Gene just blinked.
He knew they’d already had a commitment ceremony, but this…this was aPARTY.
A.
Huge.
One.
Gene didn’t know what to say. He’d felt something had been off the last week or two, but he’d never expected this.
“EJ.”
Ethan didn’t move.
“Let’s do our wedding now. Here. I want everyone in this room to know the truth. You’ve been part of me since we were first partners over twenty years ago. Without you, I never would have learned to be the man I am today. You prepared me to marry Elizabeth, and start a family. I want everyone to know that without you, and that part of our life, I wouldn’t be who I am today. That man wouldn’t have made it this far.”
Not a word was spoken in the room, and that was a miracle in itself. Their kids were there, and silent as they watched their dad and Uncle Gene have their moment.
“Get up, Ethan,” Gene said, pulling him to his feet.
For a brief moment, Ethan thought he screwed up, but then, as always, Gene had him.
He was safe.
Moving into his body, they stood toe-to-toe, and he stared into his eyes. In them, Gene didn’t see fear, but he did see love.
They were definitely ready.
“I will absolutely marry you. My only requirement was that our children see this moment. Since you somehow managed to wrangle all of them here, I’m in.”
Ethan smiled.
“It was Elizabeth. She planned all of this for us.”
Gene wasn’t shocked.
And now, it all made sense.
She’d dressed down and said what she’d said for them. She was giving them their moment.
“Let’s get married,” Gene said. “I’m ready. God knows I don’t get into a tux for funsies. They suck.”
He hugged him.
“I love you,” Ethan whispered.
“And I love you. Thank you for this gift. It’s spectacular.”
When music began playing, Gene turned around, and held out his arm for his mate. They’d taken vows, but now, Gene was going to get to do what he’d planned.
Marry them all.
This was more than just about him and Ethan. This was about the family they’d formed, and the unit they’d become. He could wing his vows to all of them, since he’d not had time to prepare.
Tonight, they’d all be a couple.
As they began walking down the path of rose petals, Elizabeth was at the end, holding Willa in her arms. While they shared kids, this was their only one together.
