by A J Jarrett
“I think there is someone out there waiting for you. Someone that loves you so much they are willing to follow you from one life to the next.”
“Holden?” Ethan took a step toward the apartment. He stumbled to a stop. “But how do I get back to him?” His heartbeat pounded loudly in his ears and started to panic.
“It’s as simple as opening your eyes.” Jay smiled at him.
Ethan hesitated before walking into the apartment. “I will always love you, Jay. You were a big part of my life.”
“And you mine.” Another tear fell from his eye. “Now get back to your life, Ethan. We’ll see each other again someday. Just not too soon. You’ve got a lot of living left to do.”
Ethan walked back to Jay and gave him a tight hug, then turned to go into his apartment. He lay down on the couch and closed his eyes. He brought up Holden’s image in his mind and a smile curled his upper lip. It was the first time he met Holden and he had that cocky grin on his face, his wavy brown hair falling into his eyes. It was then that Ethan knew he had fallen in love. Jay was his past, but Holden was his future, and it was time to get back to his life.
Chapter Sixteen
Ethan slowly opened his eyes. The bright light stung and he quickly dropped his eyelids to half-mast. His mouth hung open and something large was shoved down his throat. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath from his nose.
“The guys just finished the construction on the house.” Ethan looked downward. Holden had his head resting on his thigh, rubbing his fingers back and forth over the top of Ethan’s hand. “So you need to wake up and tell them what color you want the walls to be because I’m not good with stuff like that.” His voice cracked and Ethan could feel wetness on his leg where Holden’s head was at. “Please, baby, just wake up. I can’t do this without you. Please wake up.”
Ethan tried to make his mouth work but the tube prevent him from doing that. He then tried to move his hand but he was too weak. The machines to the right of him started to beep loudly and Holden sat up, jolting the bed.
“Oh my god, Ethan, you’re awake.” Holden pressed the call button for the nurse’s station but the nurse had already come rushing into his room. “He’s awake!” he shouted happily at her.
“I can see.” She smiled and moved over to Ethan’s side. “Mr. Compton, can you hear me?” He nodded his head, then used his eyes to motion down at the annoying tube in his throat and she nodded her head in understanding. “I’ll call the doctor right now to come and remove that.” She left to get the doctor.
“I can’t believe you are really awake.” Tears streaked Holden’s face.
Holden’s hair stood out at odd angles on his head and his clothes were all rumpled. Dark bags shaded the skin under his eyes and it looked like Holden had lost some weight.
The door opened up and a man he’d never seen before walked into his room. Ethan read his name tag, Dr. Watterson.
“Hello, Ethan.” The doctor lightly patted his shoulder. “Glad to see you’re awake.”
“You’re not the only one,” Holden chimed in. “I feel like I can finally breathe.”
Dr. Watterson explained what he was about to do to remove the tube from his throat but Ethan was only half paying attention. He couldn’t take his eyes off Holden. It felt like a lifetime ago since he’d seen his mate.
Once the tube was removed, Holden held a straw to his lips for him to get a drink. His throat was dry and scratchy, as if someone had taken sandpaper and rubbed it against the insides of his mouth.
“Thank you.” His voice came out sounding hoarse.
“Don’t mention it.” Holden smiled down at him.
“Now that that’s out, I want you to take it easy,” Dr. Watterson said. “I wouldn’t recommend auditioning for American Idol anytime soon.” The doctor quickly went over Ethan’s injuries and Ethan was glad he had been out of it for the past three weeks.
“You don’t have to worry about that, doctor.” Holden laughed. “Ethan’s a terrible singer.”
“Hey!” Ethan croaked.
Dr. Watterson laughed. “Ethan, you take it easy and get some rest. I’ll come by again tomorrow to check your vitals. Your injuries have been healing remarkably well. We were just waiting for you to regain consciousness.” The doctor headed for the door. “I’ll get out of your hair so you can have some time alone. This guy over here has been worried sick about you. Wouldn’t leave your side to even shower.” Watterson waved a hand in front of his nose. “And boy does he need one.”
“That’s about enough out of you.” Holden made a shooing motion with his hand. “Now go and bug some other poor defenseless patient and their family.”
“Later, boys!” Watterson waved as he walked out the door.
Ethan couldn’t help but admire the view. Dr. Watterson didn’t look that old. He was tall with short blond hair and blue eyes. A cutie that suddenly Ethan didn’t like knowing had been spending time with his lover while he was in a coma.
“Stop checking out his ass,” Holden teased.
“Now why would I do that when I have your ass to ogle? There’s nobody more perfect than you.” By the time he finished saying all that, he had to have another drink.
“You’re such a sweet talker.” Holden leaned forward and kissed Ethan’s dry lips. “As much as I want to keep you all to myself I need to call the others. Plus your folks are here.” Holden went quiet for a few moments. “There are a lot of people who love you, Ethan Compton, and they will be over the moon to see your smiling face.”
“I’ll be happy to see them, too.” Ethan used his good hand to reach for Holden’s. “But right now I’m just happy to see you, Holden. I’ve missed you so much.”
“Me, too, babe, me, too.” Holden sat down on the bed and wrapped both his hands around Ethan’s.
As he stared into Holden’s eyes, his conversation with Jay played through his mind. Life was all about chances and going for what you wanted. And Ethan wanted Holden for keeps.
“I love you so fucking much.” Holden sobbed. He moved to rest his head on Ethan’s shoulder. “All this time you were so worried about losing me and I spent so much time trying to take that stress from you. I never imagined what would happen if I lost you. I was so scared, Ethan.”
Ethan tried his best to wrap his good arm around Holden, but his muscles protested and he winced. “I’m not going anywhere if I can help it. I’ve got too much to live for.”
Holden sat up and wiped away his tears. “Yes, you do.” He gave Ethan a watery smile. “You’ve stolen my heart, Ethan Compton, so you can never leave me.”
Ethan brushed his lips over Holden’s and his heart expanded and warmth filled his chest. If he could help it, he’d never be apart from Holden ever. This second chance at love was a gift he couldn’t take advantage of. He’d spend the rest of his life showing Holden just how special and important he was to him.
* * * *
It had been three months since his accident and life had gotten back to normal. The remodels on their house had been completed and Holden had finally gone back to work. He’d taken off a month of work to care for Ethan. After he’d been released from the hospital, he was still confined to a wheelchair and needed help with everyday personal care. Ethan tried to convince Holden to hire a nurse to come and help out, but he refused. Holden wanted to take care of him and Ethan had let him.
When he got home, Ethan had also had an endless stream of visitors. His own parents had stayed for two weeks, afraid to leave him again. But after they saw how well Holden took care of him, they knew Ethan was in good hands.
Carson came by every day. The little guy blamed himself for what had happened to Ethan and no matter how many times Ethan told him it wasn’t his fault, Carson still carried that burden. Ever since the cast had been removed from Ethan’s leg and he was able to walk on his own, Carson had gotten better. Carson having to have witnessed up close what had happened to Ethan was hard on the boy and no doubt that imagine of him lying on th
e ground was burned into his mind, but Ethan had hope that in time Carson would get past this. Ethan didn’t blame him for anything. If anything, he thanked Carson. It took being rendered unconscious to come to terms with the loss of Jay.
He still wasn’t sure if he had actually talked to Jay while he was in his coma, or if it was just his subconscious mind playing tricks on him. Either way Ethan liked to think that he really did speak with Jay. It warmed his heart to know that Jay was okay and happy for him.
The one visitor that stopped by to see him that surprised him the most was Ryan. The young man showed up at his door one morning. He apologized for what had happened. The kid had it in his mind that it was his fault, too. Ryan had stated if he hadn’t thrown that ball as hard as he had, Carson could have caught it and it wouldn’t have gone in the street. Like with Carson, Ethan explained to Ryan that it wasn’t his fault. That no one could have predicted what would have happened and that he didn’t blame him. But he did ask Ryan to be nicer to Carson. His nephew needed a break from Ryan’s surly attitude.
Ethan stepped out of the shower and got dressed. Tonight was a full moon and everyone had planned to meet to have dinner at the Carsten house, then go off for their run.
He put on a pair of silky black boxers Holden had bought for him, then pulled on a pair of dark blue jeans. He decided on a dark gray polo shirt that belonged to Holden. Ethan lifted the fabric to his nose and took a deep breath. The smell of Holden’s cologne was permanently implanted into the material. He’d gotten used to wearing Holden’s clothes when he was home. They were close to the same size so they had started to share everything except shoes. Ethan’s feet were two sizes larger than Holden’s.
Once he was dressed, he went to the bathroom and dried his hair, then styled it. He was in need of a haircut. After the accident he didn’t have time or the use of both his hands to do his hair everyday so he had Holden take him to the barber to get a military buzz cut. Holden had winced as the first thick black lock fell to the ground and Ethan had to promise to let it grow out again.
“Hey, babe, you ready to go?” Holden asked as he came into the bedroom.
Ethan looked down at his watch and saw that it was twenty past seven. The plan was to arrive just as the sun was going down and the sky was lit with orange and reds. “Yeah, just give me one more minute.” Holden nodded his head and stepped out of the room.
Ethan walked over to his dresser and found the little blue box he had hidden in there. He opened the lid and saw the sparking platinum band shining back at him. Holden would be so surprised. Ethan, with the help of Aiden and Skyler, had the whole thing planned and he couldn’t wait. Holden would be so surprised.
“Let’s go, baby.” Ethan bent at the waist to kiss the top of Holden’s head. His mate sat on the couch setting the DVR on the TV. “Don’t want to be late.”
“Why are we having dinner so late?” Holden stood up and opened the front door for Ethan. “We never eat this late.”
“I’m not sure.” Ethan shrugged then climbed into the car. He turned away from Holden to hide the smile on his face.
“You look to be in a good mood.” Holden reached over to rest his hand on Ethan’s thigh.
“I am.” Ethan let the smile take over his face. “It’s a good day to be alive.”
“Every day with you is good to be alive.” Holden squeezed his thigh. Holden pulled up in front of the Carsten house and parked. “The house is all dark.” Holden sat forward looking out the front window. He then turned to look at the cars parked in front of the house. “Huh, that’s weird.”
“Come on.” Ethan got out of the truck and walked around the front to meet and walk together up the front steps. “I’m sure they’re here somewhere. Probably out back.” Ethan’s hands began to shake and he was glad his voice didn’t come out all garbled. He was so nervous.
The house was dark and quiet. Ethan led the way out the back door, ignoring Holden’s questions as to where everyone was at. The sun sat right at the far end of the sky just over the trees. It gave a golden hue to the scene laid out before them. Just like Ethan had planned.
“Okay, what’s going on here?” Ethan grabbed Holden’s hand when he stopped walking. He pulled him toward the middle of the yard.
Right on cue, the music started to play. It had taken some work installing the sound system, and Viktor had bitched and moaned the entire time, but finally he got it working just right.
“Marry Me” drifted softly over the speakers.
“What the hell?” Holden looked back at the house then spun back around to Ethan.
Ethan went down on one knee. It taken weeks of therapy to finally be able to do just that. It still stung but the pain was worth it just to see the shocked look on Holden’s face. He reached for Holden’s hand.
“The first time I saw you in that bar with that cocky grin and determination in your eyes, I knew I was a goner. I knew I’d found the man who I’d spend the rest of my life with.”
“Ethan.” Holden’s voice cracked and Ethan could see the sheen of tears glinting in his eyes.
“It took me some time to get my ass with the program.” Ethan chuckled and Holden laughed as he nodded his head. “But I did, and look at us today. Who would ever have thought it was possible to fall in love in such a short amount of time? To find your soul mate in a bar, but I did. No matter how hard I ran from you, you always chased me down, and I’ll spend the rest of my life being grateful to you for not giving up on me.” Ethan reached into his pocket, then held up the box. “Holden Anders, would you do me the honor of making me the happiest man in the world and marry me?” Ethan held his breath as he waited for Holden to answer.
It felt like ages before Holden said, “Yes.” Holden fell to his knees in front of Ethan. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Ethan slipped the ring on Holden’s finger, then cupped his hands around Holden’s face and kissed him. The love and passion he felt toward Holden wove its way into Ethan’s soul.
“He said yes!” Ethan shouted and all their friends and family, including Ethan’s parents, stepped out of the woods. They had stayed hidden and watched him propose. Ethan and Holden loved all of them so much he thought it was only fitting they witness this special occasion.
Everyone rushed forward to congratulate them. Tears dripped from Ethan’s eyes and for the first time in a long time, probably since losing Jay, Ethan knew everything was going to be okay. He had to let go of all his worry of what tomorrow would bring because he needed to live in the here and now. He had to live each day to the fullest and show love to those he cared for because no one knew how much time they had here on the earth.
“Come on, everyone.” Skyler waved everyone toward the house. “Let’s celebrate!”
When Ethan started toward the house, Holden’s grip on his hand stopped him. He arched his brows at his fiancé. Boy he loved the sound of that, but would love calling Holden his husband even better.
“Ethan Compton, you never cease to amaze me.” Holden wound his arms around Ethan’s neck. “Thank you for this.”
“No, thank you for loving me.” Ethan captured Holden’s lips in a gentle kiss of soft nips and licks.
“How could I not love you?” Holden smiled. “You stole my heart the first moment I saw you. I didn’t stand a chance.”
“Feeling’s mutual.” Ethan kissed Holden one more time. “Come on. Let’s go celebrate with our family.” Holden nodded and they walked together hand in hand toward the house and toward their future.
Getting over the loss of Jay was an uphill battle, but Holden helped eased the burden and gave him a reason to live. Ethan had never been happier. He was engaged to a man he loved more than life itself and who could also turn into a wolf. How much more exciting could life get? Ethan wasn’t sure, but he couldn’t wait to find out.
THE END
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
AJ Jarrett currently lives in the Midwest with her husband and four
children. A lover of M/M romances, she has started writing her own stories for others to enjoy. She loves her characters to be antagonistic toward one another but ultimately find their happy ever after. She believes love can be found in the craziest of places, and a little humor along the way never hurt. To her, there’s nothing sexier than two men finding their soul mate in each other and falling in love. When she isn’t chasing around her kids, she can be found sitting on the couch with her trusted laptop, giving life to the voices in her head.
For all titles by AJ Jarrett, please visit
www.bookstrand.com/aj-jarrett
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com
