Infidelity: Devoted (Kindle Worlds Novella)

by A. D. Ellis

“Almost as forward as, say, a guy stealing a peek at paperwork on his boss’s desk to find a cell phone number.” Drew interrupted, and gave Braeton a pointed look before his face morphed into a sexy smirk for Braeton.

  Braeton blushed. “Touché.”

  “How long until Adam called you?” Bryan asked.

  Adam chuckled. “Well, I’ve never really been known for showing restraint. If there’s something I want, I go after it.”

  “He called that evening,” I couldn’t help but laugh as I recalled that phone call. “I didn’t recognize the number, but I had high hopes it was Adam. He started off the conversation by telling me he was having a hard time getting out of his new pants and wanted to know if I could come over and help him.”

  The guys busted out laughing.

  “Did you go over to help him?” Drew asked.

  “Oh, he came over all right…,” Adam started.

  I laughed and hushed him, “Shhh, we don’t have to tell all of our dirty little secrets. Leave a little to the imagination, baby.”

  Everyone laughed as Adam stood from Braeton’s makeshift stylist’s chair and wrapped his arms around me.

  “Fine, I’ll keep the dirty details quiet. Let’s just say that I’ve never had an issue getting out of my pants since that night.” Adam kissed me.

  As the kiss turned hotter than was appropriate with two young children in the room, Bryan cleared his throat as Jase interrupted our little love fest.

  “So, you guys have your vows ready?” Jase balanced a baby on one hip and helped eight-year old Grayson reach the milk in the refrigerator.

  “Yeah, we both finished and polished them last night,” Adam answered.

  “Why do you need vowels for the wedding?” Grayson mixed up chocolate milk. “Are you spelling words or something?”

  Bryan laughed, “Not vowels, bud, vows.”

  “Oh.” Grayson sipped his milk. “So what are vows?”

  “Why don’t you research it and tell us what you find?” Jase suggested as Brayleigh rubbed her eyes and fussed on his shoulder.

  “Okay! I will. I’ll look it up and tell you what vows are.” Grayson drained the rest of his milk before running off to his room.

  “Real dictionary first,” Jase hollered after him. “I want to see the page number!”

  “Geez, slave driver,” Drew joked with Jase.

  “What? It’s easy to look something up online, but he still needs to know how to find it in a real dictionary. Plus, kids today think that just because you find it online means it’s true. And we all know that isn’t the case. This way, he has the practice of using the real dictionary and can compare the two definitions to see if they are similar.” Jase shrugged.

  “Got yourself a smart one there, Bry.” I laughed.

  “Don’t I know it. He’s so damn good with the kids, I swear he could take care of them with a hand tied behind his back and never even bat an eye.” Bryan rubbed Brayleigh’s head and then leaned over and kissed Jase softly.

  “Maybe. I mean, I am good.” Jase kissed him back. “But I’d never try without you by my side.”

  Jase rolled his eyes amid our chorus of ‘awwws,’ before walking away to put Brayleigh down for her nap.

  By the time Jase returned, Braeton had finished his magic and started to clean up.

  Grayson came back holding both a hardback dictionary and his tablet. “I found the word vow,” he announced proudly.

  “Okay, let’s hear it. Wow us with your knowledge.” Drew rubbed his hands together, earning a smile from both Braeton and Grayson.

  We all headed into the living room and gathered around Grayson.

  “First, the physical dictionary says vow can be a verb meaning ‘to solemnly promise,’ or a noun meaning ‘a solemn promise.’” He laid aside the book and picked up his tablet. “And the online dictionary says vow as a verb means, ‘to pledge or resolve solemnly,’ or as a noun it means, ‘a solemn or earnest declaration.’”

  Just when we thought the boy was done, he continued, “And, I looked up synonyms in the thesaurus. Other words for vow are ‘oath, pledge, troth, promise, and word.’ I think that one means like when you give your word to someone, you’re making a vow or a promise. Like they can trust you.”

  “Right on, Gray. You’re a smart kid.” I gave him a fist bump.

  “So, why do you think vows are used in weddings?” Braeton asked.

  Grayson tapped a finger against pursed lips. “Well, I guess because when two people are getting married they are supposed to love each other. So, they say vows to promise to always love each other?” He looked around the group with his question.

  “Bingo,” Adam said. “So, Kyle and I are going to promise to love each other.”

  “I’m glad I can’t get married yet.” Grayson wrinkled his nose.

  We all laughed, and Bryan asked, “Why?”

  “Well, first because I don’t love anyone enough to marry them. Except Dad and Bryan, and you can’t marry your parents. And, second, I can barely keep my promise to put away my clothes and brush my teeth before bed, I sure can’t promise to love someone forever.”

  Doing our best to keep our laughter to a low roar so as not to wake the baby, the six of us laughed until tears ran down our face.

  “I guess that’s why only grown-ups can get married,” Grayson mused. After a while, he scrunched up his nose, “But, why do so many people promise to get married and then break their promise?”

  The question sobered us a bit.

  “Some people get married thinking they can keep their promise, but things happen and they find out later on, they can’t.” Jase explained to his son.

  “Is that why you and Bryan aren’t married yet? Or Braeton and Drew?” Grayson asked.

  “Well, Braeton and Drew are getting married soon. And, your dad and I have been so busy being parents to you and Brayleigh, we’ve not had time to make things official.” Bryan laid his hand on Jase’s shoulder.

  Grayson nodded his head in agreement. “Weddings are nice and all. But, really, you can make a promise to love someone even without a fancy wedding. And I know you and Dad are just as…what’s the word?” Grayson grabbed his tablet and typed in a few letters. “Devoted! I know you and Dad are just as devoted to each other as Braeton and Drew, and Adam and Kyle.”

  “Devoted. I like that.” Drew nodded at Grayson.

  “Can I be in your wedding?” Grayson asked Braeton, effectively shutting down any sentimental or mushy behavior that may have been preparing to take place on behalf of the adults in the room.

  “Of course you can be in our wedding, little man.” Braeton hugged him.

  “Can it be just me, or at least let me pick the flower girl?” Grayson asked hopefully.

  “We can discuss your requirements as the nuptials get closer.” Braeton ruffled the boy’s hair.

  As we left the apartment, hugs and handshakes were given all around. I took a good look at my friends and at the man I was going to spend the rest of my life loving. And I realized that devoted was truly the perfect word to describe the friendships and partnerships among the six of us.

  Chapter 3

  Adam

  “Adam, would you like to share your vows with Kyle?” The officiant, Barb, stood before us. Her short blonde hair framing a cute pixie-like face as she smiled at us.

  I reached into my pocket and momentarily panicked that I’d forgotten the note card with my vows. Before I could begin to sweat, Drew tapped me on the shoulder.

  “Looking for this?” He handed me the notecard I had only just recalled giving to him for safe keeping.

  “Thanks.” I smiled sheepishly. The words blurred on the paper as I glanced at the notecard in my hand. Determined to speak from my heart, I folded up the card and slipped it into my pocket. Reaching for his hand, I slid a silver ring onto his finger and held his hand in mine.

  “Kyle, from the day we met, a connection sparked between us. I’ve never understood why I was so drawn to you, on
ly something about you made me want to be in your life. My days were brighter when I saw you. The day-to-day struggles of being fresh out of college and attempting to start my career were easier with you by my side. You’ve never tried to change me; you’ve always accepted me the way I am.” I paused to wipe away a tear and took a breath before continuing. “Choosing to spend the rest of your life with one person is a huge decision and one I don’t take lightly. If I had any doubts about our future, I wouldn’t be pledging my life to you today. While we don’t know what the future holds, I know we have the strength, love, and devotion to tackle every bit, as long as we stand together.”

  Pausing once more, I took his other hand, holding them both tightly in mine. “So, today, I vow to live the rest of my life loving you. Through the good times and the bad, through sickness and through health, I will remain forever devoted.” I took a shaky breath and squeezed Kyle’s hands as my heart overflowed for the teary-eyed man standing in front of me.

  “Kyle? You have vows written, as well?” Barb spoke softly and I appreciated her non-intrusive approach. I wanted to stay locked in our warm little love bubble for a bit longer.

  Kyle sniffed and shook his head before chuckling. “Yeah, I do have vows written. But, I’d like it stated that it’s very unfair to expect me to follow that with anything even half as beautiful. I should have opted to go first.”

  We all laughed. Yet, in that moment, I knew Kyle could recite the weather, and I’d feel it all the way to my soul.

  He wiped the tears from his face and took a deep breath. “It’s funny how similar our vows turned out. But, really, it shouldn’t strike me as odd. Just know, I have written proof of the words I planned on saying; I promise I’m not copying you.”

  Kyle rearranged our hands slightly so he could slip a ring onto my finger, and then he held my hands in his. “Adam, the first time I saw you, I knew there was something about you. Maybe because you and I were meant to be together. Or maybe because you are just that special. But, from that first day you came into the shop, I knew my life was going to be better because of you.

  “You have been my support, my rock, and my best friend from the very beginning. No relationship is without tension and hard times, but you and I clicked and fit together so effortlessly from that first day; I knew, deep in my heart, that one day we’d be promising our love to each other forever. Thank you for being you. Thank you for loving me.

  “Today, I vow to love, honor, and cherish you. I promise to lend you a hand when you need it, and to reach for yours when I’m in need. Through the good, the bad, and the ugly, I promise today to devote myself to loving you for the rest of our lives.”

  Without waiting for a sign or permission or whatever I was supposed to wait for, I hauled Kyle into my arms and kissed him. His shocked laughter had me kissing mostly teeth for the first few seconds, but then we adjusted and finally kissed properly.

  I cupped his face in my hands and whispered, “I love you. Today, tomorrow, forever.”

  Kyle laughed and sobbed, pressing his forehead against mine. “I love you. Always.”

  “Well, in keeping with the theme of your vows, I happily join this devoted couple in marriage. I now pronounce you husbands.” Barb winked. “You may kiss your husband. Again.”

  We all laughed at her slight admonishment, and then Kyle pulled me in for another kiss.

  Turning to face Braeton and Drew as they clapped and whistled, Kyle and I smiled, our hands clutched together in silent triumph. Our friends hustled from their spots on the sideline and embraced us.

  “That was fuckin’ beautiful. Seriously, you two rocked those vows.” Braeton sniffed and wiped his eyes. “Now, let’s get inside and celebrate! I texted Bryan and Jase to let them know to head on over.”

  “You were texting during our marriage ceremony?” I placed a hand upon my chest in mock astonishment.

  “I waited until you had your tongue down his throat.” Grinning, Braeton rolled his eyes.

  Drew laughed. “Pretty sure you guys wouldn’t have noticed if both of us walked out during the ceremony.”

  Chuckling, we all headed inside to grab our favorite table. The Metro staff brought a round of drinks on the house in celebration, and we placed orders for appetizers to share.

  As two newcomers walked toward us from the door, I turned and smiled at Bryan.

  “Ahhh, drinks are served, perfect timing.” He rubbed his hands together..

  “What Bryan means is congratulations.” Jase rolled his eyes as he reached over to shake our hands.

  “Of course I mean congratulations, I just meant the drinks were perfect timing to announce our congrats to the happy couple.” Bryan laughed as he pulled us both up from our seats and hugged us.

  As we settled in around the table, Jase gestured a hand in our direction. “So, how did it all go? Anyone forget their vows or faint?”

  Drew cleared his throat. “I know we hadn’t talked about it, but Braeton and I took a video of the ceremony. I hope that’s okay.”

  “Holy shit! How did we forget about videoing the ceremony?” Kyle’s eyes bugged out. “Oh my God, guys, thank you so much.” He wiped tears from his eyes as he stood to hug both men.

  I thought back to all the planning we’d done and couldn’t believe that recording the ceremony had slipped our minds. “Truly, you saved our asses today. Thank you.”

  “Okay, so Adam and Kyle are dumbasses, and Braeton and Drew saved the day,” Bryan summed things up in the way only he could. “So, can we see the video?”

  “And, I swear, if you hold that grudge about making you wait to see the baby and don’t let us see your vows, I’m kicking your asses.” Jase sipped his drink and nodded at us. “Bryan will drive me insane if he doesn’t get to at least see a replay of the vows.”

  “Hmmm, well, you guys made us wait to see Braeleigh…,” Kyle teased.

  “But you guys got married without us there!” Bryan whined.

  “Calm yourself, the grudge is over. We’re even now.” I laughed. “Show them the pictures and videos.” I nodded at Braeton and Drew who pulled out their phones and swiped through several pictures before Drew clicked play.

  Several minutes later, Bryan sat back with a satisfied sigh. “That was absolutely breathtaking. Thank you for sharing.”

  Jase nodded, a soft smile on his lips, “It truly was. I’m proud of you guys. Congratulations.”

  “I loved how you both used the word, devoted. Was that already in your vows or did you throw it in after Gray’s earlier comment?” Drew asked.

  “Gray bringing up the word really struck a chord,” I said. “I thought about Kyle and me. I looked at all of us, our friendship, and I realized that devoted was really an accurate word. I threw it in when I was going over my vows earlier.”

  Kyle smiled, grabbed my hand, and kissed me, “Great minds think alike, I guess. I thought the same thing when Grayson looked up the word. Devoted is something we all are. To our partners, our children,” Kyle nodded toward Bryan and Jase, “to our friendships, to our future endeavors and success. I hadn’t figured out exactly how to get the word in there until the moment I recited my vows, but I thought it was perfect.”

  A sense of love and friendship fell over our table, quieting us all for a moment.

  As we dug into the delicious appetizers our favorite waitress, Bridgette had delivered, Bryan ordered another round of drinks for a toast.

  By the time the drinks arrived, we’d eaten just enough so that we were no longer starving, so Bryan started the toasts.

  “First, I’d like to thank Braeton and Drew for introducing us to Adam and Kyle. You all are some of the best friends we could ask for. Congratulations on taking this step. And may you remain devoted to each other until the end of time.”

  Murmurs of agreement and sounds of glasses clinking filled the air.

  Jase stood. “I’m not usually all poetic and mushy, so I’ll make this short and sweet. You two are an inspiration, and we’re all lucky to
have you in our lives. To a long and happy future, with best friends by your side.”

  Cheers!

  Drew jumped at the chance to make his toast next. “If I don’t go now, there’s no telling how long I’ll have to wait for Braeton to finish.”

  Laughter erupted because we all knew he spoke the truth.

  “You guys showed me today that a unified partnership doesn’t have to be approved by your family or society. I’m proud of you, and look forward to many more years of friendship and love among the six of us.”

  “To friendship and love!” We all chorused.

  Braeton, already teary-eyed, stood and raised his glass while sniffling, “Guys, I can’t even right now. I love you all so freakin’ much. To all of us staying devoted.”

  Glasses clinked again as Braeton took his seat. Drew pulled him close, kissing him soundly. The love between those two could not have been more glaring, just as their differences could not have been more pronounced. They were the perfect couple to portray the saying, opposites attract.

  Kyle and I both stood and raised our glasses.

  “We are forever grateful that Drew gave us a chance at the office party after Adam had been so terrible to him.” Kyle grinned at Drew.

  “And we are so thankful that Braeton introduced us to Bryan and Jase,” I said. “Having the four of you supporting us, doing life with us, it means the world. We may not have the family around others have, but we have our friends as our family and that’s all we need.”

  Raising our glasses higher, Kyle and I spoke together, “To us!”

  Our words were repeated, glasses chimed, and we all settled in for more drinks and fun.

  “Now, speaking of Braeton introducing us to Bryan and Jase,” Kyle smiled slyly over his glass. “I feel like I need some more details about the relationship between Braeton and Bryan. I still can’t believe you guys were a couple.”

  Drew and Jase sighed dramatically and rolled their eyes. “Really, do we need to encourage them?” Drew said good-naturedly.

  “We weren’t a couple per say,” Braeton started.

  “We went out a couple times,” Bryan continued.