by Megan Slayer
“Fuck me,” Ashley murmured.
He wanted to answer, but when he opened his mouth no words came out. Instead he pistoned into his lover. He wasn’t going to be able to hold this orgasm in check for much longer. The heat in his lower belly spread through his body. Fucking balls. He’d wanted to string this out. To please his lover again. But not now. Colt shook his head. The sound of his skin slapping Ashley’s echoed in the room. The springs on the mattress squeaked. Perspiration prickled on his back, and his resistance broke. He lost all control.
Ashley moaned. He tensed and drew his knees together. “Now? Please?”
“Yes,” he bit out. Colt slammed into Ashley, and his dick throbbed deep within him. He leaned over Ashley, then added a couple more thrusts as the climax crashed in him. He planted his hands on the bed. “Hi.”
“Hi.” Ashley smiled and gazed up at Colt from under heavy-lidded eyes. He draped his arms around Colt’s neck. “I’m about to fall asleep. You’ve worn me out. I have no idea how the dogs haven’t come in here to investigate.”
“They’re probably power snoozing.” He pulled out of Ashley and settled beside him on the bed. He sighed. Ashley wasn’t kidding about being tired. The weight of the day, exerting all his energy and just being with Ashley overwhelmed him. “Love you.”
“Love you too.” Ashley rolled onto his side, then draped himself across Colt’s chest. “I could use a power snooze.”
“We don’t have to go anywhere.” Colt kissed the side of Ashley’s head. A hundred thoughts filled his mind. He had to get a few things out into the open. “I’m not kidding about dialing back at work. Promise.” He had to know Ashley understood.
“I figured as much. Shelby called. She asked me if you were sure about what you’d done,” Ashley murmured. “Sounded excited but nervous.”
“Did she?” He laughed. He should’ve known she’d check up on him. “She’s a good egg.”
“She is.” Ashley splayed his hand on Colt’s chest over his heart. “She swears I must’ve busted your balls. I kind of did, so I couldn’t argue with her.”
“Damn.” He hadn’t expected Ashley to be so blunt.
“I was honest.” Ashley snuggled closer to him and twined their legs together. “I wasn’t sure you were going to go through with the promotion, but I believed it. You’re responsible and follow through with what you set your mind to. You’ll make this work and my bitching won’t help. You’re a good man.”
“I love how you have faith in me even when I doubt myself.” Colt closed his eyes. Ashley was so much stronger than him but exactly the person he needed.
“You’re an amazing guy, too. I love you.”
Colt’s heart swelled and he grinned. “Well, then hold on to your hat for tomorrow.”
“It’s Christmas Eve. I’m sure there’ll be magic.” Ashley fluttered his tongue across Colt’s pulse in his throat. “Even if it’s only us being together, that’s enough. It’s more than I asked for on my Christmas list.”
“Speaking of list…” He’d forgotten about some of his plans for the next day. “We’re closed tomorrow, but I’m feeding the staff for lunch.”
“I remember. Did you need us to come up and help?” Ashley asked.
“I don’t want help at the diner.” He wanted the whole day to be special. Not just the evening. “Tell your mother and Herman that I’m bringing the leftovers home for our dinner. I want to share the wealth and your mom shouldn’t be cooking. She should be enjoying the holiday outside of the kitchen.”
“I’ll tell her…in the morning.” Ashley sighed and mashed his face against Colt’s shoulder. “Night.”
Colt cuddled up to Ashley. For the first time in the last four days, he wasn’t worried about Christmas or any of the decisions he’d made. His Christmas wish had come true—he and Ashley were back on the right track. He had a plan for the diner and whatever happened, as much as he hated to give up even a bit of control, would happen even if he was at the diner twenty-four-seven. What mattered most was that he and Ashley had their Christmas magic back—they had all their magic back. Truth be told, they weren’t really that far off their path. They just had to find their way around to each other. So the road was bumpy and confusing? So was life. He didn’t care anymore about being right. He believed in Christmas and his lover.
Chapter Nine
Christmas Eve…
Colt pulled the pan of lasagne from the oven, then turned off the heat. Lunch at the diner had gone well. Having Ashley and Wyatt there had made the day better, but he preferred the relative quiet of being home. He enjoyed the solace of his kitchen and knowing the ones he loved were just a room away.
When they’d come home, Ashley had wanted Colt to get cleaned up. Allowing him first crack at the shower did help. He’d been able to start supper. He checked the dining room once more to ensure the little box was still on the sideboard, tucked behind the poinsettia plant. Satisfied, he returned to the kitchen.
Liz and Dick bounded into the room, then barked at each other. Wyatt followed. “Sorry, Colt. We were playing chase. I know. Don’t chase the dogs in the house.”
“Chill. I’m not going to chew you out. It’s Christmas. You can be a pistol as long as it’s controlled.” He nodded to the kitchen. “You did set the table, right?”
Wyatt nodded. “I did. Grandma even brought fancy plates when she came over this morning. She said we needed rainbow ones.” He shrugged. “They’re plates. We eat on them. Who cares?”
“She’s being nice, but you sound just like your father.” He handed a bowl to Wyatt. “Can you put the breadsticks in there?”
“Yes.” Wyatt arranged the bread in the scalloped vessel.
“When you’re done, I’ll let you cut the veggies for the salad and crudités.” Colt checked his supplies. Peppers, onion, lettuce, tomatoes, a block of cheese, mushrooms, olives, avocados… Where’d he put the carrots and cucumbers? He wiped his hands on his apron, then retrieved the missing ingredients.
Wyatt disappeared around the corner. “I’m putting it on the shelf so the dogs won’t get into it.”
“The sideboard?” Colt called. “Okay. Good.” He hadn’t thought about the dogs trying to jump onto the table for a treat. He dumped the ice into the first wine bucket, then plunged the bottle of champagne into the chill. Once he’d finished, he prepped a second bucket and added a bottle of sparkling cider. He listened for Ashley. He should’ve been done with his shower by now.
“Done.” Wyatt pushed the footstool over to the counter and washed his hands. “I gave the dogs chewy bones to keep them out of the kitchen.”
“Good thinking.” He ruffled Wyatt’s hair. Wyatt was one of the brightest kids he knew. “Remember what you’re supposed to do when you prepare vegetables and use a knife?”
Wyatt moved his cutting board and placed the grip underneath for more stability. He pulled his special knife from the drawer, then unsheathed the blade. “Keep the sharp part down and hands out of the way. Go slow and pay attention. If I get into trouble or I’m not sure, I’m supposed to ask you.”
“Good boy, thank you.” Colt stood beside Wyatt as the child cut carrots, sliced cucumbers and halved the cherry tomatoes. He nodded. “Great job. You’re getting better with your knife skills. I’m proud.”
“Thanks, Colt.” Wyatt put the knife down, then placed the veggies on the stacked platters. “Colt? Will you tell me something?”
“Sure, but I’m not telling you what you may or may not be getting for Christmas. You’ll have to wait for Santa.” He faced Wyatt, giving him his full attention. “What do you want to know?”
“Are you and Dad going to get married? Gage asked me, and Genie said she heard you were splitting up. She said she’s worried. Are you?” Wyatt leaned into the counter. “I don’t want you to, but I think I know why you would. I’m not trying hard enough. I said I’d be good and I’m trying really hard to be a good boy, but I can’t help it. I like to run. I don’t always listen. Dad says I�
�ll drive him nuts. I’m driving you nuts, too.”
“Whoa.” Colt wiped his hands and knelt to look Wyatt in the eye. “I know you won’t believe me, but whatever is going on between your dad and me isn’t your fault. You’re a good kid, and we both love you. But we’re not splitting up. It’s Christmas and I wouldn’t do that to your dad—not at the holidays and not ever. Remember what I told you before? I love you and your dad too much. Nothing that’s going on between your dad and me is your fault. Nothing. You are a good boy. You’re doing the best at being eight.”
Wyatt nodded. “I told Gage whatever and Genie apologized. I guess she felt bad. She wouldn’t tell me why she said it, though. I was worried.”
“Sometimes adults say things because they want to know what’s going on, but no one will tell them. They make things up so it sounds like they’re smart, but they don’t know the truth so it’s just garbage.” He smoothed the wrinkles in his apron. “I don’t know who said what about your dad and me, but it’s not true. Promise.”
“Is that because of the surprise?” Wyatt turned back to the counter and tore lettuce leaves. He placed them in the salad bowl. “Will you tell me what it is?”
“If I told you, then it wouldn’t be a surprise.” Colt stood. He hugged Wyatt. “There will be one more, but I’m keeping it quiet.”
“I missed yesterday’s. If it was going to Grandma’s, then that’s not very fun this time. She watched TV all night and told me about the court show she watches on her computer. I wanted to play cards with her and read my book.” He finished tearing the lettuce leaves. “She won’t let me play when she watches TV or uses her tablet. Not all the time, but she’s doing it more. I think she has a boyfriend.”
“I’ll mention that to your dad.” Colt bit back a groan. Wyatt was eight. What else was he supposed to want to do besides play? “For a young man, you can act like a grumpy old man. But I will tell you one secret.”
“Yes.” Wyatt left the stool and put it back under the coat rack. “What is it?” He hurried up to Colt. “Tell me.”
“First, I need you to put wine glasses at each of the place settings.” He retrieved the stemware from the cupboard. “Now for the secret.” He handed Wyatt two of the wineglasses. “I’m going to ask your dad and you how you feel about me adopting you.” He waited for Wyatt to realize what he’d said. This was a big moment he didn’t want to screw up, but he couldn’t keep the secret for much longer. Telling Wyatt relaxed him, yet tensed him up again.
Wyatt paused in the doorway. “Adopt me? Me?”
He carried the other three glasses into the dining room. “Yes. I want to be your dad like your dad is.” He put the stemware down, then pulled one of the chairs out. “What do you think? Would you like me to adopt you?” Please, let him want to be adopted.
Wyatt left the glasses on the table, then retreated to the sideboard. He toyed with the tassels on the runner. “I didn’t think you wanted me. I thought you thought I was a bad kid.”
“What? What did I just tell you?” He patted his lap. “Come here.” When Wyatt ventured over, Colt snagged him. “Why wouldn’t I want you? You’re not a bad kid.”
“I heard you and Dad argue.” Wyatt wouldn’t look at him. “I thought it was my fault.”
“Okay.” He tipped his head to meet Wyatt’s gaze. “Adults have arguments sometimes. It’s like when you get frustrated with Gage and Genie. You like them, but they drive you crazy. You’re still friends. I get frustrated with your dad, but you’re not the reason. You’re a good kid and we love you. I love your dad very much, too. You and your dad are the most important people in the whole world. I want your permission to adopt you because I want our family to be complete. I want to know how you feel, because if you’re not okay with this, then I can proceed. I hope you approve.”
“Like you adopted the dogs?” Wyatt asked. “Are you sure?”
For a young man who could be an old soul, he was still very much an eight-year-old. “Kind of. If something ever happened to your dad, then we want to be sure you’re taken care of. If I adopt you, then you will be because you’ll stay with me. Plus, I love you and love being your dad.” He and Ashley had talked about adoption, but they’d delayed any action because of the whole marriage thing. If he had his way, then both would be settled by the end of dinner.
Wyatt hesitated, then threw his arms around Colt. “I want you to. I want two dads for good.”
“Thank you.” He hugged Wyatt. Tears burned behind his eyelids. God, he was proud of Wyatt. They’d made a real step forward. Wyatt had accepted him and easier than he’d expected. When he opened his eyes, Colt noticed Ashley standing in the doorway.
“I wish I had my phone. I’d capture this moment,” Ashley said. “It’s beautiful.” Tears slid down his cheeks. “We’ll be a family.”
Wyatt pulled away from Colt. “Dad, Colt asked me if he could adopt me. I said yes. You’re not mad, are you? Please don’t be mad. I want two dads.”
Ashley dropped to his knees and hugged Wyatt. “I’m not upset.” He met Colt’s gaze. “I’m proud. You made a big-boy decision, Wyatt. So did you, Colt. Are you sure this is what you want?”
“I did and he agreed.” Colt remained in his seat. “I’ve never wanted anything more.”
“Wow. Thank you,” Ashley murmured. He stared at Colt, but spoke to his son. “Wyatt? Would you get my black watch? I forgot it upstairs. It’s in that wooden box on my dresser.”
“Sure.” Wyatt darted from the dining room.
Colt braced himself for the inevitable discussion. Something in the way Ashley stared bothered him. “Ash?”
“That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard,” Ashley said. “I’m honored you want to adopt my son. Are you sure?”
Asking for Wyatt’s permission was sweet? Or wanting the family to be whole…was he sure? Hell yes.
More tears streamed down Ashley’s face. “Colt.”
“I wanted to make sure he was okay with it before I said something to you. I know we talked about it in passing, but this involves him and I wanted to ask. I should’ve had you in here when I did. You’re his dad.” He grasped Ashley’s hand. “I’m sorry I didn’t wait, but he was convinced we were splitting because of him. I had to prove to him he wasn’t the reason and we’re not breaking up.”
“He internalizes a lot and thinks he’s to blame for even more, but I’m not upset.” Ashley kissed Colt. “I’m glad, thrilled and falling even harder for you.” He perched on Colt’s lap. “I was going to wait, but I can’t.” He pulled a box from his pocket. “I’ve been upstairs practicing what I wanted to say.” He opened the green box. “Marry me?”
Colt stared at the shiny silver ring. The last thing he’d expected was for Ashley to propose. He opened and closed his mouth, but no sound came out. He couldn’t contain his shock and awe. The ring almost matched the one he’d picked for Ashley.
“Wow.” Ashley’s hands trembled. “What a rousing answer. Okay.” He stood. “I can work with this. We’ll wait until later or something.”
“Ash.” Thank goodness he’d found his voice. He had to convince his boyfriend he wanted to be married more than anything.
“I get it. We’re in a good place. Don’t push it. We rushed the rest of our relationship and this is another form of going too fast.” Ashley turned away from Colt. “My timing sucks.”
“I didn’t say that.” Colt slid his hands around Ashley’s biceps and held him in place. “I’m captivated,” he murmured. “Very.”
“I spent more than two months’ salary. I wanted it to be perfect.” Ashley closed the box and didn’t face Colt. “I’m not taking my question back. It’s out there when you’re ready.”
His heart shattered in a good way. “I’m ready right now.” He fumbled for his words and turned Ashley around. He needed to look his boyfriend in the eye when they had this conversation. “Ash.”
Ashley shook his head. His cheeks shimmered. “If I’m going too fast, then tell me. Don’t
tug me around, okay? I can live with your answer—whatever it happens to be.”
He pulled Ashley close and kissed him. More tears burned behind his eyelids. “I’m impressed that you shared my brainwave. I had built up these surprises to propose to you in front of your mother and Wyatt. You beat me to the punch.”
“I did?” Ashley’s eyes widened. “Really?” He paled. “I ruined your surprise?”
“Three days ago, I wasn’t even sure we’d stay together. We were in a bad place, it’s true. But I love you too much and decided to take the chance that we would stay together and get through this rough patch. I had faith we’d work this out. I’ve had the ring in the drawer of my desk for a month.” Colt brushed his thumb across Ashley’s bottom lip. “I know who I want in my life. You. It’s always been you, even when we didn’t know each other. My heart found you and I can’t walk away.”
“Colt.” Ashley toyed with the jewelry box. “I guess this is why we’re good together.”
“Because we really do understand and can finish each other’s sentences. We’re a pair even if we drive each other berserk and have communication issues. We’re human, much as we try to be superheroes.” He rested his forehead against Ashley’s. “My answer to you is yes. I would love to marry you. How about you? Will you marry me?”
“Yes.” Ashley kissed Colt hard. “I will.”
Colt laughed as Ashley put the ring on his finger. He noticed the weight of the band and the perfect fit. “We’re going to have to do this all over again when Ma and Herman get here. I wanted Wyatt to see this, too,” Colt said. “I want him to be included. He’s known mostly about the surprises and wants us to make this permanent. He should be the witness when I propose to you.”
“Well, you can ask me whenever you’d planned to.” Ashley wiped his cheeks. “So you know, I’ll tell you yes. Merry Christmas, babe.”
