“I missed you so much.” Mark left a trail of kisses across Paul’s neck.
“God I love you more than my life, Mark. I would do anything for you.”
“I want a child with you.”
“Done.”
They stayed there wrapped in each other’s arms, just enjoying being together again. Paul was kissing Mark’s forehead and running his fingers through his hair.
“Paul?”
“Yes?”
“When we get back, I want to look for a house.”
“I found a house.”
“You did?”
“I drew up some plans and I want you to sign off on it before I hire people.”
“You’re building us a house?”
“Well, not me.” Paul smiled. “I’d probably nail myself to a wall. I’m hiring contractors.”
“I could see you nailing yourself to a wall.”
“You find that funny?”
Mark pushed Paul onto his back and settled between his legs. “I can see you all hot and sweaty wearing nothing but a tool belt.”
“I think I’m going to try that.” Paul winked.
“I’m so sorry, Paul. I —”
Paul put his hand over Mark’s mouth. “In the past. All of it. We are starting over. No more talk of past events, promise?”
“I promise.” Mark kissed him softly.
“I missed you. I missed you so much, Mark.”
Mark felt Paul’s arms tighten around him and he loved it. He had missed being in Paul’s arms.
“Paul?”
“Hmm?”
“How did you find me?”
“Stefan helped. Plus, Angus called.” Paul smiled.
“Angus?”
“Yep, he asked me if I was missing a husband.” Paul smiled and kissed Mark. “I took a chance on where you would be. I had everything set up just hoping you would go to the gardens. When I saw you there, I knew you still loved me.”
“I never stopped. I didn’t know you could sing, though.” Mark smiled.
“It’s a secret.” Paul winked.
They made love all night. Mark couldn’t get enough and he wanted Paul as close as possible. He knew they would be together for life; he wasn’t living if he wasn’t with Paul.
Paul held onto Mark as tightly as he could. He was never letting him go. He looked in his eyes and kissed him slowly. He loved the feel of Mark’s lips and the way he kissed him. He had missed Mark so much.
They finally fell asleep at dawn, both wrapped in each other’s arms as, close as possible.
Stefan stood on the beach, watching the waves roll in. He and Jordan had watched Mark and Paul’s reunion at the gardens, and then headed back to town. Things were finally as they should be with the whole group. Josh would recover, and he was where he belonged.
With Tanner.
Jordan’s arms circled his waist and Stefan leaned back into the embrace.
“Another crisis averted.” Jordan nuzzled Stefan’s ear.
“I’m sure there will be more, Jordan. Everything I’ve tried to avoid my whole life seems to be popping up at every turn.”
“Meaning?”
“Using my name to get things done. I’m becoming a Santorno.”
“Then, so am I.” Jordan admitted. All of them were, if he were truly being honest, but if that meant keeping his family safe? Then so be it. The thin, fine line between right and not-so-right was getting thinner.
The End
Karma Page 27