“In a moment,” Xander said.
Josie nodded, stepping back with Harper and Logan.“Is that a pond?Who needs a pond in their living room?”Logan asked.
“Just like you need a stripper pole in yours,” Josie said.
“Got me there,” Logan flashed her a smile.
Josie appreciated him trying to break up the tension in the room.Xander put out his hand to Ares.“I’m a tool.Sorry.”
“Yeah.You’re fine,” Ares embraced his brother, and Josie looked away.Their connection was so powerful that it would never break.But connections could expand and change shape.As she glanced at the family in her new home, she had never felt so loved.
“Ares, lunch can hold.Want to show them their side?”
Her love raised his eyebrows, draped his arm around her “That’s a great idea.Let’s go.Follow us.”
Josie laughed at their expression and couldn’t wait to see what they thought.
“Thanks,” Ares said, squeezing her hand.
“You are mine.I got to take care of you too.”
He leaned forward and kissed her, gently but no less intense, leaving her with tingling lips and her heart full of pride to be his.
36 ARES
“Weneverfoughtlikeother brothers.Any regrets?”
Ares concentrated on tying his shoes, afraid to look at his brother.He heard the crack of Xander’s voice.
“No.Not a single one.”
“I never asked you to be my keeper.But I'm a lucky bastard you took on that role.”
“It’s time for me to take on another one.Leave the past behind.”
“You got that right,” Xander held out his tuxedo jacket.
Ares slipped his arms into it.“The house is fucking awesome though, right?”
Xander straightened his lapels, a huge grin on his face.“Yeah.The castle over the sea is awesome.My loves are happy.”
Ares caught sight of them in the mirror.Xander looking menacing as usual in his tuxedo with the deep burgundy shirt, next to Ares with his curly blond hair, slicked back into submission.He chose a creme colour for his shirt and traditional black tuxedo.They had come so far together.
Together they had chased a dream that got them out of their impossible beginnings and along the way they tried to make the world a little bit better.
But it was the love they had found that made their world brighter.Ares was going to do everything in his power to nurture that love.
To make sure it stayed strong and lasted, no matter what came their way.
“Your bride is here, Ares,” Logan strode into the room, his arm finally healed.“I wish you all the happiness in the universe, brother.”
A lump rose in his throat as the big man hugged him, then hugged Xander.
“Okay, knock this off.You can’t keep Josie waiting,” Xander pushed out of the circle.
“Never.”
He exited the small dressing room, walked up three stairs to the main floor and his breath caught in his throat.
