by Kenzi Bond
“Kiss-ass,” Malcolm said as he sat back down.
Beau relaxed against Malcolm. He was so happy he felt like he was floating. There were only a few people missing. “Are Steve and Beth coming?”
Lucas looked at his watch. “Yep. They’ll be here in around thirty minutes. We also managed to get in touch with Brandon and Shane, but they couldn’t make it on short notice. Can I get anyone a drink?” he asked.
The next few hours flew by. Beau walked over to his brother, who was watching their men interact with their family. Taking Dean’s hand in his, he searched his brother’s face. “I’m afraid I’m going to wake up and find out it’s all been a dream.”
“Yeah, it’s almost too good to be true. Did you see how well Papa gets on with Malcolm? And Dad and Drake haven’t stopped discussing their favorite authors. I love seeing them get along.”
Jackson broke away from the group and made his way over to the twins.
“Hey, you two. Everything good?”
“Absolutely perfect. I know we’ve said it before, but thank you, Papa. All those years ago, you saved us. You showed us nothing but love. We are so proud to have you and Dad as our parents,” Beau said.
Jackson teared up. He pulled the boys into a tight embrace. “No, it was you boys who saved me. I didn’t realize how lonely I was until you entered my life. And then you brought Lucas back to me. You have given me so much joy, and if anyone is proud, it’s me.”
Beau relaxed in his father’s arms.
“I know you don’t need it, but I approve of your men,” Jackson continued. “They clearly love you, and it helps that I like them. Do I get to help plan the engagement party?”
“Oh no, you don’t,” Joel yelled from behind them. “That’s my job as the best man.”
Beau grinned at Joel’s confidence. “And who said you were going to be the best man?”
Joel’s face fell. “What the hell, man? Of course I’m your best man. I have to stand up between you both because I’ve got to share the love. But I am most definitely the man for the job. Don’t forget, if it weren’t for me, you would never have met Mal and Drake in the first place.”
“Well, he has us there,” Dean joked. “Of course, if we believe in destiny, we would have met regardless of Joel.”
They managed to keep a straight face for only a few seconds before laughing at the look on Joel’s face. “Don’t be an idiot. You’re our brother. Of course you’ll be our best man. We also want Kasey, Beth, and Steve to stand by us,” Beau said.
Overhearing them, Beth groaned in displeasure. “Look, I wore a dress to the shindig last night. Don’t tell me I have to wear another one.”
Dean took Beth’s hand in his. “No, we wouldn’t do that to you. I was thinking of matching suits. But there’s no hurry. We’re not planning on getting married right away.”
“So, who wants to help us move?” Beau asked.
Jason and Kaden spoke at the same time.
“Count me in,” Jason said.
“Not Jason. He put his back out the other day, and the doctor told him to take it easy, not that he listens,” Kaden said.
Beau stared at them incredulously. “Wasn’t he just holding you up against the elevator wall a few hours ago?”
Kaden grinned. “Yeah. How the hell do you think he got hurt in the first place? Besides, I’m not that heavy.”
Laughter filled the room. Beau let his fears fade and decided he would embrace his happiness. A friend once told him that no matter what happened before in his life, one day, he needed to create a path for his own. His whole life had been about that one defining start in life. He wasn’t that child anymore. This was his life. He had good friends, parents who loved him, and he had found his true love.
Malcolm caught his eye and smiled. “You okay, love?”
Beau rested his head against Malcolm’s chest. Listening to the steady heartbeat, he responded, “Couldn’t be any better.”
30
Dean
D
ean finished unpacking his clothes. He hadn’t thought there was much to move, but it turned out, he was a bit of a clothes whore. He startled at a box being dumped unceremoniously on the floor.
“Dude, you’ve got way too many clothes. This is the last one,” Gavin said. He slumped on the floor and spread his arms and legs out in the shape of a star. “I’m done. I’ve decided I never want to move. I’m gonna live at home with the parents until I die. Besides, Mom makes the best roast.”
Dean smiled at his friend. Both Gavin and John-Henry had jumped in and helped with the move. It had only cost Beau and Dean three large pizzas. He sat on the bed and looked down at his friend.
“And how would your girlfriend feel about living with your parents? What’s her name again?”
“Zaylee. She’s amazing. I can’t wait to introduce you. She would’ve been here today, but she had a class. Did I tell you she’s studying to be a teacher?” Gavin asked proudly.
“Yep, at least five times.” Hearing John-Henry’s laughter down the hall, he chuckled. “I like John-Henry’s girlfriend. She didn’t even flinch when I hugged him earlier. Some people are funny about the way we hug you guys.”
John-Henry had been dating Janie for three months, but this was the first time they had met. His friend was clearly besotted with her. She was a classic example of how looks could be deceiving. She had full-sleeve tattoos in bold reds, pinks, and blues that depicted whimsical animals. He especially liked the unicorns and flying pigs wearing tutus. She wore various piercings, her hair was dyed deep red, and her clothing was a mix of leather and grunge. Dean wouldn’t be surprised if people walked on the opposite side of the street to avoid her. She was also tiny, way shorter than Dean, with more vigor than the Energizer Bunny.
Despite her appearance, though, she was the sweetest, kindest person Dean had ever met. She worked as a veterinary assistant and volunteered at a homeless shelter. She was the perfect balance for John-Henry, who could sometimes come off as snobbish until you got to know him.
“What did his dad say when they met?” Dean asked, thinking of how cold the man was toward him and his brother, even after all the years they’d been friends with John-Henry.
“He gave ’em an ultimatum—get rid of her or leave.”
Dean sat up in alarm. “He did what!”
Gavin rolled his eyes. “Yep, and John-Henry told him where he could stick it. He’s already received his trust, so he’s not cut off completely. He packed up his gear and has been staying with me. Mom and Dad welcomed him with open arms. He and Janie have been looking for a place to share. Guess it will be your turn to help him move soon. You have nothing on him when it comes to hoarding junk.”
“Wow, I knew the old man was a dick, but to turn his back on his only child… What a bastard.”
John-Henry rushed into the room with Janie. “Who’s a bastard? Who do you want me to hit?” he demanded.
Gavin rolled his eyes. “Your old man.”
John-Henry tapped Gavin with his foot. “Nah, he’s not worth the sore knuckles. Whatcha doin’ on the floor? Don’t tell me you wore yourself out carrying a few measly little boxes?”
“Keep your stinky foot to yourself,” he said, pushing it away from him. “I’m not even a little bit tired. Janie, are you sure you want to be with this old stick in the mud?”
Janie smiled up at John-Henry adoringly. “I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else. Unless… Are you sure those delightful men out there are gay? I swear, when Drake took his shirt off and revealed his chest, I just about fainted.”
Dean knew what she was talking about. Drake’s shirt had been soaked with sweat, so he had taken it off and tucked it into the band of his shorts. His glistening muscles had bulged as he lifted the heavier items. Much to his embarrassment, Dean realized he’d sprung an erection in front of everyone. “That was so hot,” he moaned, just thinking about the image.
Gavin snorted in amusement. “And with that, I’m out of here.�
� He fist-bumped John-Henry and nodded at Dean. “Good to see you so happy, man. Once you’ve settled in, we’ll catch up.”
Dean watched him leave the room before turning toward John-Henry. “Are you okay about your father?”
John-Henry sat on the bed, pulling Janie down beside him. He linked his hand with hers and smiled. “I should have walked away years ago. He was never a real parent to me. Hell, I spent more time with the housekeeper. I’ve even started the process to legally change my name.”
“Seriously?”
“Yep. I always hated the name John-Henry. Sounds so pretentious. I’ve decided to drop John and go by Henry. I like how normal it sounds.”
Dean smiled at his friend. “Nice to meet you, Henry Harlow-Davenport.”
“Oh my god, no. I’m getting rid of the surname, too. Harlow-Davenport isn’t who I am. Father made sure of that. I looked back in my family tree and found the name Blackwood on my mother’s side. In a few months, I’m going to be Henry John Blackwood.”
“Wow, that’s fantastic. It sounds like a reliable name, too. I love it!” He sat up excitedly. “I know. We should have a naming party when it’s finalized. Introduce you to the world as Mr. Blackwood.”
Henry grinned. “Yeah, totally. And we should send my dad an invitation. Maybe he’ll die from the shock of knowing he lost the last heir of the Harlow-Davenports.”
Janie hugged Henry to her. “Don’t be like that. Just because he’s a nasty person doesn’t mean you have to respond in kind. You’re better than that.”
Henry was instantly contrite. “Yeah, sorry. You’re right.” He looked at Dean. “I would love to celebrate my new identity. I’ll let you know when the documentation is finalized, and we can pick a date. By the way, I forgot to tell you about the meeting I had with Lincoln Adams. You won’t believe it.”
Even though they had finished Lincoln’s course, they had become good friends with him and stayed in touch. Dean waited for Henry to finish. “Come on, man. Don’t leave me hanging. What’s the news?”
When Henry just grinned, Janie spoke up. “Lincoln told us he’s getting married. The strange thing is, he doesn’t know his husband’s name. Get this… He said he was still interviewing for the position.” She smirked at Henry as she stole his announcement.
“What do you mean he’s interviewing? Is he, like, getting a mail-order bride, or husband or something?”
“He didn’t say. He just asked us a lot of questions about love and relationships. He wrote it all down in that folder he likes to carry with him. Don’t be surprised if he reaches out to you. I got the impression he was trying to understand love,” Henry said.
Dean was blown away. Even though Lincoln’s brain injury impacted him in an unexpected way, Lincoln had found a way to cope. When it came to Lincoln, you never knew who you were going to get. He switched personalities to suit his mood. Dean liked and respected the man, but did anyone really know who he truly was? There never seemed to be one single personality.
“I’m totally floored. I can’t believe he’s getting married. How would that work? Which personality would you be marrying?”
Janie frowned at them. “Don’t be idiots. I’m sure whoever he’s marrying accepts him for who he is. Everyone deserves to be loved for themselves.”
Janie was right. He may not understand how it would work for Lincoln, but people didn’t understand the relationship he had with his own brother, let alone his relationship with Drake. He should know better.
“You’re right again, Janie. Whoever the person is, they’d be lucky to have a wonderful man like Lincoln in their life.”
Drake entered the room and held his hand out when Dean stood. They linked hands and smiled at each other. “Mal’s putting the kettle on. Anyone want a cup of tea?”
Dean’s gaze dropped to Drake’s bare chest. Taking in the sweat-dampened hair, he was unable to resist licking his lips as he ran his free hand down the taut muscles. The sleek skin was hot under his fingers. “Hey, you,” he said as he moistened his lips.
“Hello? Have you forgotten there are other people in the room? You look like you’re about to hump him right in front of us.” Henry’s voice broke the spell he was under.
“Oops, sorry about that. But seriously, look at the man.” He waved his hand toward Drake’s body.
“We’ll just step out of the room. I think Janie wants to have a cup of tea.” Seeing the heated looks between them, he pulled Janie faster. “Yeah, leaving right now.”
Dean barely heard him close the door because Drake was backing him toward the bed. “Do you want something, beautiful?
Dean licked his lips. He was staggered by his own hunger for Drake. “Yeah. I want to suck you off.” It was more than desire. It was on par with breathing, an absolute necessity right then to have his mouth on the hard cock he could see outlined in Drake’s shorts.
“Fuck.” Drake fumbled to get the tie of the shorts undone and pulled them down.
Dean wrapped his mouth around the salty head, moaning at the hot flesh on his tongue. He was no longer embarrassed at his need to suck Drake’s cock. A gentle hand on the back of his head had him increasing the tempo.
“Fuck, so good. I can’t hold back. Do you want my cum, beautiful?”
Yes, he wanted it. Dean sucked Drake’s cock in as deep as it would go, fighting his gag reflex. With his nose buried against Drake’s skin, he inhaled the heady sweat and masculine scent.
“Fuck, yes. Take it, baby!” Drake yelled as he exploded into Dean’s mouth. Dean watched the pleasure spread across Drake’s face. His eyes met Drake’s glazed ones. Pride filled him. He had put that look on Drake’s face.
“My turn,” Drake said, dropping to his knees. As he released Dean’s cock from his pants, Dean knew he wouldn’t last. He felt like he had been primed all afternoon, watching Drake’s muscles flex as he moved the furniture. Drake sucked on the sensitive flesh, drawing one ball into his mouth. The feel of Drake’s tongue swirling around his sack had him begging for more. Letting go, Drake then ran his tongue along the hard length and engulfed the head.
Just like that, he blew his load. He pumped his hips as aftershocks made his knees weak.
Their kiss was less frantic than their actions before, the mingled flavors of their cum drawing a groan from Dean. He had never been happier.
31
Beau
B
eau was a bundle of nerves. They had planned everything, but he wanted tonight to be perfect. He was also apprehensive about the reactions of his parents. Standing in Club Neon, he smiled as his guests arrived. The popular nightclub had been closed to the public for the engagement party. Hawkeye Security had been hired to oversee the security of the festivities, and an event planner had been hired to oversee the surprise. Only a few people had been made aware of the real importance of the night.
Beau looked around, taking stock of the decorations. No one would notice the way the chairs had been set up on either side of the room, leaving a path down the middle. When anyone asked, he had shrugged and said it was for the speeches. He spotted Kasey, Joel, and Beth speaking with Kaden, so he hurried over.
“Hey. There you are.” He reached for Joel’s hand. “Come on, it’s time.”
Joel looked at him, excitedly. “Let’s do this…”
He led them through the crowd and into a room marked Private. He noticed that Dean had managed to locate their parents, who were standing in the room, looking concerned.
“What’s going on? Dean said it was urgent,” Lucas said.
Beau crossed the room and stood beside Dean. Taking his hand, he faced his parents. “In thirty minutes, we’re getting married. Welcome to our surprise wedding!”
“What? You can’t be serious. You’re getting married tonight? Look at me. I’m not dressed for a wedding!” Jackson said, his voice rising to a squeak. Beau had never heard his father so alarmed.
Dean rushed forward to reassure him. “Don’t worry, Papa. It’s all taken care
of. We have your tuxedos in the room through there.” He indicated to another door. “Go and get changed. We’ll join you in a minute.” When they continued to stare at them, he gave them a push. “Come on. We have to hurry.”
Joel looked down at himself, smiling. “Not one person asked why we were dressed similar.”
Beau took in their outfits. They looked incredible in identical dark gray suit pants and matching vests. Their silky button-up shirts looked terrific. They had chosen different colors for them—Kasey in light pink, Joel in royal blue, and Beth in jade green.
He ushered them over toward a table and opened a cardboard box. “Here, put these on,” he instructed as he removed three cream-colored rose boutonnieres.
Hearing a commotion in the other room, he looked up. “I’d better see what’s going on.”
Entering the adjoining room, he found Jackson doubled over, breathing heavily while Lucas rubbed his back.
“Papa, are you okay?”
Jackson looked up, his face red. “You’re getting married. My boys are getting married,” he panted harshly, his dark eyes wide in alarm.
Lucas continued to rub Jackson’s back. “Jax, you need to stop. You knew they were going to get married. It’s just going to be tonight.”
“Yeah, I know that, but it’s tonight. I’m not ready. I thought I’d have months to get use to the idea.”
Beau approached and wrapped his arms around his father, Dean’s arms wrapping around the other side. “Papa, we didn’t want a big wedding. Every time we spoke, the wedding grew. It was too much. We didn’t want fancy cars taking us to the church. We didn’t even want a church wedding. We just wanted something small with family and friends. I’m sorry if we’ve disappointed you.”
Jackson visibly managed to slow his breathing. Standing up, he took Beau and Dean’s hands in his. “No, it’s not that. I’m happy for you both. I just hate the thought of losing you so soon.”
