“No!” Emerson said before releasing a shaky breath. “It just doesn’t seem fair. We’repartnersin this life, Dash. And you’re paying a big price for both of us. What have I done to ensure we can be together?”
“You saved my life, Em. I might not be here to make this sacrifice had you not been there,” Dash said. He spread his palms over Emerson’s chest. “And if there are challenges we didn’t foresee, we can face those things together. As partners.”
Emerson smiled down at him.“As partners.”
Dash rose on his toes to press his lips to Emerson’s.
“Do you want to finish that nap now?” Emerson asked.
Dash shook his head. “I’d rather snuggle with you on the couch and watch the news. I’m curious if anything’s been leaked about Crenshaw.”
Emerson’s eyes glistened as he smiled down at Dash. “Sounds like a plan.”
After they walked into the living room and he crawled onto the sofa, Dash glanced around. “Have you seen my phone?”
“You don’t need it,” Emerson said, one brow elevated.
Dash scooted to the edge. “I want to keep it close in case there’s any updates about Jaye.”
“Stay right there. Don’t move another muscle.” Emerson left, returning a few minutes later, phone in hand. “Bayley supposedly texted you earlier, too. Not sure what that’s about.”
“I didn’t know he had my number.” Dash unlocked his phone.
“Tanner, probably,” Emerson said, walking out of the room again.
Dash found he’d been included in a group chat with Tanner and two numbers he didn’t recognize.
Unknown Number 1
Hey Dash! It’s Emerson’s brother, Bayley. Since you’re laid up for a while, you and Em might want to binge a show that Tanner, Harley, and I have been obsessed with lately. Wickedly Ever After. It’s streaming on Omegawood Studios+. I’m sending Dad with my password so you can log into my account since I don’t know if you have one. I know it might not be your thing but promise me you’ll watch AT LEAST the first two episodes of S1. If you don’t like it, you can stop after that. Enjoy!
Tanner
Watch the show, Dash. Trust me. You and Emerson NEED to watch this ASAP
Unknown Number 2
This is Harley! We’re dying to know how you like it
Great. I’ve been added to the Walker Familyomegachat group.
He knew he should be happy to be included, but he doubted he had much in common with them. Emerson returned and handed over the scrap of paper he’d set on the table in the foyer, one brow cocked. “This has something to do with the text, supposedly. I’m not sure what my brother’s cooking up, so tread carefully.”
Dash showed Emerson the group chat. “I’m one of them now, it seems.”
Emerson read over it and snickered as he sat down beside Dash. “You don’t seem like a binge-watching kind of guy.”
“I’m usually too busy to watch more than the news. I can’t remember the last time I watched anything for simple entertainment.” He snuggled closer to Emerson. “Since I’m being forced to relax, I suppose we could give an episode a try.”
“Up to you,” Emerson said, shrugging. “It’s not the worst way to spend a few hours, cuddled up on the couch with you.”
After downloading the app onto his television, Dash logged in and searched for the show.
“Season One: Snowand the Seven Alphas,”Dash read out loud before eyeing Emerson with hesitance.
Emerson grimaced. “Definitelynotsomething I’d choose to watch. But it’s up to you.”
Dash cringed, yet his future brothers-in-law were attempting to include him. “I suppose we can suffer through a couple of episodes.”
