by Andrew Grey
DUNCAN ZIPPED through the apartment that he knew so well, he could navigate it in his chair with his eyes closed. Clive and Todd had agreed to forgo a sofa in favor of chairs in the living room, which gave him a lot more room and helped provide him with some space to maneuver. As he rolled through the room, his eyes paused at the shadow box on the wall where the competition medals that Todd had won last season were displayed. They were an immense source of pride for Duncan because it showed him, and everyone else, that what they’d done to fight the whole issue with the commercial was right. Todd had had an amazing year and was at the top of his sport, at least in this country. Those medals were the tangible evidence that Todd’s dreams were coming true, and Duncan wanted that for him.
“Is that what you’re wearing to the wedding?” Clive teased as he shuffled out of his room, bleary-eyed and probably a little hungover. He poured a mug of coffee and then got out a second one as a young man joined him, already dressed.
“I have to go. But it was fun.” The guy patted Clive on the butt and then left.
Duncan turned away, pretending not to notice that this was the third one-night stand Clive had had in the last week. “It’s a spring wedding, so my ducky pajamas should fit right in.”
“Where’s Todd?” Clive sipped from his mug, blinking.
“He said he had something important to do this morning and that he’d be back by about ten.” Duncan checked his watch and went in search of his phone. He sent Todd a quick message. When will you be back?
The answer was almost immediate. Come out front. :)
I need to get dressed, Duncan answered and rolled down to their bedroom. He changed as quickly as he could and left the room. Clive met him in the living room, disheveled but dressed, and they left the apartment, heading to the front of the lobby, where Todd stood.
“It took me a long time to make this work, but the good folks at Carson Medical helped a lot.” Todd moved to the side and rolled a chair from around the corner. It was sleek, with tilted wheels and tubular construction so it would be light, and a third wheel out front for balance.
“Is that a racing chair?” Duncan asked.
“Yes. It hasn’t been adjusted for you yet, but a man from the company will be in Milwaukee in a couple of weeks, and he’ll work with you to make adjustments and get the chair the way it should be for you.” Todd grinned.
“How…?”
“Lots of people helped,” Clive told him as he placed his hand on his shoulder. “We all know your love of speed, and now you’ll be able to go as fast as your arms will carry you.” He grinned as well. “It was Todd who spearheaded the entire project.”
“Trevor helped, and so did all our friends. Everyone wanted you to be able to race again.” Todd came around to him. “Do you want to try it out? You can’t race in it now because you need to be properly secured and it needs to be adjusted, but you can get a feel for it.”
Duncan nodded. He couldn’t actually talk, rendered speechless by the generosity.
Todd lifted him out of the chair and placed him in the new one. It was comfortable, and he rolled himself around. The new chair was much lighter and sleeker than the one he’d been using, and he could feel almost instantly how it was built for speed.
“This is too much,” Duncan whispered.
“Nope. It’s just right,” Todd told him. “I’ve been trying to figure out how we could afford to get you one of these for six months. Trevor got in touch with people he knows, and so did Clive and the guys we used to race with. They got in touch with everyone else.” Todd took his hand. “Think of this as a gift from much of the skeleton community.” He hugged him.
Duncan grinned and spun around, going back and forth in the lobby. “This is awesome.” He stopped and turned to Todd. “Thank you for doing this.” He could hardly believe Todd had gone to all this effort. Duncan knew Todd loved him, because he showed him every day… but this….
“You supported me all through the skeleton season, and look what happened. So now it’s my turn to let you see what you can do.” Todd kissed him, and Duncan held him tightly, closed his eyes and, for the millionth time, reminded himself just how lucky he was.
THE WEDDING that afternoon was a hectic affair. Todd got Duncan to the church, resplendent in his gray tuxedo with white shirt and a pink ascot. He looked good enough to eat, at least in Todd’s opinion, and if his plans went off as he expected, that was a possibility once he got him home tonight. Todd sat behind Albert’s family, not taking his eyes off Duncan the entire ceremony, and once it was over, Duncan glided down the aisle in his chair, beaming from ear to ear, as his bridesmaid walked next to him.
“Now, that’s a man in love,” Beverly said to Claude when she turned around. Todd nodded and didn’t blush at all. He was naturally the same shade of pink as Duncan’s tie. Still, it was true, and he wasn’t going to be ashamed of it. He simply hadn’t realized it was that evident.
Todd joined Duncan in the back of the church, where he had gathered with the rest of the wedding party. “Do you have your speech ready?” Todd asked. Poor Duncan had sweated over it for days.
“It’s all set.” He patted his pocket, and once the guests had filed out, they made their way to the van. Duncan used the lift to get in, and once inside, Todd helped him transfer to his regular chair to drive, packing the racing chair away for the evening. Duncan got into position, and Todd took the passenger seat for the ride to the reception.
They were able to park right near the hotel downtown and went inside with little effort. Duncan joined the rest of the wedding party in the green room, and Albert came out in his gray tails to ask Todd to join them. After a few cocktails and nibbles, then pictures, the wedding party entered the reception hall to applause, introductions, and the first dance of the evening. Albert danced beautifully with his bride in white, making a wonderful couple who could barely take their eyes off each other. Duncan took Todd’s hand and placed it against his cheek as he watched. After the song ended, a second one began, and Albert invited the wedding party to join them.
Todd took Duncan’s hand, teasing him out onto the floor. It didn’t matter that they mostly swayed holding hands, or that Duncan turned one way and he another at one point. All that did matter was that Todd was the very center of Duncan’s attention and that Todd only had eyes for his hero. The song ended, and Todd lifted his gaze to find himself and Duncan alone on their section of the floor. He leaned down to kiss the man he loved with his whole heart.
Dinner was served, and for the sake of convenience, Duncan sat with him at the first table with the groom’s parents, rather than on the raised dais with the rest of the wedding party. Dessert and cake followed, along with tossing the bouquet and garter.
Before the dancing began, Duncan rolled to the front to make his speech. It had been Jessica’s idea to do the best man’s toast last rather than first.
“Love—that’s what we’re here to celebrate tonight. Two wonderful people, Albert and Jessica, have decided to spend the rest of their lives together. And we are here to celebrate the most amazing part of being human: finding the other half of our souls.” Duncan cleared his throat, and Todd smiled and nodded to encourage him. “I first met Albert when he was my roommate in physical rehab after we’d both had accidents.” Duncan smiled. “Rehab was tough, and he and I shared a lot of difficult times then. Albert told me that some of those days were the darkest of his life… I have to agree. But now, I’m honored to be here to celebrate the brightest, happiest, most glorious of days. So please raise your glasses to Albert and Jessica. May their future be as bright and happy as they are today, and may their dreams be as close as a kiss.” Duncan raised his champagne glass, and everyone else stood to toast the happy couple.
When Duncan rolled back toward their table, Todd asked, “Are you a little warm?”
Duncan nodded, and they continued out past the dance floor as the music started.
Outside in the courtyard, a fountain gently tinkled and sp
ring flowers lined the walks where they strolled. “It’s a beautiful wedding,” Todd said.
“Yes, it is,” Duncan said, quietly rolling next to him. The evening air nipped at them and the stars shone overhead.
“Duncan,” Todd said, and Duncan stopped, turning to face him. “I’ve been trying to think of the best way to do this.” He knelt in front of Duncan. “I think tonight is about making dreams come true. I know that’s the case for Albert and Jessica, so I thought it might be for us as well.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out the small ring box, opened it, and held up the golden band inlaid with a small diamond. “Will you marry me? You already have my heart and soul, but will you make my dreams come true?” Todd waited, hardly daring to breathe.
Duncan nodded. “You already granted mine.” Duncan’s voice cracked, and he took Todd’s hands and drew him into a kiss.
More from Andrew Grey
A Hearts Entwined Novel
As a stunningly attractive man and the owner of a successful chain of auto repair garages, Trevor is used to attention, adoration, and getting what he wants. What he wants tends to be passionate, no-strings-attached flings with men he meets in clubs. He doesn’t expect anything different when he sets his sights on James. Imagine his surprise when the charm that normally brings men to their knees fails to impress. Trevor will need to drop the routine and connect with James on a meaningful level. He starts by offering to take James home instead of James riding home with his intoxicated friend.
For James, losing his sight at a young age meant limited opportunities for social interaction. Spending most of his time working at a school for the blind has left him unfamiliar with Trevor’s world, but James has fought hard for his independence, and he knows what he wants. Right now, that means stepping outside his comfort zone and into Trevor’s heart.
Trevor is also open to exploring real love and commitment for a change, but before he can be the man James needs him to be, he’ll have to deal with the pain of his past.
A Hearts Entwined Novel
The attraction between Brent Berkheimer and Scott Spearman peels the wallpaper, but Brent is Scott’s boss, and they’re both too professional to go beyond flirting. Their priorities realign after Scott is badly injured in an accident that costs him his hearing, and Brent realizes what is truly important… he wants Scott.
Scott pushes Brent away at first, fearing a new romance will just add to his problems, but perhaps he will find unexpected strength and solace in Brent’s support as he struggles to communicate with the world in a new way.
Just as they decide the chance of a happy future together is worth the risk, Scott and Brent discover darker challenges in their way—including evidence that the “accident” Scott suffered may not have been so accidental.
Sometimes the heart is the most important sense. Caring for a young daughter with cancer is almost enough to make Ken Brighton give up, in Love Comes Silently, but former singer and next-door neighbor Patrick Flaherty brings hope for both of them—if he can manage to break his silence. In Love Comes in Darkness, Howard Justinian has always had to fight for his independence, in spite of his blindness, but when tragedy strikes, he may have to accept help in the form of unassuming Gordy Jarrett. In Love Comes Home, Greg Hampton’s son Davey is losing his eyesight, but Tom Spangler isn’t going to let that stop a boy from playing his favorite game.
A Senses Series Story
Dan was a throwaway child and learned to take care of himself in foster care. As an adult, he devotes his life to the business he started and his heart to raising children no one else wants. Dan has already adopted six-year-old Lila, who walks on crutches, and then decides to adopt eight-year-old Jerry, who suffers from MD and is confined to a wheelchair.
Also abandoned as a child, Connor ended up on his own and retreated into himself. He works as a carpenter and woodcarver and is the perfect man to ensure Dan’s home becomes wheelchair accessible.
When Dan hires Connor, neither of the men are ready to open their hearts to the possibility of love. As they learn how much they have in common, both of them must weigh the possibility of family and a future against the risks of getting hurt again.
A Senses Series Story
Garrett Bowman is shocked that fate has brought him to a family who can sign. He’s spent much of his life on the outside looking in, even within his biological family, and to be accepted and employed is more than he could have hoped for. With Connor, who’s included him in his family, Garrett has found a true friend, but with the distant Brit Wilson Haskins, Garrett may have found something more. In no time, Garrett gets under Wilson’s skin and finds his way into Wilson’s heart, and over shared turbulent family histories, Wilson and Garrett form a strong bond.
Wilson’s especially impressed with the way Garrett’s so helpful to Janey, Connor and Dan’s daughter, who is also deaf. When Wilson’s past shows up in the form of his brother Reggie, bringing unscrupulous people to whom Reggie owes money, life begins to unravel. These thugs don’t care how they get their money, what they have to do, or who they might hurt. Without the strength of love and the bonds of family and friends, Garrett and Wilson could pay the ultimate price.
Readers love the Hearts Entwined series by Andrew Grey
Heart Unseen
“I have no hesitation in recommending Heart Unseen to all m/m romance lovers and Andrew Grey fans!! Andrew is going from strength to strength and with this book he has got a winner!”
—Love Bytes
“Overall, this is a beautiful story.… Highly recommended.”
—On Top Down Under
Heart Unheard
“A beautiful story of two men, one learning to live with deafness and one learning to let go of his past.”
—Paranormal Romance Guild
“This was an incredible book about learning to deal with a disability that one never expects to have to deal with.”
—Gay Book Reviews
ANDREW GREY is the author of nearly 100 works of Contemporary Gay Romantic fiction. After twenty-seven years in corporate America, he has now settled down in Central Pennsylvania with his husband, Dominic, and his laptop. An interesting ménage. Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He is a recipient of the RWA Centennial Award, has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and now writes full-time. Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing). He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.andrewgreybooks.com
By Andrew Grey
Accompanied by a Waltz
All for You
Between Loathing and Love
Borrowed Heart
Buried Passions
Chasing the Dream
Crossing Divides
Dominant Chord
Dutch Treat
Eastern Cowboy
In Search of a Story
New Tricks
Noble Intentions
North to the Future
One Good Deed
The Playmaker
Running to You
Saving Faithless Creek
Shared Revelations
Three Fates
To Have, Hold, and Let Go
Turning the Page
Whipped Cream
ART
Legal Artistry • Artistic Appeal
Artistic Pursuits • Legal Tender
BOTTLED UP
The Best Revenge • Bottled Up
Uncorked • An Unexpected Vintage
BRONCO’S BOYS
Inside Out • Upside Down
Backward • Round and Round
/> THE BULLRIDERS
A Wild Ride • A Daring Ride • A Courageous Ride
BY FIRE
Redemption by Fire • Strengthened by Fire
Burnished by Fire • Heat Under Fire
CARLISLE COPS
Fire and Water • Fire and Ice • Fire and Rain
Fire and Snow • Fire and Hail • Fire and Fog
CARLISLE DEPUTIES
Fire and Flint • Fire and Granite
CHEMISTRY
Organic Chemistry • Biochemistry • Electrochemistry
Chemistry Anthology
DREAMSPUN DESIRES
#4 – The Lone Rancher
#28 – Poppy’s Secret
#60 – The Best Worst Honeymoon Ever
EYES OF LOVE
Eyes Only for Me • Eyes Only for You
FOREVER YOURS
Can’t Live Without You • Never Let You Go
GOOD FIGHT
The Good Fight • The Fight Within
The Fight for Identity • Takoda and Horse
HEARTS ENTWINED
Heart Unseen • Heart Unheard
Heart Untouched
HOLIDAY STORIES
Copping a Sweetest Day Feel • Cruise for Christmas
A Lion in Tails • Mariah the Christmas Moose
A Present in Swaddling Clothes • Simple Gifts
Snowbound in Nowhere • Stardust
LAS VEGAS ESCORTS
The Price • The Gift
LOVE MEANS…
Love Means… No Shame • Love Means… Courage
