They shared a laugh, and then Drew left his grandmother to join Ash and his brothers. “Hi.”
Ash spun around, that wonderful smile transforming his face. Drew loved seeing him so open and joyful. He loved Ash so much his heart hurt.
“Hey, baby.” Ash bent to kiss him, and as always, the pull of his body toward Ash was fundamental to Drew’s existence. They had a natural attraction that went beyond the physical; they were in each other’s heads, blood, and souls. He couldn’t stop loving Ash if he wanted to.
“Ready?”
“I’ve been ready for forever.” Ash cupped the back of Drew’s neck and trailed his fingers down Drew’s back. “I was waiting for you to find me for years.”
Drew held Ash’s silvery gaze and knew he’d never grow tired of waking up next to this man. “There’s no letting go after today.”
Rachel hurried over, the swell of her pregnant belly beginning to show through her dress. “Come, you two. The rabbi has papers for you to sign.”
“Let’s do this.” Drew slipped his hand into Ash’s, and they walked back to his grandmother’s living room. It only took a few minutes to sign the English and the Hebrew marriage certificate and then listen to the words that would bind him and Ash together forever.
They’d agreed beforehand that Ash would step on the glass, and he did so with a loud, satisfying crunch.
“Mazel tov!”
Ash kissed him sweetly on the lips. “You’re mine now.”
Drew tipped his head back and stared into the smiling face of the man he loved more than anything. “I’ve always been yours.”
~ * ~
Tash and Brandon
One week later
Tash closed the file and stretched out the kinks from his back. It had been a long day, starting with therapy sessions at his office, then meeting Johnny at the clinic. What a difference believing in someone and giving them the proper resources could have. The scared and angry teenager was a distant memory, and in his place stood a young man of courage, determination, and eagerness.
Johnny burst into the office, waving a sheet of paper. “I passed, Dr. Weber. I passed my GED!” He literally danced with happiness in front of Tash’s desk.
Tash came around and gave the young man a hug. “I’m so proud of you; we all are. You deserve it. I never saw someone as determined as you.”
Johnny’s dark eyes shone in his face. “I never thought I’d be saying this, but I can’t wait to look at colleges. Maybe I’ll ask Marly if St. Francis has good computer programs.” He raced out of the room.
Tash couldn’t help but laugh and marvel at the success story. Johnny had turned his whole life around and gone from street punk to high school graduate in the span of a year. Jordan had no idea how much he’d help Johnny when he pressed for the police to show Johnny a little leniency. To his credit, Johnny had returned the favor in spades. By working here at the clinic and at the community center, he’d proven himself and given back to other kids. Tash had no doubt Johnny would never go back to a life on the streets.
“Hi.”
Tash spun around to see Brandon standing at the door. “Hi. Come on in. I only this minute finished with Johnny.”
Brandon walked in and closed the door behind him. “I know, and I heard his great news. I knew he’d graduate.” He leaned against the door. “You were such a big part in his accomplishment, and I’m so proud of you and the work you do.”
He and Brandon shared much more than a physical relationship. They talked about how they’d like to expand the help they provided to students to include more teachers from Brandon’s school, as well as some of Tash’s colleagues. Brandon was also teaching Tash to cook, and they spent many Saturday mornings in the Union Square farmers’ market picking up fresh ingredients, then coming home and experimenting with their purchases.
Not that there wasn’t passion; every touch from Brandon brought an awareness of how alive Tash was now, and how far removed he was from that broken man he used to be. Tash had imagined Brandon, being so much younger, would have the greater sexual appetite, but Tash had discovered a side of himself he’d never known. Loving Brandon and living with him brought out Tash’s passion and desire, and it only seemed to be growing, not diminishing. Perhaps it had to do with love being thrown into the equation.
A small smile played around Brandon’s lips. “I’m looking forward to the weekend.”
“Do we have any special plans?”
Brandon came up behind Tash and put his arms around Tash’s waist. “We do. I arranged a special weekend for us. With all the weddings and celebrations lately, I thought it might be fun for us to get away. Just the two of us.”
Tash turned in Brandon’s arms, surprised at what he’d said. “Are you upset about your brothers both getting married, and that we aren’t?” That was a topic they hadn’t spoken of yet. Not because Tash didn’t want to marry Brandon, but because Tash didn’t want to push him.
“No, I’m not upset. We haven’t spoken about the long-term, but you know where I stand.” Brandon gazed into Tash’s eyes, and Tash winced at the touch of sadness he saw there before Brandon tried to cover it up with a halfhearted smile.
