“James, this is my boy, Ryan,” Russell introduced.
I shook his hand firmly and couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear. I had heard so much about Ryan Hudson and how this young man had knocked Russell’s world off its axis … just like Brandon had done with me.
“Nice to meet you,” Ryan said and nodded.
This young man was perfect for Russell, and I could tell by looking at Russell that Ryan was his world.
“As Russell would say, it’s delightful to meet you, Ryan,” I said with a smile.
Ryan’s face broke out into a smile, and the dimples Russell spoke of frequently made their appearance. His grin was infectious as he gripped the back of his neck with his hand. There was that nervous hitch Russell spoke of.
“I’m so happy to have you guys here tonight. Thank you for coming,” I said. I was elated they were here, along with everyone else. But I had been friends with Russell since we were little kids and had gone to college with Nick. Our bonds were unbreakable. Their presence tonight meant more than the world to me.
I took them out back to the deck and introduced everyone. I was beyond proud to wrap my arm around Brandon as I introduced him to Russell and Nick. During dinner, we laughed over some embarrassing stories, courtesy of my two college friends.
After dinner, I leaned against the deck railing nursing a bottle of beer while chatting with Russell, Nick, Garrett, and Sam. We were amused by watching the others. It was no surprise that Andrew was the one conversing with Ryan. Andrew was one of the most genuinely friendliest people I had ever met. He stood there listening to Ryan intently, giving him his undivided attention.
Seated opposite Alison was Brandon. Salem and Joshua sat on either side of Alison, and everyone was all laughing as Alison tossed pretzel twists into the air for Brandon to catch with his mouth.
“Here, toss one for me to catch,” Joshua said as he backed up his chair. He opened his mouth and waited, but Alison flicked it at his forehead.
“No, you dork! Brandon’s cuter to play with,” Alison teased.
“What? He is not,” Joshua countered and smiled at Brandon. “Brandon’s balls haven’t even dropped yet,” he joked.
“Good! That’s why he’s cute!” Alison threw another pretzel at Joshua’s head.
Sam rubbed his forehead and then shook his head.
“Those two,” Sam commented.
“So, he has no idea?” Nick asked me as he gestured toward Brandon.
I shook my head and smiled as I watched Brandon catch pretzels.
“The pictures you sent don’t do his personality and energy justice,” Russell said.
“You think your Ryan has endless energy. Let me tell you, Brandon never tires,” I teased Russell.
“Would you stop flaunting and hurry up and make that boy yours, please?” Russell set his empty beer bottle down on the railing and looked at me.
I nodded and was ready. I pulled out the thin black leather collar with the engraved puppy tag already polished and attached. Proudly dangling from my hand was the collar that would symbolize our bond and our relationship.
“Pup,” I called out. Brandon turned to face me as another pretzel bounced off his cheek.
Brandon tilted his head to the side and stood. Everyone quieted down as Brandon hurried over. I took a few steps forward and watched his face as he focused on what was in my hand. I put my hand on his shoulder and raised the collar so he could see the puppy tag.
“I got you something, pup. See what it says?”
Brandon touched the silver tag and began to read it out loud.
“My Pup, Brandon Calvin Cooper,” he murmured and traced his name.
He quickly brought his hand up and wiped his eyes. He knew what it was. I kissed his forehead and wrapped my arm around him.
“I don’t want to worry about you running off and getting lost. But, if you get lost, the other side has all of my contact info. And this number at the bottom is a medical registration number. If something does happen and you need medical care, that number will tell a paramedic or emergency room about your heart condition and blood type.”
Brandon lowered to the ground, sat back on his heels, and looked up at me. I crouched down and put the leather collar around his neck and then kissed him hard.
“I’m yours?” he asked when our mouths pulled apart.
“You’ve been mine, Brandon.”
