."

"Jaiden, meet my mamá, Gloria, and my dad, Antonio." He nodded his head to the man walking towards them with a cane.

Jaiden could hear the slight nervousness in Toni's voice, and based on Gloria's puzzled look, she heard it too.

"Hola, señora Alvarez.  Feliz cumpleaños." Jaiden said and handed her the flowers.

"Ah. Gracias. Gracias." She answered, a smile tugging on her lips.

Jaiden held out his hand and accepted the tight handshake of Antonio. "It's an honor, sir. Toni has told me much about you and your work on the force."

He seemed a little surprised to hear it but nodded. "You look like a cop.  You work with my son?" 

Jaiden nodded.  "I do work with him.  Only recently, though."

A small group of people started to gather around them, who Jaiden assumed were Toni's brothers and sisters. One looked just like him and he guessed that she was Toni's twin, Mercedes.  She took took the presents from Gloria's arms and placed them on a table, a smile plastered on her face as she watched how Toni interacted with Jaiden.

Toni also noticed the growing crowd and stepped a little closer to Jaiden, until their shoulders touched. He knew he was probably feeling nervous with the attention and hoped he could ease it a little.

"Where are you from?"  Gloria asked.

"Originally from the East coast.  But I made New Mexico my home almost ten years ago.  I lived mainly in Cruces until a couple of years ago when I moved up here."

She nodded.  "I see.  And you're a detective like my Toni?"

"I am.  But Toni has plenty of tenure on me." Jaiden said with a smile.

"You're still young, especially for being a detective. Was this something you always wanted like Toni?" Antonio asked.

Jaiden stifled back his laugh. "No. Never considered it, actually. But I was 19 and a little reckless, so my tio presented it as an option. Considering my choices were law enforcement or living on the street, I chose the badge."

Antonio raised an eyebrow. He wasn't upset with the answer and appreciated the honesty. "I'm sure you have a choice other than the streets now."

Jaiden knew what he was asking; if he liked his career and planned on sticking with it. "I wouldn't chose anything else. Sometimes the best things in life are those you blindly run into."

Antonio nodded, accepting his answer.  "Cruces can be considered a tough place, being so close to the border."

Jaiden nodded. "I've seen enough to make me want to work harder."

"Crime rate is doubled here in Albuquerque. How are you handling the extra workload?"

The rapid fire questions would cause others to feel like they were being interrogated, but not Jaiden. He felt calm around Antonio. He was another version of Toni, with the air of Carlos. Jaiden smiled a little, his shoulders relaxing. "Some late nights, but I feel needed here."

Gloria still had a worried look on her face.  "Are you good at what you do?"

Toni groaned.  "Mamá. Dad."

"Don't 'mamá' me.  You recently got hurt, so I want to make sure the person you're partnering with will keep you safe."

Toni frowned.  "He's one of the best, mamá.  His mentor was someone I admired. On top of that, he became the youngest detective in Cruces, and was asked to replace me when I went to Colorado. His work speaks for him."

Her eyes widened a little as she recalled Toni recently bragging about someone in his precinct.  She gave Jaiden another look, but this one was a little more appreciative.  "You have to forgive me, Jaiden.  A mother's concern makes me want to double check that my son is safe."

He smiled a little.  "My tia is the same.  It's understandable."

"Your tia? What about your parents?"  She asked innocently.

"Mamá!"  Toni tried to cut in, but Jaiden gave his arm a small squeez.

"My parents passed away a long time ago.  My mentor took me in, and he and his wife became family."

She nodded but her eyes showed sadness.  "Lo siento.  You must have had a hard time."

"I found my path in the end."  He flashed Toni a small smile.

His mom didn't seem to notice the subtle looks, but the others started to catch on and were smiling broadly. 

"So how long have you been in the force?" She asked, but Toni let out an exasperated groan.

"Mamá!" Toni exclaimed. "Enough with the interrogation about work."

Gloria sighed. "Fine. Then how did you to meet? Was it through the office?"

Jaiden chuckled. "It's been nine years on the force." He gave her a quick smile as he answered her original question. "And meeting Toni was an accident. I blindly ran into him."

It was subtle, using the same verbiage from about the best things in life from his previous answer. Toni blushed and ran his hand over his chin to try to hide it. Antonio grinned and a bright twinkle flashed in his eyes.

However Gloria didn't quite catch it and was about to ask another question.

Toni held up a hand to stop her. "You harass me about bringing a man home, but when I finally bring my boyfriend over, you interrogate him about work! Let us get a beer at least."

She was frozen for a moment.  "Boyfriend?"  She looked at Jaiden.  "Novio?" She repeated in Spanish.

Jaiden flushed a little but Toni grabbed his hand.  "Sí, mamá."

She clasped her hands over her mouth and then jumped a little.  "Dios mio! Finally!"

The smaller woman pulled Jaiden in a bone crushing hug, leaving him flabbergasted.

It was safe to say that Jaiden was accepted into the Alvarez family.