Now really wasn’t the time to ask himself that. He needed to getthrough the rest of the day without having a crisis.
A softawwrippled through the crowd, making Max blush.
Connor was still staring at him, his eyes wide and soft.
“Oh,” he said after a moment. “My turn, huh?”
Theawwturned into laughter, but it was a kind, warm soundthat made Max’s heart swell.
If this was the only wedding he ever had, that was okay. It’d beennice.
“I knew Max was special from the moment I met him,” Connor began.“But I wouldn’t learnhowspecial until I really got to know him. I feelas though every time I talk to him, he surprises me in some new way that makesme fall for him all over again. I’m so glad he’s letting me keep that feelingforever.”
Connor looked up, meeting Max’s eyes instead of the knot of histie. “I love you with all my heart,” he said softly.
Max swallowed, his heart tightening in his chest. He knew Connorwas faking, but it sounded soreal.
Or maybe Max justwantedit to sound real, because hedesperately wanted to believe that Connor could love someone like him.
Riley grinned at both of them. “I think that means you’re supposedto kiss,” he said.
Max licked his lips, meeting Connor’s eyes again, then letting hisown fall closed as he leaned in.
His heart skipped as they made contact.
Helikedkissing Connor. Not just… not just men in general,though he was getting more comfortable with that idea.
Connor, specifically.
He liked this, and it was probably the last time he was ever goingto do it.
Max hadn’t realized how much that thought would hurt until now.
He wished this was real.
He would never have rushed into marrying someone like this, but…some part of him wanted this to be the real thing, for Connor to promise tostay, to be with him always, andmeanit.
To say he loved Max, and mean it.
Max’s head spun at the thought. It was too much to process rightnow, and he waswaytoo late in figuring all this out.
Besides, what if he was just caught up in the fantasy of gettingmarried to someone he liked? What if he couldn’t tell the difference betweenthat and real love?
He’d never been in love before. He had no idea how it was meant tofeel.
Connor tugged on his hand, bringing him back to the present.
“And uh… exchange rings?” Riley said, sounding unsure.
Max suspected that was supposed to happen before the kiss.
Riley pulled the two simple silver bands Connor had gotten forthem out of his pocket, holding them out. Connor grabbed the one intended forMax immediately, holding his free hand out.
Max moved his own hand, letting Connor take it gently. “You willalways be a part of my life,” Connor promised softly. “Whatever happens.”
Max swallowed. That sounded too much like goodbye for him, even asConnor settled the ring onto his finger.
He took the other one, mimicking everything Connor had just done.“Ditto,” he said as he slid the ring into place.
