Seth saw his father wink at him from behind his mother’s back. Neither James nor Terra knew Scott had arranged for its purchase and shipping before the show. He would allow his father to decide when to reveal his gift for her.
Seth and James wandered around the gallery after the group split up to look around. James worked so hard, not allowing even the stalking and attack to distract him from finishing everything for the show. Seth still couldn’t believe it had been James’s brother who threatened them. He had been certain that Chase was right, that it was Danni’s grandparents, but the attack had been the worst. It also set in motion what Seth was about to do.
As they rounded a corner, Seth led James to an area that had been decked out with flowers, soft lighting, and a plush bench. James sat and waited for Seth to settle beside him. After a moment, Seth took his left hand into his own.
“I know that touch is the theme of tonight’s show but it’s not the art on the wall that is the true treasure. When we first met, you intrigued me, and then that first brush of a kiss after dinner a week later stole my breath and heart. You were so beautiful and fragile yet you were also so, so strong.”
He watched as various emotions flitted over James’s face before he continued.
“I knew from that moment on that I wanted you in my life. I wanted someone that I could love and would love me too in return. The trust you have offered me I will cherish just as I do you. Always.”
Seth slid off the bench and settled on one knee in front of James. Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved a small velvet and silk box he had fidgeted with all evening.
“Seth,” James exhaled, his eyes so big and wet Seth rushed to finish before James panicked or cried.
“I know I said I would not ask you to marry me if it meant that you would ever be left to wonder if I meant it, but I hope you know by now how much I love and cherish you, baby.” Seth watched as James nodded, a single tear leaking from the edge of one eye.
“Would you make Danni and me the happiest people ever by becoming our family forever?”
“Are you sure, Seth?” James whispered. James’s hand trembled in his as he continued to hold him.
“A bonding between personalities, between souls that are so perfect they may as well have been made for the other, and together they make a perfect balance of power, passion, and love. To some, on the outside, the power might seem unbalanced, but to the souls in question, it is perfect. A perfection so beautiful that the gods themselves weep for the harmony of the union. That is what I see when I look at you. What I want with you. I have never been surer of anything, James. You are my future. Marry me?”
James stared at him for an eternity, or so it seemed to Seth, and he swallowed hard a couple of times. It took him three tries to reply. “Yes, Seth. Please, yes!”
Seth surged forward and wrapped his arms around James, holding on for dear life, and he felt James do the same to him. From behind them, Seth heard applause. When James lifted his head off Seth’s shoulder, they turned their heads to look at the gathered crowd. Seth noted that those closest to them—even Mel and Britt had snuck in—were all beaming.
“You need to actually put the ring on the man, ya know,” Chase quipped.
Seth felt his face get hot but simply turned back to James and slipped the platinum and sapphire band onto his finger.
“Always,” he whispered as the show and crowd surged back to life around them.
About the Author
TEMPESTE O’RILEY is an out and proud omnisexual/bi woman whose best friend growing up had the courage to do what she couldn’t—defy the hate and come out. He has been her hero ever since.
Tempe is a hopeless romantic who loves strong relationships and happily-ever-afters. Though new to writing M/M, she has done many things in her life, yet writing has always drawn her back—no matter what else life has thrown her way. She counts her friends, family, and Muse as her greatest blessings in life. She lives in Wisconsin with her children, reading, writing, and enjoying life.
Tempe is also a proud member of Romance Writers of America® and Rainbow Romance Writers.
Learn more about Tempeste and her writing at http://tempesteoriley.com or https://www.facebook.com/TempesteORiley.author.
Also from DREAMSPINNER PRESS
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com
Also from DREAMSPINNER PRESS
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com
Also from DREAMSPINNER PRESS
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com
Also from DREAMSPINNER PRESS
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com
Also from DREAMSPINNER PRESS
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com
Also from DREAMSPINNER PRESS
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com
Also from DREAMSPINNER PRESS
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com
Also from DREAMSPINNER PRESS
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com
Table of Contents
Title page
Copyright
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
About the Author
Also from Dreamspinner Press
Table of Contents
Title page
Copyright
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
About the Author
Also from Dreamspinner Press
Designs of Desire Page 19