Over the next couple of days, they took a charted cruise around the French Riviera, enjoyed the elegant restaurants in the hotel, and had a private tour of the wine cellar which housed 350,000 bottles of wine. At the recommendation of the master sommelier, they purchased a case of wine and sent it to Alan and Jeremy as an engagement gift and to thank them for the trip. In the evenings, they visited the casino. Sometimes they won and sometimes they lost, but they had fun and that’s all that mattered.
On the fourth day, Derek purposely woke at 5:30 in the morning. He quickly quieted the soft chime on his phone and looked over at Travis, who was still asleep. He marveled at his husband, remembering the nights when Travis only started to doze off at this hour. Good riddance to the nights when Derek used to wake up and find his bed empty. He remembered the trepidation and worry in his gut while he used to tiptoe around the house wondering if Travis was OK, only to find him sitting on the balcony or at the window staring into the blackness of night. Now, Travis slept peacefully, and it pained Derek to wake him, but he didn’t want Travis to miss this moment.
“Wake up, sleepyhead.”
Travis stirred and stretched, but his lids remained closed. “What time is it?”
“Five thirty.”
“Are we leaving today?” Travis asked, rubbing his eyes.
“No. We still have two more days here.”
Travis sat up, his spikey hair flattened by the pillow and puffy circles under his eyes. “Why are you up so early?”
“Because we’re watching the sunrise.”
A soft smile slowly spread across Travis’ lips. “You woke me up to watch the sunrise? Wow. Our roles have really shifted.” He climbed out of bed and pulled Derek toward the balcony.
Derek had lit every candle he could get his hands on, courtesy of the front desk, and placed them on the balcony. A fluffy throw covered the double lounger, along with a warm blanket. Coffee service and pastries were already delivered from room service and sat on a cart next to the lounger.
Travis stopped as soon as he stepped onto the balcony. The candlelight reflected off his chocolate brown eyes and accentuated the tenderness they exhibited. “You did all this for me?”
“Fuck yeah. It’s the least I can do for my husband.” Derek still wasn’t used to saying the word, but he loved the way it sounded. Husband, he repeated in his head. My husband.
“Why do you have that goofy smile on your face?” Travis asked.
“Because I love you.” He kissed Travis, voraciously, then picked up the blanket and instructed Travis to climb onto the lounger. He prepared two cups of coffee, strong and sweet, just the way they both liked it, and joined Travis under the blanket.
“I didn’t know I married a romantic. I can get used to this,” Travis said, sipping the hot brew.
Travis was the hopeless romantic. He was a poet and a mountain of sensitivity. Derek had always been the carefree one who never gave a second thought about anything. It was amazing how someone could change your life in so many ways. He linked his arm through Travis’ under the blanket and momentarily rested his head on Travis’ shoulder. “You bring out the good in me.”
“What are you talking about? You’re the most unselfish person I know. You give me everything. And I’m not talking about monetary things. You give me your heart and your soul. Every day. And they’re the best gifts I could ever receive.”
They shared a kiss under the dawning day, and it lit Derek’s heart with a million colors that rivaled the prismatic sky above.
“This is our first sunrise as a married couple,” Travis said softly. “You know that I always loved the sunrise because it signified a new day. A new chance. But now, it just reinforces that my life gets better with each day. That I have someone by my side now, who will always be there, and I’ll never be alone again.”
Just then, the sun broke free from the horizon and blinded them with bright yellow rays and covered them with warmth. They both placed their coffee cups on the side table in order to share an embrace and a long kiss under the morning sky. They snuggled under the blanket and eventually dozed off, still in each other’s arms.
New Year’s Eve started with a day at the spa, where they received side-by-side massages, whole-body seaweed wraps, and relaxed in a private whirlpool. Dinner took place at one of the hotel’s luxurious restaurants, which provided a magnificent panoramic view of the Mediterranean and a retractable roof that offered dining under a starry sky. Now, they were walking around the lush gardens while they waited for the clock to strike midnight.
The grounds in front of the hotel had been transformed into a winter wonderland. Dozens of white fir trees inhabited the area and glowed with a rainbow of fiber-optic colors. White fluff covered the ground between the trees like billowy snow, and a machine pumped artificial flakes through the air.
“This is amazing!” Travis practically danced along the perimeter, pulling Derek with him by the hand. “I’ve never seen anything like it. Look at the little birds! They’re singing!”
Derek squinted. “Oh yeah. I didn’t even see them in there.” They weren’t real, but moved their little heads as if they were, as they chirped a happy song. They were scattered throughout the trees. Some on branches. Some in nests.
Music started playing from speakers located around the garden, and it filled the air with a harp-like tranquility. They both stopped and gazed upwards, as if the notes were floating on the snowflakes.
“This is so romantic,” Travis said, with an air of wonderment in his voice. “Did you plan this?”
“I wish I could say yes, but this was all here.”
“Look!” Travis pointed toward the sky. “The different colors are reflecting in the moonlight like the aurora borealis!”
If it weren’t for Travis’ artistic eye, Derek probably would have missed it. “You see every detail,” he commented.
“Of course. Nature is beautiful.” Travis extended his arm toward the Christmas garden. “Look at this display. It’s incredible.” His eyes began to twinkle with mischief, and he turned toward Derek with a playful smile.
“What?” Derek asked, cautiously, knowing that look all too well.
Travis brought his finger to his lips, quietly stepped over the little chain barricade, and walked into the garden, waving for Derek to follow him.
Derek chuckled softly and looked over his shoulder before hopping into the garden. “How do you talk me into these things?”
Travis shrugged, smugly. “I’m a rebel. And you’re easily coerced.” He weaved between two trees, as if he found his happy place. “Look at these branches up close. I can’t believe how white they are. They’re amazing.”
“Nature really is beautiful,” Derek agreed, looking at them with new eyes. They walked through the garden under the guise of night. Since everyone was enjoying the festivities in the ballroom, they were afforded privacy. They gazed at the trees, at the little automated chirping birds, and caught snowflakes on their tongues. They laughed like kids on Christmas, and Derek pulled Travis in for a kiss. It was tender and special and perfect.
After a while, they returned to the ballroom, which was filled with over 300 people in ballgowns and black tie. Waiters circulated trays of expensive French champagne and gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Derek tried to contain himself, but the little bacon wrapped scallops were divine, and he shoved a handful into his mouth.
“You’re all class,” Travis commented, before wiping his mouth with the back of his hand and his fingers on his jeans.
Derek laughed and pulled Travis close to his side. He looked around the crowded room, which was fancier than anything he ever attended, but still rockin’, and he suddenly didn’t want to be there. “What do you say we celebrate upstairs by ourselves?”
Travis tilted his head. “Aren’t you having a good time?”
“Fuck yeah. But I’d rather bring in the new year alone with you, sitting in bed. It’s still our honeymoon.”
Travis’ expression turned dre
amy. “I can’t believe you’re being so romantic.”
“What can I say? You’re starting to rub off on me.”
“Let’s get the hell out of here.”
Back in the room, they shrugged out of their clothes and made love in the grand king-size bed. They ordered an enormous amount of snacks and a bottle of champagne from room service, and the two of them snuggled in bed in nothing but their underwear.
Travis popped a chocolate covered strawberry into his mouth and then fed one to Derek. “This has been the ideal place to spend our honeymoon. I wouldn’t have picked any other destination.”
Derek nodded in agreement. “As soon as I heard Monte Carlo and the French Riviera, I knew you’d love it. There’s excitement and nightlife, but there’s history and culture. And I know you love those things.” He sighed with contentment. “You’re a complex guy, Travis Fontana. You’re so pretty. And not just on the outside. You got the most tender and sensitive heart I know. You’re probably crazier than me and a rebel to the core, but you’re also artsy and refined.”
A laugh fell from Travis’ mouth. “I’ve been called a lot of things but refined has never been one of them.”
“You are. I never appreciated any of the beauty of this place. Hell, in the world.” Derek shrugged. “But you see it all. Since we’ve been here together, I look at everything like I’ve never seen it before. You don’t just see things, Trav. You feel them. And you make me feel them too. Everything is so much better. My life is so much better. Because you’re part of it. I can’t even remember what it was like without you.”
“I remember what my life was life without you.” Travis’ face turned somber. “And I never want to think about that time of my life again.” He pulled Derek in for a hug and clung to him. “You’re never getting rid of me, so you better love me forever.”
A lump formed in Derek’s throat. “You better love me forever.”
“I will.”
“Me too.”
As they shared a kiss, shouts and cheers of celebration could be heard in the distance. They both turned toward the clock/radio on the dresser at the same time. “It’s midnight,” Travis said, a smile lighting up his face.
Derek picked up the champagne flutes from the nightstand and handed one to Travis. “Happy New Year, Trav.”
“Happy New Year, Derek.”
The End
Turn the page to find out what the new year holds
for Brandon and Cam in
New Year’s Day Delivery!
Cameron Douglas retrieved the gift that he had hidden in his dresser drawer. He sat on the edge of the bed and stared down at it. The box was small enough to look like a piece of jewelry but large enough to assume it wasn’t. Brandon’s birthday wasn’t until tomorrow, but it was nearing midnight and he couldn’t wait to blow his husband’s mind with the unexpected gift that was going to change their lives.
Brandon Bullet appeared in the doorway to the walk-in closet, wearing a pair of loose sweatpants that hung low enough to showcase the dark blond hair that trailed from his navel to his crotch. Shirtless, his broad pecs cast shadows in all the right places, accentuating his spectacular abs. Never looking up from admiring the Rolex on his wrist, the black and gray tattoos that covered his chest and arms danced as he slowly walked toward Cameron, “I gotta hand it to Felix. This vintage watch is the bomb. Pretty rad, huh?” Brandon stopped in front of the bed and held his arm out so Cameron could also admire it.
That was the understatement of the year. The classic timepiece looked brand new and probably cost well over 20 grand. Felix Osbourne, Bulletproof’s manager, had given it to Brandon at a celebratory birthday dinner with the band earlier this evening. “I hope you know how expensive it is. Be careful. And whatever you do, don’t jump into the pool with that thing on your wrist.”
“I’ll try not to.” Brandon’s eyes dropped to the present in Cameron’s lap, and his baby blues sparkled. “Is that for me?”
“Happy Birthday, rock star. Sit down and open it.”
Brandon gave Cameron a small peck, more excited about the gift than an exchange of affection. He sat on the bed next to Cameron and shook the present next to his ear. It emitted a twinkling sound, which made Brandon’s brows raise inquisitively. “Is it a music box?”
Cameron shook his head, unable to contain his smile.
Admiring the metallic paper and fancy red bow, Brandon cradled the gift in his hands for a few moments before he slipped one of his manly fingers underneath the tape and tried to gently unwrap the gift without destroying the paper.
“Hurry up!” Cameron fidgeted, quite possibly more anxious than Brandon.
“It’s so pretty. I don’t want to—”
Impatient, Cameron ripped the paper, which caused Brandon to let out a booming laugh.
“I guess you’re eager for me to see what you bought me. Now I’m really intrigued.” Brandon pulled off the rest of the wrappings and lifted the top of the box. The tissue paper made a crinkling noise as he hunted through it, then he stared down at its contents, his brows knitted with confusion. “I don’t get it.” He lifted the baby rattle and shook it. “Are you trying to say I’m a big baby?”
A hearty laugh left Cameron’s mouth. “Yes. Sometimes you are.” He rested his hand on Brandon’s thigh, his heart beating frantically. “You’ve been saying you’ve wanted a family since the day I met you. I know I’ve been hesitant and unsure, but I think it’s time. I think we can do this.”
Brandon shot to his feet and pulled Cameron into a hug. “I can’t believe it, Cam! You really want to have a baby?”
“Yes. I know I was nervous because the band is on the road so much, but we worked it out. Me and the dog go on tour with Bulletproof. Why can’t a baby? We can bring a nanny and whatever we need with us.”
Brandon placed a hard kiss on Cameron’s mouth that would have turned erotic if they weren’t so overjoyed at the idea of becoming parents. They ended up breaking the kiss to share happy laughter.
“I’m so happy, Cam.” Brandon brushed his knuckles over his husband’s cheek. “You’re going to make such an incredible father. But I’m a little nervous.”
It was the first time Cameron ever heard Brandon sound unsure. The guy was always a mountain of confidence and projected assurance and capability in everything he did. This new, vulnerable side of Brandon made Cameron exhale with empathy. “What are you talking about? You have the perfect family and grew up in a house filled with love.” He pressed the palm of his hand to the center of Brandon’s chest. “And you have a warm and generous heart.”
Brandon’s baby blues turns soulful. “Thank you for saying that. I’m just worried that I won’t make the right decisions sometimes. You might have to be the disciplinarian. You know I’ll let our baby get away with anything.”
Cameron smiled, knowing the full truth of that statement. Brandon had a soft heart and was generous to a fault. “We’ll make decisions together. We’re a team. You and me.”
A long, contented sigh left Brandon’s lungs, and he rubbed Cameron’s jaw with his thumb. “You always know what to say. You’re going to make the best father.”
“So are you.”
Brandon’s face lit up again, and excited laughter bubbled from his throat. “I can’t believe it, Cam! A baby! We’re going to be daddies!” He wrapped his strong arms around Cameron and lifted him clear off the floor in a hug.
Heavy footsteps clambering down the hallway made Cameron’s head turn toward the doorway, just as Brandy bounded into the bedroom. The ninety-pound black Lab ran circles around their legs, barking happily. She had no idea why they were celebrating, but she didn’t want to be left out. Cameron sunk to his knees, wrapped his arms around her and pressed his face into her black fur. “Don’t worry girl. You’ll always be my first baby.”
It only took a few days before they could get an appointment with the best fertility clinic in Los Angeles. When they’d walked into the office to inquire about the process
of bringing a little one into their lives, less than an hour earlier, Brandon could hardly contain himself. He’d been smiling so wide that his cheeks hurt, his heart had been pounding with adrenaline, and a million happy thoughts had been dancing through his head.
But now, he stared blankly at the woman in the white doctor’s coat, filled with sobering reality. When he finally opened his mouth to say something, nothing came out. The joy that had consumed him since Cam first presented him with the tiny rattle disappeared with one sentence. He turned to Cam, who wore the same disappointed expression, and they both slowly turned back to the woman. She somehow managed to maintain a small smile on her lips. It annoyed the hell out of Brandon, and he wanted to ask her why the fuck she was smiling when she basically told them they needed to put their family on hold.
“As I said, donor eggs are easily accessible and available,” she repeated. “Finding a surrogate takes a little longer.”
“Because we’re a same-sex couple?” Cam snapped.
“Not at all,” she stated. “It’s just a waiting game.”
“I have money.” Brandon leaned forward, raising his voice with desperation. “I can pay double. Triple. Just name the price.”
Cam’s reassuring hand landed on Brandon’s thigh, instantly calming his volatile reaction.
The woman’s eyes softened sympathetically. “It has nothing to do with money, Mr. Bullet. It’s simply that we don’t have enough surrogates.” She pushed a stack of forms across the desk. “Let’s start with filling out the application.”
Cam silently took the forms, his entire body folding in on itself with despair, and held them in his lap.
Brandon’s heart ached, not only for himself, but for Cam. He’d do anything to take that forlorn look off his husband’s face. He laced his fingers through Cam’s and lowered his voice to a soft whisper. “Hey. Don’t look so down. We’re gonna find a surrogate. I’m gonna make sure of it.”
A Bulletproof New Year (The Holiday Collection Book 2) Page 8
