by Lynn Lorenz
“Don’t you start on me too, Winston.” Hands on his hips, Edward glared at the dog, then sighed. “Thank you for running interference, by the way. Did you really tell her you were my lover?” Edward fell to his knees in front of Jack and sat. Winston trotted over to them, inserted himself between the lovers and stretched out, waiting to be petted.
“I did. She didn’t believe I was gay.” Jack chuckled.
“You don’t look it.” Edward grinned. “Face it. You had everyone here fooled.”
“Yeah, well.” Jack rubbed the back of his neck. “She also didn’t believe I wasn’t one of your ‘flings’, as she put it. She said you weren’t capable of sustaining a long-term relationship.” He searched Edward’s eyes for the truth.
Edward winced. “It’s true that I’ve never been very successful with my relationships. You should know that. In fact, most of them have crashed and burned. However, it wasn’t because I didn’t want them to work. It’s always been my heart that got broken.” He stared down at his hands resting on his knees. “I always pick the wrong men.”
Jack reached out, cupped Edward’s chin and leaned down to place a soft kiss on Edward’s full lips. “Until now.”
“Until now,” Edward repeated, eyes still closed.
Woof.
“It’s okay, buddy. You’re going to have to get used to me kissing your daddy.” Jack reached out and scratched the little bulldog behind the ears.
“I don’t think his daddy will ever get used to it.” Edward looked up at Jack from under impossibly long, thick lashes, and Jack’s dick went rock hard.
“Now, why’d you have to go and do that, baby?”
Edward laughed. “Me? What did I do?”
Jack rolled his eyes, gave Edward a kiss and stood. “Tease. Get dressed, and I’ll take you to see your mother. I need to speak with the mayor.”
“The mayor?” Edward got to his feet and took Jack’s hand.
“Yeah. He should hear it from me, instead of at the coffee shop.”
“Will it be bad?” Edward nibbled on Jack’s knuckles, not helping his erection go down at all.
“Not as bad as your meeting with dear old Mom.” Jack pulled his hand away. Any more attention from Edward and he’d throw him on the bed and fuck him, and right now, that sounded like the best thing they could do, or at least the most fun.
With a huge, loud sigh, Edward headed for the closet.
“But after I see Mother, I get to say I told you so.”
Edward always wanted the last word.
* * * *
Jack sat in a chair and waited for Bill to get off the phone. He looked around the mayor’s office and wondered if this was the last time he’d ever see it. He knew Bill could fire him for being gay. If he asked for Jack’s resignation, what would Jack do then?
Go without a fight? Staying might not be possible. Jack knew that a good working relationship between the mayor and the chief of police made everyone’s life easier and assured things move smoother. He couldn’t imagine the hell his life would be if they were at odds.
Bill hung up the phone and smiled at Jack. “What’s so important, Jack?”
“Thanks for making time for me, Bill.”
Bill nodded.
Jack took a deep breath. “I wanted you to hear this from me, not passed along like some gossip.”
Bill stiffened. “Is something wrong?”
“Not wrong. Well, you might think it’s wrong, but for me, it’s about as right as it gets.”
“Are you resigning, Jack? What the hell?” Bill leaned back, bracing himself on the arms of his big leather chair.
“No. I’m trying to tell you that I’m gay.” Jack waited for Bill’s reaction.
Bill slumped into the chair as if all the air in him had escaped. “Shit, Jack.”
“I know it comes as a shock to you, but it’s time I admitted it.”
“Gay?” Bill rubbed his hand over his face. “Gay.” His gaze searched Jack’s and he shook his head. “Well, you certainly fooled me and everybody in this town.”
“I know. Fooled myself most of the time. Spring Lake isn’t exactly ‘gay friendly’.”
Bill sat up. “I’d like to think we’re at least fair. You’ve proved yourself time and again in the last four years as chief of police, and for over ten years before that as one of the finest cops this town has ever seen. Obviously, being gay had little to do with your ability to do your job.”
“Thank you, Bill. That means a lot to me.” Jack nodded. “I know the official stand is Texas is a ‘right to work’ state, and you can fire me at any time. I’ll accept whatever you decide.” He looked up into Bill’s eyes. “But what about you and me? We’ve been friends a long time and I value your friendship. Are we all right?”
“That may be the official stand, Jack, but I hope you know me better than to think I’d just fire you after all you’ve done for this city. As for me… If I have a problem with you being gay, I’ll tell you straight up.”
“That’s why I came here first.”
“Relax. I’m fine with it. Just wish you’d told me sooner.” Bill rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry about the time I tried to hook you up with my cousin.”
Jack chuckled. “That was years ago, man. She was a nice lady.”
“She married a rancher on the other side of San Antonio.” Bill laughed. “So, what brought about this confession?” His eyes narrowed. Bill had always been as sharp as a tack.
“I’ve got someone in my life that I’m not going to be able to hide.” That was an understatement. Edward’s light couldn’t hide under a bushel basket.
“I’m glad to hear that. It’s not my business, but does this mean you’re in love?”
“Yeah, I guess it does. Remember the little bulldog?”
“Winston?”
“Yep. Edward is Winston’s owner.”
“Wow. Olivia’s grandson? Didn’t you just meet?”
“Last week. I know it’s fast, but—”
Bill held up his hand. “Don’t explain it to me. I remember the first time I saw Caroline. I knew right then and there I was going to ask her to marry me.”
“Well, I‘m not ready to talk marriage yet and neither is he. He’s got a lot to deal with on account of Olivia’s passing. He’s going to be here for a while.” Jack shrugged. “If he’ll have me, I mean to live with him here in Spring Lake.”
“Have you asked him?”
“No.” Jack shook his head. “But I thought you’d better know about it so you wouldn’t get blindsided. So you could decide what to do. About me.” Jack looked into Bill’s eyes.
“There’s nothing to do.”
“But what about the city council? They may not see it the same way.”
“Let me handle them, Jack. We’ll deal with it, if it comes up. Okay?”
“Okay.” Jack stood and held out his hand.
Bill stood and shook it. “I’m glad for you, Jack. Don’t really know what to say…congratulations? Best wishes?”
“Don’t say anything, man. I’m just grateful for your understanding and support.”
“You got it. Now, when do I get to meet him?”
“At Olivia’s funeral. He’s making the arrangements with his mother right now.”
“I’m sure I’ll like him.”
“He’s…” Jack hesitated, on the verge of warning Bill about Edward.
“He’s what?”
“Wonderful. Gorgeous. A flirt and a tease and I’m so fucking in love with him I can’t believe it.”
Bill laughed, came around the desk and slapped Jack on the back. “You old dog.”
“Funny you should say that.” Jack grinned at his good friend, relieved this had gone so well.
With that, Jack left. Now, he just had to face his men at the department.
And everyone in town.
Chapter Thirty-One
Jack stood next to Edward as the minister talked about Olivia’s life. Edward had asked Jack to be
there as moral support. He’d told Jack that by having Jack stand next to him, it would be like putting them on display, letting the townspeople get used to seeing them together in a safe venue.
Edward’s mother stood on the other side of Edward, her face hidden by a black veil. There had been a small argument about burying Olivia under the oaks, but Lillian had given in faster than Edward had thought she would.
Wildflowers bloomed around them, the air thick with their sweet scent. It was incredibly peaceful. Olivia had made a good choice. The grave was next to her late husband, Frank Rawlings. Forever together.
That’s how love should be. How Jack wanted it to be for him and Edward.
Half the town stood behind them in the little grove on Olivia’s ranch.
Jack glanced around, seeking support of his own.
Mayor Bill Lansing and his wife were there to pay their respects to Olivia. Bill raised an eyebrow and gave Jack a small nod at Edward then smiled, showing his approval and support. A small flicker of pride in Edward ran through Jack and he remembered how he’d gushed about him in Bill’s office. Shit. Jack had actually gushed.
Brian met his gaze and gave him a small nod. Like Jack, Brian had worn his dress uniform. Jack checked out several other officers who’d shown up. There had only been a few of his men who’d let Jack know they weren’t happy with their chief being gay.
He could deal with the ones who were open about their dislike. It was the ones who hid it who were dangerous. Looking down the line of his officers, he ticked off whether they stood with him or against him. Shit. Now was not the time for that.
Rush, Mitchell and Sammi stood behind Brian. Jack was glad they had all returned for the funeral in support of Edward. He needed all the friends he could get, especially now that the news was out and things had begun to heat up.
The day before the funeral, Edward had come out of Olivia’s house to find his car had been vandalized. Someone had spray painted Fag Go Home on the side of it. He’d called it in and a report had been filed. Jack was certain it wouldn’t be the only act of intolerance they’d face and doubted they’d ever catch who’d done it, even though Jack had a good idea who the culprit was. Edward had told him about the incidents at Smith’s Garage, and Jack would lay odds it had been Jimmy Wyatt.
Jack didn’t care, as long as no one got physical. Edward was no match for most of the men around here and Jack couldn’t guard him every minute of the day.
Still, they’d get by. Or they’d leave. Jack had decided he’d resign if the town couldn’t accept them or if it got too intense. He’d give up everything he’d worked so hard for to protect the man he loved.
Jack’s attention came back to the minister as he closed the ceremony with a prayer. Most of the men slid their hats back onto their heads, including Jack.
Next came the hard part.
Edward had arranged for everyone to go back to Olivia’s ranch house and have lunch. It’s what she would have wanted, he’d said. He’d wanted a picnic, complete with blankets, but Lillian had fussed so they’d compromised with tables and chairs under the oaks.
Lillian had been calm, almost eerily so, and Jack had been bracing himself for when she blew. The tension between her and Edward was building and knew that Edward felt it too.
Jack wandered through the crowd, greeting people, but searching for Edward every now and then. Edward and Lillian stood near the tables of food laid out under the oaks in front of the house and greeted their guests in a sort of receiving line. Kristen and some of the women from church had helped to organize the reception, cooking food, making Igloo coolers full of iced tea, setting up tables, and now they served the food.
Surely no one would disrupt Olivia’s funeral. She was probably one of the most beloved people in the town. No, they’d give her their respect.
It was tomorrow Jack worried about, and the days after that.
Sammi approached him, linked his arm in Jack’s and pulled him along.
“Don’t worry, Jack. I’ve been listening to everyone.”
Jack stared at the young man on his arm. “Listening?”
“Yes. I can hear everyone’s thoughts.” He shrugged. “It’s a gift. Like Edward’s ability to heal. Most of the people here are cool with it.”
“With what?”
“You’re being gay. With Edward. They like him, but they love you.” Dark eyes flicked up to meet his.
“Love me?” He’d never thought about the people of Spring Lake caring for him.
“Love. Respect. Care about.” Another shrug. “Don’t worry. This town will accept you and Edward, just like they accepted Rush and Brian.”
“Not everyone is here.”
“No. Not everyone. But enough.” Sammi sounded so sure.
“Thanks for letting me know.” Jack stared at Sammi. After all, he’d just told Jack that he could hear people’s thoughts. In their heads. Odd thing was, Jack believed him.
“There’s no need for you to leave Spring Lake. You’re needed here. So is Edward.”
“Edward?”
A sly smile parted Sammi’s full lips. “He’s been thinking about the future. Ask him.”
Then Sammi let him go and slipped back to Mitchell’s side. Mitchell wrapped his arm around his lover and pulled him close even as he stood speaking to someone. Unashamed of Sammi.
Time for Jack to man up.
He made his way to Edward’s side and put his arm around Edward’s shoulder. Edward leaned in to him, seeking comfort. Lillian frowned at them.
“Sorry if this bothers you, Mother.” Edward smiled as Jack pulled him closer.
“I’m just worried about Jack, dear. He seems such a nice man.”
“He is.” Edward tensed under Jack’s arm.
Lillian turned to face her son. “You’re going to destroy him, you know.”
“What?” Edward’s voice rose.
“Lillian.” Jack sighed. “Edward isn’t going to hurt me, just like I’m not going to hurt him. We’re going to be together for a very long time.”
Edward gaped at Jack as his brows shot upward.
“I want you to live with me here. My place is small, but it’s big enough for two.”
“Actually, I had other plans.”
Jack’s heart stuttered. “What?” He let Edward go. Took a step back as everything came crashing down around him in one sharp blow to the gut.
Lillian let out a little noise of triumph.
Edward faced his mother and stepped away from Jack. “Olivia left everything to me, Mother. Both houses, including the ranch and all its income. I won’t need my trust fund, at least until I’m forty when it comes to me. You can’t control me anymore.”
“Everything?” She gasped.
“Yes. All of it. And I want to—”
“You had her change her will?” Lillian poked her finger in his chest as her eyes narrowed. “That’s why you were so eager to stay. That’s why you didn’t heal her. To get the money.”
“No! She asked me not to heal her. She had a living will and refused my help, just like she refused the doctor’s help. She’d changed her will when you took me away. And she told me the truth about Father.”
“Truth? What truth?” Her head snapped back.
“That Father was gay. Like me.” Edward’s hands curled into tight fists. “And you never told me. And you never stopped him, never came between us. You knew and you let him treat me as if I were worthless. Less than a man. I’ll never forgive you for that.” Edward dashed his hand across his eyes.
“She said that? She told you he was gay?”
“Mother. She caught him with one of his lovers. Threatened to tell you if he didn’t tell you. That’s when he packed us up, cut her out of our lives, and left Texas.”
Lillian clutched at her chest with one hand as she reached behind her with the other as if searching for something to sit on. Jack rushed to a nearby chair, snagged it and placed it under her. She hit the chair as if her knees had given way.
“Gay?” She shook her head. “Your father was not gay.” She said it as if he’d accused his father of being an alien from outer space.
Edward knelt beside her. “As long as I can remember, you and Father had separate bedrooms. Whose room did you have sex in, Mother?”
“Sex?” she whispered.
Edward stood. “Sex. Did you ever have sex with Father after I was born? I’m gay, and I’ll tell you the truth. I could never have sex with a woman. Just couldn’t. Some gay men can and do, in order to live the lie. If Father did have sex with you, it was probably infrequent, every now and then.”
She rubbed her hands over her crisp black linen skirt. “Once in a blue moon.” The she looked up, tears in her eyes. “I just thought he didn’t want me that way and that I didn’t please him anymore. I thought he had mistresses.”
“No. It wasn’t you—it was him,” Edward said. “I guess he deceived us both.” He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. “I’m so sorry he hurt you.”
She brushed his bangs from his forehead. “I’m sorry I let him hurt you, but he always knew what was best for us. I believed him when he said we shouldn’t coddle you or give into your phases.”
“Phases? Being gay is a phase?” Jack snapped. “Pretty damn long phase, if you ask me.”
“Father was very persuasive.” Edward gave his mother’s hand a squeeze and let it go. “I’m going to live at the ranch house. I’m going to use Olivia’s house in town to open my massage business.” Jack marveled at how confident and sure Edward sounded, like a completely new Edward. Who didn’t want Jack. Who didn’t want to live with Jack.
Christ. He’d been such a fucking old fool.
Jack’s heart hurt so bad he thought he’d just die. He needed to get out of there, leave before he made a complete fool of himself. Lillian had been right. Jack had destroyed himself over Edward.
There was no taking this back. No way to make it right. No way to go back to his nice, safe little life.
He lurched away, pushing through the last of the guests, to get to his truck. He had his hand on the handle when a hand on his shoulder jerked him around.
“Jack? Where are you going?” Edward looked up into Jack’s face.