“Peggy did a good job,” Nick said and looked down at his arm.
“Is she the doctor who wants you to work in the clinic a day or two every week?”
Nick nodded. Two other physicians had been running the ever-burgeoning clinic they opened, but Nick had plenty of animal patients to care for. “Yes, but I like traveling to the farms and being a veterinarian better.”
Todd patted Nick’s back. “I know. I also know Peggy and the other doctors insist people at the clinic refer to you as ‘Doctor,’ too. It seems to me you’re sort of obligated.” He shrugged. “Besides, it looks like I’ll be spending two days a week in the sheriff’s office awhile longer. He sent a message saying his wife’s treatments were being extended.”
“So you’re in cahoots with Peggy?”
Todd scratched the bridge of his nose. “Yeah.” Todd slid an arm around Nick’s waist and pulled him closer. “Do you really want to talk about Peggy?”
“You started it,” Nick grumbled and put their rings on the dresser. He grinned when Todd steered him away from the dresser and toward the bed. “We’re supposed to be in town in two hours.”
“Plenty of time.” Todd moved his other hand to Nick’s belt and tugged. “To get a shower and get dressed.”
“How’d we get roped into this?” Nick stripped and headed for the shower. “Do you know how many people there’ll be?”
He started when Todd stepped in with him and gave him a thorough visual examination. The glint in Todd’s eyes and the way the man smirked sent all sorts of heat coursing through Nick to nest in his groin.
“What?” Nick asked and looked down at himself as he ran a bar of soap over his chest and abs. He lifted his eyebrows and stopped short of his thickening cock.
“You need to relax.” Todd sank to his knees in front of Nick.
Nick opened his mouth to ask how he was supposed to do that, but clamped it shut fast when Todd’s mouth covered his dick. He sucked in a shuddering breath and leaned back against the shower wall. Todd used both hands on Nick’s hips to hold him in place so he didn’t slip on the wet floor.
It didn’t take long before Nick felt his knees buckle, and Todd tightened his grip even more, taking most of Nick’s weight. Nick reached for his balls when he felt them tighten and pull toward his body. Todd continued his sucking and pulling on Nick’s cock with his mouth, shifted his weight, and held Nick with a hand. He shoved Nick’s hand back and took hold of Nick’s balls with his other hand. Using steady pressure, Todd drew them down until Nick was panting, gasping, and his pelvis was stuttering.
Another few seconds and Todd leaned away, letting go of Nick’s cock, and stood up. Todd turned Nick so the man faced the wall and Todd held Nick there with his body pressed firmly against the younger man. Slick, warm oil was drizzled between Nick’s ass cheeks, and after what seemed like forever, finally Todd worked it inside him. In another minute the head of Todd’s cock followed.
Groaning in Nick’s ear, Todd held Nick with an arm around the chest, and with his other hand, he continued to tease Nick’s balls. Every one of Todd’s thrusts assaulted Nick’s sweet spot while he worked his hand on Nick’s perineum and testicles, creating dual sensations. Fire ignited in his cock and balls and spread up his spine.
Todd jerked closer and clamped down on Nick’s balls. Nick’s ass was filled with heat and the throbbing from Todd’s cock he loved so much. Shivering, Nick tried catching his breath, but couldn’t. His entire body twitched when Todd pulled out and gripped Nick’s still swollen cock with his free hand.
Tugging on his balls and at the same time he was stroking Nick’s cock, Todd whispered, “Now.”
Nick’s cock felt as if it was seared from the inside. His balls tightened even more and his muscles quivered as one spasm after another rolled through him.
Todd leaned against Nick’s back and Nick leaned against the shower wall. They stayed in that position for a few minutes, breathing deeply. All too soon, Todd stepped away, and the next thing Nick felt was a washcloth wiping across his back. Nudging Nick’s shoulder, Todd turned his mate around and continued his ministrations down Nick’s chest and abs.
“I might need some more relaxing later,” Nick murmured and kissed Todd.
Todd laughed and shook water from his hair, then washed himself clean. “Me, too.” He reached around Nick and turned off the water. “But first we have to put on fancy clothes and get married.”
“In front of a ridiculous number of people,” Nick added. He stepped out of the shower and grabbed towels, holding one out to Todd.
“All people we know. Our friends. People who want to celebrate with us because, like it or not, we’re an important part of this town.”
“Millie told you that, didn’t she?”
Todd made a face and nodded as he dried off. “Yeah.”
“I thought she would…Oh hell, I don’t know what I thought she’d do, but…”
“But—” Todd held up a finger. “—Millie went to a lot of trouble, and it would devastate her if we didn’t do this. It’s one party. You like parties.”
Nick frowned and began to dress. “Since when?”
Todd fitted his tie around his neck and tied it. “You like dancing.”
“Got me there.”
“And eating,” Todd continued. He finished dressing by shrugging into his suit jacket. Their suits were in the same style, but different colors. Todd’s was dark gray, with a matching tie and dark-green shirt that matched the color of Nick’s suit. Todd reached out and straightened Nick’s dark-green tie and smoothed it over his charcoal-colored shirt before looking Nick up and down. “You look good.”
“Well.” Nick grinned and rolled his eyes. “Yeah. You’re getting out of your suit as soon as possible, right?”
Todd grabbed their rings and put them in the small box they arrived in. He tucked it into his pocket and opened the bedroom door, waving Nick ahead of him. They took their smaller carriage and headed into town.
It was a sunny spring day. Not too warm, with a bit of a breeze wafting the scents of budding trees, grass, and lavender through the air. Nick leaned back and tried not to panic over the thought of the two of them in front of so many people, and concentrated on the sound of horses’ hooves striking the road.
Millie had arranged for the marriage ceremony and a celebration following to take place at the town hotel. The establishment had a large outdoor patio, and many events in Elk’s Ridge were held there.
They left their carriage at the livery. When Todd tried to pay the customary rate for the evening, the man waved him off, then promised to see them later. Nick swallowed a groan and put a smile on his face, all the while wondering if anyone in town wouldn’t be there. Todd glanced sideways at Nick and took the man’s hand in his own as they walked the distance to the hotel.
The building was three stories of stone, brick, and stucco. Nick always liked the hotel; it was elegant and beautiful. The main lobby sported a restaurant, ballroom, and several large party rooms with wood paneling, indoor gardens, and elegant tile floors. There were two wings off the central part where the rooms were located and formed a sort of squared-off horseshoe with a courtyard in the center and the patio beyond that. He decided years ago the uniqueness of its design was what made it so lovely in his eyes. It was like nowhere he’d ever been and nothing he’d ever seen before. He wanted to get a peek at the patio to see how many tables and chairs there were, but Millie intercepted.
“No seeing until everything is ready.” Millie shook her finger at Nick. “I promised the owners. They prepared a wonderful meal and have spent two days decorating the patio. It’s their gift to you, and that would spoil the surprise.”
“The mayor is waiting in the courtyard.” Stefan, Millie’s grandson and owner of the lumber mill Todd sometimes worked in, joined them. “The rest of the family is waiting there, too, along with a few others we thought would be alright to invite to the ceremony.”
Millie patted Nick’s arm. �
�The rest will be here later, for the party.”
Nick wasn’t sure if that fact was comforting or not. He focused on the fact Todd would be here with him for the entire time. From the start, Todd had always been so good at shielding Nick from situations and people that made him uncomfortable. He could have said no to this entire celebration thing, but as Todd pointed out, Millie and others in this town had been kind to them over the years and did a lot for them. They appreciated having sentries as part of the community and wanted to give them this to show their appreciation. Since becoming a part of the Elk’s Ridge community, they’d attended several similar functions for others. People living in and around the town took any opportunity to throw a party.
Todd squeezed Nick’s hand and whispered, “It’s only one night. So relax and—”
“And,” Nick whispered back and grinned, “have fun, dammit.”
“Exactly.” Todd held fast to Nick’s hand as he led the way to the courtyard.
The courtyard was between the hotel proper and the patio they used for parties. There was a large wooden arched doorway. Iron gates closed it off from the hotel when not in use. It was set between the two wings of the hotel. Plants and small trees grew along the perimeter. Low, wide stone steps led down from the hotel, through the archway, and opened to the courtyard. The walkway was smoothed stone tile that was a soft beige color.
Nick stopped inside the courtyard and gasped. He glanced over at Todd. His expression mimicked Nick’s feelings of surprise and awe. The entire courtyard was lined with sunflowers. Silk streamers with sunflowers and the sentry symbol sewn into the design were strung from the walls and fluttered in the slight breeze. Small Faraday lights were strung in a line all around the perimeter that gave off a soft glow. There was a section near one corner that was ringed with pots of sunflowers. Tall iron candlesticks were intermingled with the potted flowers, and little flames flickered, creating a warm, cheery feeling.
“How did you do all this?” Todd asked. He turned as far as possible without letting go of Nick and scanned the entire courtyard.
Millie smiled smugly. “I guess there aren’t greenhouses down south where you came from.”
“This is why you wouldn’t let us in the loading dock of your store and Stefan banned us from the mill?” Nick asked.
“Yes. Are you surprised?” Millie was nearly squealing, she seemed so happy.
“Absolutely. And astounded.” Todd sidestepped up to Millie and kissed her cheek. “Thank you.”
“I always thought the sentry symbol you boys wear on your chests was similar to sunflowers. The streamers have the real symbol incorporated into the design,” Millie explained. “Oh, the guests are arriving, and the mayor will be here at two, which is less than a half hour.” She took each man by the arm and forced them to let go of each other so she could walk between them to the part of the courtyard cordoned off with the potted plants. “You two sit here.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Todd said and settled in one of the chairs Millie pointed to. Nick sank into the other and tried not to focus on the growing number of voices filling the courtyard.
Their chairs were positioned at an angle so they were able to view both the guest chairs and where they would stand with the mayor during their ceremony.
Nick rubbed his palms over his thighs and concentrated on not bouncing his knee. Todd grinned and leaned closer and whispered, “We faced down four Windigos recently. We can do this.”
“We were nearly killed,” Nick reminded him. “Do you remember what we’re supposed to say?”
“Do you?”
Nick leaned back in his chair and arched an eyebrow. “Really? You ask me that?”
Todd chuckled and patted Nick’s knee. “Mayor is here.” He stood up and strode forward a few steps to greet the woman with a handshake. Nick followed suit, then retreated to his chair again.
Twenty minutes later the several dozen chairs were filled. Todd had taken their rings and given them to the mayor, who placed them on a small silver tray she set down on an iron stand.
Nick reached to his neck, but there was no collar there for him to center himself with, so he concentrated on the miniature platter with the rings. Their rings were worth the wait. Three narrow bands of different-colored metal—copper, stainless steel, and gold—were all woven together and polished to a soft luster. To Nick they were metallic symbols of his collar and Todd’s bracelet they’d each worn for years. He liked they also represented tools of their trade. Steel was the same color as silver and contained iron in its composition. Copper was a conductor of electricity, and lastly, gold embodied everlasting love.
The mayor took her position and motioned them to join her. It didn’t take more than a minute or two before the guests settled in their chairs, and everything was quieter than Nick had ever thought a room full of people could be. Out of habit, Nick waited for Todd to go first, then gulped when Todd stood rooted to the spot until Nick moved to his side, not a half step behind.
As he had before, Todd took Nick’s hand and squeezed. He winked at Nick and smiled.
“One of the greatest pleasures of this job is being able to perform marriage ceremonies,” the mayor began. “Being able to have the opportunity to get to know these two men is a joy I’m sure I share with the members of this community. I believe I speak for everyone here today when I say it’s our honor to share this day with you.” She picked up the small tray holding the rings. “You asked that this ceremony be kept short, and I know there is a marvelous meal waiting for us all.”
A ripple of laughter trickled through the guests, and Nick felt some of the tension he’d felt all day leave his shoulders. He managed a deep breath and a small smile.
“I can honestly say, seeing two people so committed to each other and so much more in love with every passing day, is heartwarming. Speak your oath to each other.” She held the tray out to Nick first.
They’d decided Nick would go first. It would be easier on him since they’d be standing in front of a crowd of people. Carefully picking up Todd’s ring, Nick took Todd’s hand in his. When he spoke, his voice was so soft, he doubted anyone but Todd heard him, but that didn’t matter. The only person who needed to hear was Todd.
He cleared his throat and tried to stop his hands and voice from shaking. “You are everything to me. My breath, my heartbeat. Without you my life would be empty. I pledge to love and care for you all our lives and into the next.” Nick slid the ring onto Todd’s finger, took a deep breath, and smiled at him.
Todd picked up the ring Nick would wear, taking Nick’s hand in his own. He gave a gentle squeeze and slipped the ring onto Nick’s finger, saying, “Nicky, from the very first minute I saw you, I loved you. There isn’t anyone else I want to spend my life with. I pledge to love and care for you all our lives and into the next.”
Nick felt the room sway slightly, but Todd hadn’t let go of his hand. Todd pulled Nick close and, in front of all those people, kissed him. Nick’s shyness came rampaging to the forefront at the worst times, and it was kicking into full force right now. He gratefully leaned against Todd, his husband, slipped an arm around Todd’s waist, and hugged him. After a few seconds, Todd inched away, ran his fingers over Nick’s cheek, and grinned.
“Gentlemen, forever married,” the mayor announced and wiped her eyes.
In the next instant, they were surrounded by their friends. People were offering congratulations, and there was a lot of hugging and shoulder clapping. Todd, ever the protector, held tightly to Nick’s hand, and Nick stood close until the commotion died down.
Millie clapped her hands a few times for attention. “If everyone would join our happy couple on the patio, we have a wonderful party waiting for us.” How the woman managed to usher nearly fifty guests from courtyard to patio in a matter of minutes was a mystery to Nick. Todd often said Millie was a force to be reckoned with, and he was right.
If Nick was impressed with the courtyard, he was doubly in awe of the patio. Long wooden table
s with chairs had been set up. A band was assembled at one side, playing soft music. Each of the tables had glass votive candles set in a line down the middle. The side of the patio opposite the band had longer tables without the candles and chairs. Mounds of food were being brought out. There was a coffee urn, and Nick was thrilled to see one entire table was being covered with desserts.
More streamers hung from the tall arbor over the patio, along with baskets of spring flowers and leafy plants. Faraday lamps were strung along overhead, providing light that would last into the night.
As the evening wore on, Nick relaxed. Being in the limelight in this manner was far different than standing in front of a group of people and reciting lines. He knew a number of these people well. He’d cared for their animals, and sometimes them and their families. There were very few people in Elk’s Ridge Todd and Nick hadn’t had cause to interact with in some way during the time they’d lived there. His nerves settled, and it wasn’t long before he was enjoying the dinner and the company. Later there would be dancing, something he’d come to like very much.
“This.” Todd waved at the scene around them, their friends celebrating Nick and Todd’s marriage with them. “This is something my father would have approved of. He believed in marriage.”
Nick took Todd’s hand and squeezed. “He’d have liked us married?”
“Yeah. He really did want me to be happy, and I think he finally understood you in my life was something that made me happy.” Todd nudged Nick’s side and pointed to the sky, smiling. “I’ll bet money on the fact Millie somehow arranged that, too.”
Nick grinned. “I won’t bet against you.”
As the sky darkened, stars began littering the sky. Light rippled across the sky like giant sheets in a gentle breeze. There were colors ranging from a very deep blue to almost silver rising from very low on the horizon to tower above them in glorious light pillars.
Today their role in the community was different. Today they weren’t sentries, and they were no longer owner and slave. They were simply Todd and Nick Ruger, and today was their wedding day.
Ringed Love Page 14