Joshua’s expression softened, but he didn’t look away. “You saved me, Colin. Long before we stood at that altar, you saved me. And youdidunderstand how much I went through. You’ve tormented yourself for years because you couldn’t protect the child I was then.”
“But ... maybe I can protectAlex,” Colin whispered. “Maybe I can be there forhim.” Colin swallowed hard, pressing a kiss to his husband’s temple. “I want them—all of them: Jeff, Trent, those kids, but Alex most of all—to know that kind of love exists.”
Joshua smiled, tugging him closer. “Thatourkind of love exists.”
Colin’s kiss was filled with tenderness. “We’ll show them,mo chroí.”
Joshua hooked an arm around Colin’s neck and pulled until Colin lay fully on top of his body. “Mm,” he murmured, licking along the base of Colin’s throat. “We will. But right now ... how about if you showme!”
On the otherside of town, Trent and Jeff lounged together on the couch. Trent had just returned to their apartment after dropping Sophie off at her mom, Jennifer’s, house, and he couldn’t help but smile as he recalled her joyful chatter as she informed her mother about the upcoming wedding and her role in the proceedings.
“She’s just so excited and happy, Jeff,” Trent told him. “Seeing her like that means everything to me.” He gently touched Jeff’s cheek and turned his face toward Trent’s. “Thank you.”
Jeff accepted Trent’s gentle kiss, then shook his head. “Trent, she isn’t any happier than I am. I don’t deserve any thanks. I was holding back out of fear, not because I didn’t want to marry you. I did. I always have, I think.” He gave a quiet laugh and nuzzled his hair against Trent’s cheek. “I know you’re going tolovethis, but we’ll always have Colin to thank for finally kicking me over the finish line.”
Trent scoffed out a laugh and rolled his eyes. “Oh,goodie.”
“Yeah, I feel sure you’re never going to hear the end of it.”
“Nevertheless, I’m grateful for whatever orwhoevergot you there. Even him.”
“You’re OK with him officiating, aren’t you?”
“I’m thrilled with it.”
“He’s over the moon about doing it. And in a way, I don’t think it’s just aboutus.I think it’s about the way the world is right now. He wants to be able to help. To stand for something in the gay community. To be a pillar.”
Trent nodded, then took Jeff’s hand and lifted it to his lips. fsau“Don’t ever misinterpret the kind of back and forth thatColin and I engage in. “I love the guy. I’ve already told him I’d be honored to have him join us in marriage.”
“It’s going to be an amazing day for all of us, even for the Camp Pride kids. We’re building a life for Sophie. But those Camp Pride kids? Some of them are building one for the first time.”
Trent leaned into Jeff’s embrace, sighing against his shoulder. “Ineverthought I’d have this,” he admitted. “A real family. A home. You. God, Jeff. Two years ago, I didn’t even know I had adaughter. I had no hope of ever having a family—of having that kind of love in my life. I thought I’d be lonely for the rest of my life. And now look at me! Look atus!”
Jeff squeezed his hand. “That love is yours now. And it always will be.”
Trent smiled, the warmth of Jeff’s words settling deep in his heart. “We’ll build our own traditions together. As a family: you, me, and Sophie.”
Jeff grinned. “Starting with letting Colin officiate our wedding. Not to mention Nate as ring bearer.”
Trent groaned. “God help us.”
Laughter bubbled between them, easy and full of promise, as the city lights flickered outside their window—two men, bound by love, ready to take on forever.
Chapter 9
The Boy Who Would Not Look Up
Joshua drew in a steadying breath as he stepped into the intake room at Rainier Clinic. His eyes immediately found the boy in the corner: Alex Mayfield. Twelve years old. Scared, silent, eyes on the floor. His shoulders curved inward and his hands were stuffed deep into the pockets of his oversized hoodie, as if he longed to make himself small enough to disappear.
Beside him, the second candidate for Camp Pride, a wiry fifteen-year-old named DeShawn Mitchell, was a stark contrast: watchful but not withdrawn. DeShawn’s sharp eyes assessed the room, pausing on Joshua for a beat before moving to Miranda Estavira, Rainier’s director.
“Alex, DeShawn,” Miranda said gently, “you remember Joshua Campbell-Abrams, our Camp Pride coordinator.”
DeShawn nodded, arms crossed. Alex didn’t move or speak, eyes still fixed on the floor.
Striving to keep his tone light, Joshua forced down the rush of emotion tightening his throat. “Hey, guys. It’s really nice to see you both again.”
DeShawn gave a curt nod. Alex did not look up.
