“Oh, Joe, I don’t know,” Frances said. “I think you need to get back there and help Joseph, because it looks like he just got his asskicked.”
They all entertained a laugh at the asshole’s expense, and then eased their way back into the party with the help of some drinks. Joseph and his merry band of bigots didn’t make it much longer before they decided to head off, surely not desiring any more stares after theconfrontation.
* * *
When the partycame to an end, Art and Wes said their goodbyes to their friends before they took their walk back to Wes’s townhouse, but on their way, made a detour at the gazebo overlooking one of the communityfountains.
Art was glad they’d stopped. He’d had such an incredible night, and he wasn’t ready for it to come to an end. “Despite obstacles, it was all so muchfun.”
“You seem very at peace aboutthat.”
Art could feel himself still smiling as he turned to Wes. “I was upset with Joseph, but there was a time when we would’ve been escorted out of there or when we would’ve endured much more than that. It might have been a serious interruption, but as far as I’m concerned, it was a small victory for us. It made tonight that much morespecial.”
“It was nice seeing you berating Joseph Duvall,” Wes said with a wickedsmirk.
“I was hardly berating. More reflecting out loud. Would you have ever thought how far we would come from when we were kids and sodomy laws were still rampant, and now, like you said, we can getmarried?”
“We can,” Wes said, the idea striking Art as particularly pleasant in that moment. “Would that be something you’d be interestedin?”
“Marriage? Oh God, at this age?” Art didn’t even know why he said it like that. Perhaps just out ofhabit.
Wes took Art’s hand and dropped down onto hisknee.
Artlaughed.
It had to be a joke. Marrying at that stage of his life seemed about as likely as winning the lottery, but as he noticed Wes’s expression not letting up, he felt flustered. “Wes, you can’t beserious.”
“Is this so wrong? Haven’t we seen throughout our lives that we don’t have time to second-guess or worry or stress? That we have to take advantage of what we do have? Jump at the opportunity, seize it? I’m so enamored with you, Art, and I want to be able to cherish every moment with my all, and for you to know that you’re the only one I want to be with. The only one who’s ever made me feel the way I feel now. I was dead for so much of my life. But I look into your beautiful blue eyes tonight, sparkling bright as ever even in this dim light, and they illuminate my soul. I didn’t even know just how happy I could be until I met you. I didn’t think I would spend this part of my life really being alive, and you’ve made it so much better than that, and I hope I do that for you, so please, let’s take advantage of this opportunity we both finally have. Marry me, ArtCromley.”
A tear ran down Art’s face. “Dammit. You always seem to make me cry.” He wiped at it, and then replied, “I would love to marry you, WesBrenner.”
Wes started pushing to his feet but stopped. “I think you’re gonna have to help me get back up,” he said. “Still sore from FieldDay.”
Art threw his head back, erupting into a fit of laughter before helping his fiancé to his feet, and when he was back up, Wes lurched forward, pressing his lips againstArt’s.
Art felt so lucky he was able to find something so incredible in his lifetime, and that Wes obviously felt the sameway.
* * *
Between how beautifulArt had looked in the gazebo light and how special the moment seemed, Wes couldn’t deny the impulse that had arisen within him. He wanted Art, and considering where they were at in their lives, he didn’t see a point in waiting. He didn’t see a point in having anything other than everything with him while they could take advantage ofit.
Wes beamed as he and Art held hands and sat side by side atbreakfast.
As many glances as they’d exchanged, as many grins as they’d shared since they’d woken up after a night of sharing everything they had within them, all Wes could do was bask in the deliciousness of the knowledge of their mutual, full and utter appreciation of oneanother.
Gabe sat with them straight away, patting Art on his shoulder. “Still loving how you two gave that Joseph a piece of your minds. A five-star event, if you ask me. And by the looks of you, I take it you’re just aspleased.”
Wes wished he could have told him their secret, but they’d said they’d wait until all their friends arrived before they shared the news, and fortunately, it wasn’t long before Frances and Tony joined them, both looking nearly as secretive and satisfied as Wes andArt.
“Good morning,” Tony said cheerfully, which Wes figured meant he must’ve had an incredible night, considering he rarely ever offered a word beforeFrances.
“You two are looking awfully suspicious this morning,” Frances said, eyes narrowing as she looked between them. “You in particular, Cromley. What have you been upto?”
Art snickered. He couldn’t contain his excitement, something that only made Wes that much happier, which he wouldn’t have even thought possible until thatmoment.
“I wish we’d decided who should say it,” Wes said, looking to Art, wanting permission, but feeling it was both of theirs toshare.
“It’s fine. You can say it or Ican.”
