by Sierra Riley
Once again, Margaret made the choice for him.
“I just don’t understand. You and Carrie were so good together.”
The blood drained from Jake’s face. If he’d been shocked before, he was completely floored now. Somehow, Russ’s mother managed to voice the one fear that had always lingered in Jake’s mind; the fear that he wouldn’t be good enough. That he couldn’t even begin to fill the void Russ’s wife had left.
Beside him, Russ put his fork down forcefully. “Carrie’s gone. She’s gone, and she isn’t coming back.”
Jake’s attention immediately flew to Ryan. He had his head down, and was pushing the last of his potatoes around on the plate. Jake’s heart ached for him, and the flicker of anger he’d suppressed all evening was fanned into a flame.
“If you want to question the decision Russ and I made, that’s fine. If you want to imply I’m not good enough for your son, go right ahead. But I’m drawing the line here.”
“I’m sorry, bud,” Russ said, his voice filled with regret.
Ryan just shrugged. “I’m not a little kid. I know what happened.”
Edward and Margaret were finally quiet. For a long moment, the only sound was that of Ryan’s fork scraping against the plate.
“You know I loved your mom, just as much as I love you,” Russ said to Ryan, his hand on his son’s shoulder. He turned to look at his parents as he continued, “but I love Jake, too.”
Neither of them had an immediate answer to that. Jake felt warmth bloom in his heart; tentative, but still there, overcoming the coldness that had taken root in response to Russ’s parents.
But the silence only lasted so long before Margaret evidently gathered her thoughts.
“Are you worried about what his friends will say? What his teachers will think of him having two fathers?”
Jake’s fingers curled tightly around his fork. He drew in a breath through his nose, prepared to tell her that he wouldn’t let Ryan be hurt by anyone’s bigoted views. But Ryan beat him to it.
“Stop it!” Everyone’s attention turned toward Ryan. Jake had never seen him look so upset. “Stop acting like Uncle Jake isn’t part of the family.”
Jake was sure his surprise was clearly registered on his face. Russ, too, seemed shocked at his son’s choice of outburst.
“I don’t care what people say. I like having him here. He’s fun to hang out with. He helps me with my homework. He’s a really good cook. And now that he’s here, Dad isn’t sad anymore.”
The warmth from earlier spread from Jake’s heart and practically to his soul. Anything he might have said in response was choked with emotion; caught in his throat and completely incapable of being spoken in that moment. He’d spent so much time worrying about how this might affect Ryan. Even once he and Russ had settled into an actual relationship, he still worried. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt Ryan, in any way.
But to hear Ryan defend him in front of his grandparents—who he obviously adored—was more than Jake would have ever expected, and far more than he would have asked for.
“I love you, too,” Jake said to him with a warm smile.
It was the only sentiment worthy of such high praise, and it seemed to go over well, because Ryan beamed at him.
Edward and Margaret seemed to take the hint. He couldn’t say much for Russ’s parents, but they cared for their grandson. That was plain to see, as the rest of the meal passed without incident.
Of course, it would have been better if they’d offered some kind of apology, considering they’d come into Russ’s home and had insulted him and his family. But Jake didn’t expect that. It was too much to hope for, when the fact that they weren’t at each other’s throats by the end of it was already monumental.
After dinner, Jake and Russ walked his parents to their car. The night was a little cool, and Edward had given his wife his jacket. He opened the door for her, then came around to the driver’s side. He and Russ stood awkwardly in front of one another. There was a pause, and it seemed as if Edward was trying to find his words.
Eventually, he said, “Your mother and I just want what’s best for you. If this is it, then…” He looked toward Jake.
“This is it,” Russ said.
Edward gave a single nod. “If the agency tries to deny your claim, call me. I’ll get my lawyer on it. They won’t get a cent from you.”
It wasn’t the “I love you, no matter what” that Russ probably needed to hear. But Russ regarded his father with such surprise that Jake could tell it was significant.
“I will. Thanks, Dad.”
Edward just nodded again, then got into his car. No hug or pat on the arm or any sign of affection, but then Jake hadn’t expected it. The fact that he’d offered to defend Russ’s choice was affection enough, maybe.
When they drove away, he heard Russ let out a breath. “Sorry. Everything with them is always such a fucking ordeal.”
Jake smiled at him. “It went better than I thought it might.”
“Only because Ryan told them off,” he said with a laugh.
He grinned at that, sliding an arm around Russ’s shoulders. “Come on. I think it’s time to break out the board games.”
They went back inside and enjoyed the rest of the night as a family. Ryan was allowed to stay up way too late for a school night, but Russ didn’t say anything about it. This was a time to enjoy what they had; a time for Jake to marvel at the fact that they were almost home free.
They only had the decision from the insurance company to fear now. And Jake was starting to think even that wouldn’t destroy what they’d managed to create together.
30
Russ
Blue Ridge took their sweet time calling to deliver the final verdict.
Jake told him it was probably a good thing; that they would have sent some muscle over a lot earlier if they had any reason to punish them in the harshest way possible. In Russ’s mind, though, it meant they were carefully combing over all the “evidence” and trying to find something to stick them with.
The worst part about it was he knew he and Jake were in the wrong. They had gotten married just to get Ryan on Jake’s policy. There wasn’t any getting around that. He doubted he’d be able to convince a judge to go easy on them, either. The fact that their marriage had turned into something real wasn’t exactly the best defense in the world.
Russ had a hard time enjoying his life with Jake when one phone call was still hanging over them, and when Jake finally heard from them on a Saturday afternoon, he’d practically climbed on top of him to hear what they had to say.
Jake had been kind enough to spare him and had put it on speaker phone, but Russ had still stuck close, needing the support.
“We’re calling to inform you that the addition to your policy has been approved, and the claims you filed recently will be upheld. We thank you for being a valued Blue Ridge customer.”
It sounded so fake, so automated, that Russ could barely contain his comment. Jake seemed to anticipate that, though, and put two fingers over his lips to stop him from saying anything. Russ just smiled, that sudden flood of relief finally hitting him.
They were in the clear. This was the end of it all.
With this and Ryan’s surgery behind them, they could finally start their life together.
“Thank you,” Jake said, actually sounding gracious. “Is there anything more you need from me?”
“Everything’s taken care of on your end, Mr. Larson. Your husband and son will be covered for any future expenses.”
Husband. Son. Damn, those words sounded good.
Better than Russ would have ever guessed. So much so that he couldn’t help but fixate on them, his gaze falling on his wedding band. He’d worn it every day since he and Jake had made up, but something still felt… off. And it wasn’t just the fact that the ring still needed to be resized.
As Jake finished the conversation and hung up the phone, Russ finally realized what it was.
; Those bands had been exchanged during a quick ceremony that was only meant to be a formality; just a way for one friend to help out another. And they were worth more than that. What he and Jake had was worth more than that, too.
Jake let out a long breath, and his smile lit up the room. “Looks like we’re in the clear.”
Russ smiled back at him. He’d intended to make some joke, or just say something in agreement. Instead, what he said was:
“Let’s get married.”
Jake’s smile remained, and he arched a brow. “One month, and you’ve already forgotten?”
No, he definitely hadn’t forgotten. Every day when he woke up with Jake by his side, and every night when he fell asleep with his arms wrapped around him, he was reminded of just how lucky he was.
“I mean let’s do it for real.”
His heart was pounding in the most ridiculous way. They were already married. Suggesting they have a real wedding shouldn’t send him into a full-blown panic attack. But in the back of his mind, there was still this small, niggling doubt; the chance that Jake would wise up and realize he could have way better than a woodworker who stressed out about everything.
It didn’t help that Jake just stared at him for a while, lips parted before they pulled into a slow, amused smile.
“Are you proposing to me?”
Russ narrowed his gaze. Jake seemed on the verge of laughing at him. Truth be told, Russ wasn’t far from laughing, himself, but that was beside the point.
“Are you going to make me get down on one knee, asshole?”
Jake grinned, and Russ’s fears evaporated. Jake was just messing with him. Even if he didn’t say it, Russ could see the answer in his eyes. They practically shimmered with emotion.
“Hmmmm,” Jake said, stroking his clean-shaven jaw. “How about this: I’ll play you for it. If you win, I’ll accept as-is. If I win, you have to do it over again. Slower, and without pants on.”
Russ laughed. “You’re on.”
He all but lunged for the game box, grabbing it from under the TV. It was beat up from years of seriously irresponsible use, and missing half of the pieces, but he and Jake still managed to play a nail-biting game of Candy Land. Somehow, he knew Carrie would have approved.
And laughed her ass off when he lost.
* * *
Russ leaned over, trying to see out the window and into the backyard.
They’d decided to have the wedding at their home; it seemed the most fitting place. And while their yard wasn’t huge, it was big enough to accommodate the handful of guests and meager decorations. Jake had been pretty adamant about spending only a reasonable amount of money, and Russ couldn’t really argue with that.
He scanned the crowd, glad to see only familiar faces; no tag-alongs or people who just came for the banquet Jake had cooked up over the past few days. Up front, he saw Ray and James from the courthouse, and he couldn’t help but smile at that. They were the first people Russ had thought to invite. Behind them sat a few of their mutual friends from college, along with Carter and his wife. While Carter had never been at the top of his guest list, Jake had argued that they’d never hear the end of it if they didn’t invite him.
A few of the people from Jake’s clinic had come, along with a couple of Russ’s friends. He only spotted a few empty seats. Lynn accounted for one of them, and she was almost certainly with Jake right now on the other side of the house. That left two seats that sat side by side, and seeing them empty now made Russ regret even looking.
He shouldn’t have invited them. Even then, he shouldn’t have expected them to show up, and he definitely shouldn’t be disappointed that they hadn’t. He was never going to have an amazing relationship with his parents, and that was just the way it was. Today proved he had all of the things he needed in life; he didn’t need them.
But not having their support hurt just the same.
“I can’t tie this if you don’t stop moving.”
Ryan’s agitated voice pulled him away from his pity-party. His son stood on a step stool in front of him, trying valiantly to tie his bow tie the right way. They’d pulled up instructions on his tablet, but it was starting to look like a lost cause.
“Sorry, bud,” he said, staying still while Ryan worked. “You excited for today?”
“I guess so.”
Russ arched a brow. He knew Ryan was a pretty low-key kid, but that wasn’t really the answer he’d expected.
“I mean, nothing’s really going to change, right?”
Russ smiled. As far as Ryan was concerned, this was already a done deal. Maybe it had been for longer than Russ even realized. Once again he was thankful for having the coolest kid in the universe.
“Right.”
“It’s cool that you get presents, though.”
Russ laughed. Ryan would appreciate that, but then Russ would be lying if he said he wasn’t curious about what was in the boxes their guests had stacked on top of the war table. Especially the box from Ray and James, though he guessed he and Jake would have to open that one in private.
“Okay. I think I got it,” Ryan said, the tip of his tongue sticking out of the corner of his mouth as he concentrated.
Russ looked down. His bow tie was ten different kinds of crooked, but he wasn’t about to fix it. It was perfect just the way Ryan had tied it.
“Awesome job, bud. Think you can run downstairs and make sure Uncle Jake and Aunt Lynn are ready?”
Ryan disappeared, taking the stairs two at a time. A few minutes later, he loudly announced that they were, in fact, ready. Russ blew out a breath, rolling his shoulders. Only for Jake would he wear a tux. The damn thing pinched in five different places. But he knew he wouldn’t have to stay in it much longer.
Heading down the stairs, he stopped as he made it to the bottom, his breath catching in his throat.
Jake stood near the doorway, tall and handsome and sexy as hell. If he looked even half as good as Jake did in a tux, then he’d concede the point. Of course, Jake’s tux seemed a lot better made. It was a crisp black, accentuating the width of his shoulders and the sharp lines of his body. The vest and tie were both a dark blue that brought out the color in Jake’s eyes; eyes that shone with so much emotion that Russ could barely make himself move for fear of disrupting the moment.
“Hey,” Jake said, his dimples showing as his smile turned a little shy.
Jesus. Russ hadn’t thought it possible for him to look better than he already did, but apparently he was wrong.
“Hey yourself, handsome.”
He finally moved to the bottom of the stairs, holding his arm out for Jake. Jake took it, glancing down at his attire with a grin.
“Love the bow tie.”
“I tied it,” Ryan said proudly.
“You did an excellent job,” Lynn said.
“You did,” Jake agreed with a smile before turning his attention back to Russ. “You ready to do this?”
“Definitely.”
They walked out to the backyard, their arms linked the whole time. Family and friends stood up as they took their places up front. Russ’s gaze fell on a familiar pair, and he found himself nearly doing a double-take. His parents were here. His father wasn’t scowling, and his mother wasn’t making that bless your heart face she was so good at.
They actually… smiled at him, and he managed a smile back.
The officiant—the same one that had married them at the courthouse—made his way up front, and Russ turned to face his husband. Ryan stood at his side, while Lynn stood with Jake. Russ reached out to take Jake’s hands in his. They’d come so far in the past month, but to Russ it just seemed like the next step in something that had been building for years.
He had everything he wanted—everything he needed—in Jake. Someone who would support him when he was right and guide him when he was wrong. Someone who would love Ryan just as much as he did, and be an active part in raising him. Someone he could share everything with, both good and bad.
&nb
sp; Russ said as much when it came time to renew his vows. He always had so much trouble expressing himself, but with Jake, it was easy.
“Jake: You’ve been by my side for a long time. You’ve stuck by me through every stupid thing I’ve ever done, and even tried to talk me out of a few of those things.” Jake chuckled softly at that. “Joke’s on you, though, because the best scheme of all wasn’t even my idea. Marrying you, having you in my life… It was everything I needed. You kept me sane and grounded when my world was falling apart, and you’ve helped me rebuild it, piece by piece. You’ve been a partner to me, in every way possible. I’m so lucky to have you as a husband, and even luckier to have you as a friend. And I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Jake smiled in a way that made it clear he was trying to hold back a few tears. His eyes shimmered with moisture, and Russ gently squeezed his hands.
“Jacob, is there anything you would like to say to your husband?” The officiant asked.
Jake nodded, drawing in a steadying breath before letting it out. “Russ: You’re the first person I want to share my joy with; the person I can count on to always cheer me up when I’m feeling down. It never mattered what I needed or when I needed it, you’ve always been there for me, without ever expecting anything in return. You’re kind and caring. An amazing father and the best friend I could ask for. Is it any wonder I fell for you?” He offered Russ a soft smile. “I know you say you’re the lucky one, but I just can’t see how anyone in the world could be luckier than me. You let me into your family, and I can’t even begin to explain how much that means to me.”
Russ swallowed. Now he was starting to feel a little emotional. But one of them had to stay strong, right? They were supposed to balance each other out, not collapse into a heap together.
As the officiant held up their newly-resized rings, Russ thought that maybe just this once, it would be okay.
“On your wedding day, these rings served as a symbol of your love and devotion to one another. I ask that you reaffirm that love and devotion now.”