by Shea Balik
Axom grinned like a Cheshire cat. “I did do a great job, if I say so myself.”
“Which you usually do,” Cass joked as he, Kip, and Anook joined them.
“Even when he wasn’t the one who did anything,” Anook grumbled. “If I remember, you claimed you were suddenly too afraid of heights to climb the ladders in order to hang the garland.”
“Which made no sense,” Kip said with a frown, as if he had actually believed Axom’s excuse. “You love to rock climb. How can you be afraid of heights?”
Spencer shook his head. Kip tended to be quite gullible. He had a heart of gold, and always believed one should be honest and kind. They were amazing qualities, but at the same time tended to get his heart broken when others didn’t treat him the same.
“He was lying,” Cass told Kip bluntly. “Like pants on fire, straight up, ly-ing.”
“Was not.” Axom stuck out his tongue at Cass. “Ladders give me the willies.”
Kip’s frown turned into a serene smile. “See, I knew there was a good reason why Axom made the rest of us do all the work.”
Anook snorted. “And what was the reason he couldn’t help us move the lattice?”
“Or that damn fountain that weighed a ton. Why did we need a fountain anyway?” Cass grumbled.
“Water is a peaceful element. It brings in good energy,” Kip told them. “I was the one who suggested it.”
“And it looks beautiful,” Axom told him. “Just like I told you it would. Now, quit your bitching, we have a wedding to put on.”
“Boys.” All Adalynn had to do was use that tone that warned everyone she might just get out one of her wooden spoons to knock them upside the head and the good-natured – mostly – teasing stopped instantly.
In reality, the place was phenomenal. Sure, the lobby had that new glow to it that helped. The huge wooden doors at the entrance with the wide wood planked flooring drew visitors in. The giant stone fireplace rose all three stories of the hotel, creating one enormous lobby with a large glass back wall that overlooked the mountains.
It was a breathtaking sight. Now, with it filled with bouquets of flowers, yet not so many it looked like a florist shop, it gave it almost an outdoor garden feel with the windows in the background. Spencer was stunned with how it had turned out.
“Come, husband of mine,” Adalynn wrapped a hand around her husband’s arm. “Show us to our seats so we can see the first of our sons get married.”
The smile that beamed from Spencer’s face at the words was automatic. He didn’t need his biological family when he had these people. His four friends were more like brothers, their families, at least the ones that were accepting like Axom’s, his family.
As the others took their seats, Spencer turned to the altar. There, on the other side, stood the most beautiful sight of all. It made him realize, as much as he appreciated all of them there, supporting him, the only person he needed that day was Reese.
That didn’t mean he didn’t appreciate he had people who loved him no matter what, but with Reese by his side, Spencer knew he could do anything.
The music started and they both stepped forward. There was no center aisle, for neither of them felt it necessary. They just walked in from each side, towards each other, meeting in the center.
Both of them had insisted on that no matter how many times
Axom had tried to change their minds. Just like in their marriage, they would find the way to always meet in the middle. Neither was under the illusion it would always be easy, yet also too important to ignore. It was why they had wanted to symbolize it before saying their vows.
The newest edition to the community joined them, Minister Connor O’Malley. “It is my privilege and honor to wed these fine two people, who have welcomed me into their community with open arms.”
Connor had been like all of them, really. Looking for a place where he not only could fit in but make a difference in the world. Was it some grand, monumental difference? Probably not in the scheme of things, but they all felt that having a place to go and relax where one could be accepted for who they were, meant something. At least, Spencer did.
He was proud of the impact he and his friends were making. The response they were getting from the LGBTQ community was encouraging them to not only continue, but to create an even better place than they had ever imagined. Reese had been the one to show Spencer that by reminding him not everyone was the same. Not even in the LGBTQ community.
Sammy was beloved member of their family as anyone else. Excluding him took something away from their lives. It was important to remember that our differences are what makes us unique, but more importantly – special.
“Spencer and Reese have chosen to write their own vows.” Connor nodded to Reese. “Please begin.”
Holding each other’s hands in front of their family and friends, tears shining in their eyes, Spencer had never felt so much love. It was as if he were being blessed in that moment.
“Spencer, the instant we met, you took my breath away.” Reese’s grin told him he was about to make a joke. “Well, as soon as I was able to take my eyes off Axom’s hairy ass.”
“It wasn’t hairy,” Axom called out from where he sat. “I had just waxed.”
There was a mix of gasps and laughter, which was fitting considering the way they’d met.
“When you didn’t seem to like my sweet Sammy, I feared I’d made a big mistake in coming to Mystic Pines.” Sammy gave a bark as if backing Reese up on the point and more laughter spilled out. “But then I got to know you, and well, I honestly have to say I couldn’t imagine my life without you. You have shown me the future can truly be anything I want it to be and I want that future to be with you. I think I was always meant to love you.”
Connor cleared his throat before he nodded at Spencer and said, “Spencer.”
“Growing up, I used to think life was something I just had to get through. I went to school in order to have a job and I worked in order to make money. I never stepped back and just enjoyed what I was doing. Then you showed up and taught me that life is a gift that should be cherished. And that is exactly what I’m going to do. I promise to always treasure you and our life together. I love you with everything that I am.”
Connor cleared his throat again when Spencer had finished. “May I have the rings,” he said in a hoarse voice that was touched by the vows.
Sammy trotted right up to Connor with the rings tied to his collar. With a tug of the ribbon, Connor pulled them free. Then he held out his palm for each of them to take one of the rings.
They were made of titanium with no embellishments. Neither of them needed anything fussy, just a sign of their devotion to each other. Once they placed the rings on each other’s fingers and said, ‘I do,’ Connor smiled at them and said the words they had been waiting to hear.
“I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss your groom.”
Not missing a beat, Sammy pushed against Spencer’s legs as if telling him, ‘Kiss.’
Laughing, Spencer did just that. Spencer swore as their lips met, he could hear the words Sammy was thinking instead of the yip he’d actually given. It’s about time you two did what I said.
Reese’s eyes were wide when they broke the kiss, telling Spencer he’d heard those words too, even though it had to be impossible. Right?
“I will never question it, because I ended up with you,” Spencer said. “But I swear we were somehow Outwitted by a Husky.”
Coming Soon
April 2020
Mating the Predator
Paranormal Wars: Stone Haven 4
Hart Medical Center Book 4
Mystic Pines 2
About the Author
Who is Shea Balik, you ask?
Bestselling author of the Cedar Falls Series, Miracle Series, and Paranormal Wars Series, Shea Balik has always had a vivid imagination with stories running around in her head. Often her stories are taken from observations of other people with her own
spin. Traveling is one of her favorite ways of fulfilling her passion of people watching. You never know, one day you may spark her imagination for her next book.
Whether at home or traveling she is usually in front of her computer writing or curled up with a good book. Find Shea at any of the links below!
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