Tate’s eyes flick between mine, searching for some answer that I pray to god he finds. Seemingly happy with what he sees, Tate leans up to kiss me again. This kiss is softer, a sort of vow. His lips glide over mine, gently, like waves lapping at the shore. When I pull away, I lean my forehead against his to stare down into his eyes.
“I want to make this work. I’ve got one year left in Seattle, then I can go wherever.”
“Well.” Tate looks shy for a moment, that beautiful blush stealing its way across his cheeks. “I was thinking of trying to move to Seattle? It’s up to Olivia. If she has kids, I want to be close by… I know Bailey is at the whim of the league but I think he wants to end his career at Seattle, go out on a high note.”
That’s true. Bailey has told me he’s not willing to be traded again. Seattle or bust.
“I’m willing to come to Portland. Your career is there. It’s not that far of a drive between Portland and Seattle. We could keep my house there so we could visit on the weekends.”
Tate’s smile turns shy. “Wow, you’ve put some thought into this.”
“Had trouble sleeping the other night and thought a lot of big thoughts.”
“I like it… I like that I’m worthy of future plans with you.”
“Damn it, Tate. You’re worth all my plans.”
Before he can argue, I take Tate into my arms to kiss him again. This kiss isn’t soft at all. I need to show Tate with my mouth that he’s every thought I’ve had but never dared to put into words. Tate moans into my mouth, letting me tug him closer to my body. But someone clearing their throat has me jumping away.
Tate’s cheeks are a deep crimson as he turns to look over his shoulder. God, his cheeks somehow getredderwhen he realizes we’ve been caught by his father.
“Dad,” Tate squeaks.
His father waves. “The reception is going to start soon.”
I watch as he disappears back toward the villa. Once he’s gone, I take Tate’s face between my palms and turn his head back toward me. “Do you get it now?”
“Yeah,” Tate replies wistfully.
I tangle our fingers together and drag him back toward the villa. The reception has way more people than I’d expected. The dance floor is packed, wine is flowing, and Tate is pressed tightly to my side all through the reception. I can’t pay attention to anything but him. When it’s my turn for the best man toast, I almost forget how to speak. So many eyes on me. But my attention focuses on Tate and that makes it a little easier.
“I’ve known Bailey since we were teens. Back then, I didn’t have any family, and Bailey took me in without a second thought. He’s always been that kind of guy. He’ll give you the shirt off his back without a second thought. He’s the one that everyone looks for in a crowded room. The day after his first date with Olivia, he called me and fervently told meI’ve met the one. And you know what? I never once questioned him because I knew if Bailey thought he met the one, he sure did.” I keep my eyes on Tate as I speak this next part. “Bailey told me a few days ago that when you meet the one, sometimes you just know. And Iknow without a doubt that he’s right. Sometimes souls just know one another. Olivia and Bailey were made for one another, made to share this life and I wish them nothing but happiness. I’m thankful to call Bailey my best friend, and now thankful to call Olivia my best-friend-in-law, if that’s a thing.”
Everyone laughs as I give Olivia a light hug, then squeeze the crap out of Bailey. I make my way back toward the table, sitting down beside Tate with a relieved sigh. His hand wraps around my wrist, squeezing tight, rooting me back in reality.
As the night winds down, people leave, but the dance floor has a few couples remaining. I tug Tate to the dance floor with me, needing to share a dance with him.
The band plays a drowsy, romantic song as we sway on the dance floor. I tug Tate closer against me until it feels like he could blend into my body. With his cheek pressed to my chest, we sway, and Tate’s fingers stay tangled in my dress shirt. I can feel his heart pounding against my chest, like a runaway train about to jump off the tracks.
“Sully,” Tate says shakily, breath leaving him in a rush.
“Tate.”
“Please don’t break my heart,” Tate asks, voice a soft plea. “I can’t take another heartbreak.”
“No, sweetheart. I won’t. You’re safe with me.”
Tate whimpers softly and pushes himself tighter against me. We sway and sway some more, ignoring the sounds of those around us, just two lonely souls finding something unexpected among the Tuscan hills. Did I think I’d find love when I came to Tuscany for a wedding? No. But I did. Tate’s tender heart beats the same fragile tattoo as mine. When I finally pull away to look down at Tate, his eyes are red-rimmed, and his gaze is raw with want.
I brush my thumbs under his eyes. “No more tears.”
Tate smiles through the tears. “No more tears. Dance with me some more?”
He doesn’t have to ask me twice. I twirl him around the empty dance floor, grinning when he lets out a joyful laugh at my antics. We end up back how we were, tangled together as we sway to a beat of our own making since the band is packing up. I glance over toward the table to find Olivia and Bailey leaning their elbows against the table, pressed together tightly as they watch us with blissful looks on their own faces. Olivia leans back to place her hands over her heart, then tips her head at me in what looks like thanks.
Tate misses the entire interaction, which I’m grateful for because this moment is just for us. I twirl him some more, and as he grows sleepy, I tuck him under my arm and guide him back toward the glowing villa in the distance. We walk slowly together under the night sky, the stars a dappled comfort in the sky.
And that night, I fall asleep with Tate tucked in the circle of my arms. He smells like expensive cologne, wedding cake, and wine, but also a little like me. I’ve finally found a home to call my own, and it’s not a place but a person.
