Dean hummed, “Oh yeah…that too. This won’t take long.”
Dean set up his phone on the tripod and they slowly slid their hands into the shot, displaying their rings, and slowly interlaced their fingers, recreating Dean’s ‘I’ve got a secret’ post from several months before. The caption read “Engaged.”
As hearts and likes filled the screen, Dean devoured his mouth with a kiss. Colton exhaled a contented sigh and surrendered to his fiancé. Neither of them ever would have guessed they would become friends, and that their unconventional friendship would evolve into a love for the ages.
Surely things wouldn’t be perfect. There would be trials, arguments, and drama. There would assuredly be bad days with Aiden; raising a teenage boy wasn’t an easy task. Colton could be traded to another team, which meant relocating to another city. The league didn’t care if you’re happy or settled. You gowhere they send you. And if that happened, they would handle it together, as a family.
But no matter what life threw their way, they would make beautiful music together.
Epilogue
3 months later
Dean
“No peeking. Keep those eyes closed, Aiden.” Dean ushered a blindfolded Aiden into the construction area.
Aiden fidgeted with a huge smile. “I’m not! Just show me already!”
Dean stopped him at the door and positioned him so he had a clear view. “Okay, open your eyes!” He whipped off the blindfold.
Aiden gasped, wide-eyed, at his new living space. With construction complete, all that was left was decorating and design. Aiden slowly walked through the entry, reverently touching each wall, doorway, and countertop. “This is all for me?” He looked to Dean, eyes glassy with tears.
Aiden had been living in the guest bedroom suite during construction on his permanent living space, which waswaymore than a simple bedroom. It had a large bedroom, walk-in closet, and en-suite bathroom, a large living area for TV and gaming, and a smaller side office for studying and reading. It was basically a one-bedroom apartment, without the kitchen.
“Yes, sir.” Dean pulled him into a hug. “And I can’t think of anyone that deserves it more.”
Aiden squeezed Dean with a sob. “Thank you…I love you.”
Dean wiped a tear from his eye as he kissed the top of his head. “You’re very welcome. Now, these walls are white and boring, so we need to pick out colors and artwork. You up for that?”
Aiden nodded enthusiastically with a smile. “But don’t you have wedding stuff to do?”
Dean waved a hand and began walking Aiden through his new space. “Nah. We’re all set for tomorrow. And the waiting is making me crazy.” He laughed.
Planning the wedding turned out to be pretty easy and painless. The biggest issue was finding a venue for the ceremony and reception. Initially, Dean wanted to have the ceremony at a San Francisco landmark, like Alcatraz, Coit Tower, or Dolores Park, but after some research, the paperwork, permitting, and red tape involved made their heads spin. Neither Dean nor Colton were very religious, so a church wedding was off the table. They decided to have a simple ceremony with friends and family at home, on the second floor of Harris Entertainment. No paperwork or permits, no drama, no fuss…perfect.
***
Colton
Colton straightened his bowtie and smoothed his tux in the mirror. Dean snuck up behind him, wrapped hisarms around his waist, and kissed his neck. “Hello, soon-to-be husband.”
Colton laughed and turned to place a quick kiss on his lips. “What are you doing here? You’re not supposed to see me before the ceremony.”
Dean nipped at his earlobe. “Please…this is not a traditional wedding, and you, sir, are hardly a blushing bride,” he said, squeezing his ass.
“Damn straight.” Colton giggled. “But you’re still gonna carry me over the threshold?” He playfully batted his eyes.
Dean grabbed the back of his knees and lifted Colton off the floor, wrapping his legs around his waist. “Try and stop me.” Dean placed a deep, lingering kiss on his mouth, then touched his forehead against Colton’s. “I can’t wait to be your husband.”
Colton hummed in agreement. “Yeah, my very own ball and chain.”
Dean dropped his legs and punched his chest. “Okay, I’m being all sentimental and you’re being silly.”
Colton pulled him in for another chaste kiss. “Sorry. I’m being silly because I don’t want to get emotional and cry. This is a big deal for me, for us.”
Dean nodded and kissed his forehead. “True. But it’s ok. It’s our wedding day, get emotional if you want. Who cares? It’s you and me, always.”
