by Trina Solet
Thank God the cake was brought out and the kids forgot all about them.
"Their heads are about to explode," Wyatt said as the kids went wild.
The cake was huge, white with fine, amber decorations made of spun sugar. Rob and Julian cut the cake together and after sharing a few bites, they gave the next piece to Danny. The rest of the kids got theirs with a piece of spun sugar on each slice. It looked fancy so the kids didn't dive in right away, except for Ry. He demolished his piece and had half of it all over his face in seconds.
"You're wearing that cake," Sam said and picked up a napkin.
When Sam tried to wipe his face, Ry dodged him. "Nooo, I'll lick it." Then everyone watched Ry trying to lick frosting off his face and failing at it.
"Let that be a lesson to you," Theo teased Seth as they got their slices of cake.
Seth laughed and realized that he had relaxed some since they came in and he felt so out of place. Getting to talk to their friends and watching the kids having fun helped him. But it was mostly being with Theo that did it. That's how everything was for him now, full of the unexpected joy of having Theo in his life.
That night they made love then lay entwined, upside down on the bed and too lazy to move.
"Let's just stay like this," Theo said with his face in the crook of Seth's neck.
Seth agreed easily. "OK."
"Oh, fuck," Theo moaned surging against him.
"What?" Seth wondered while enjoying the press of his naked body and his cock starting to get hard again.
"You feel too good. We'll never get any sleep."
"You feel even better, like I'm living some kind of dream," Seth told him and turned his head to kiss him softly. He didn't want to start up anything again.
That's because he had figured out why he got so choked up and emotional as he watched Rob and Julian getting married. He wanted that to be his future with Theo. Now Seth wondered if he should tell him.
"Weddings sure pack a punch. Someone should have warned me," Seth said into Theo's hair. "I had tears coming to my eyes, and I didn't even know why."
"Sometimes the love other people feel for each other can touch your heart," Theo said, and the tremor in his voice told Seth it had touched him too.
"We should do that some day," Seth blurted out, and that made Theo rise up to stare down at him.
"Are you proposing to me?"
Now Seth started to panic. He should say that he meant that they might get married one day in the future, who knows when. But that wasn't the truth. "I don't expect you to say yes. Not now. But maybe some day you might."
"So you're not asking me?" Theo challenged him. He was starting to breathe hard and his eyes had a liquid glow to them.
"I guess I'm scared," Seth said honestly and ran his hands over Theo's arms.
"Don't be. I'm not," Theo told him and leaned down for a kiss.
With Theo lending him his strength, Seth got the words out all in one breath, "I love you. Please marry me."
"Are you sure you don't just have wedding fever?" Theo asked.
"I'm sure. I belong with you. And no matter what your answer is, I'll be yours forever," Seth told him, his voice breaking.
Another kiss and Theo gave him his answer. "I want forever with you. Yes, I'll marry you."
Seth tried to breathe as his heart lurched at Theo's words. No, he couldn't breathe, all he could do was clutch at Theo and moan his name. "I'm so happy it hurts," he managed to say in a rasping voice.
"Hey now," Theo told him and he kissed his face all over until Seth could calm down a little.
Raised up on one elbow, Theo stroked his hair then let his hand trail down over his chest. He must have felt the wild beating of Seth's heart because he said, "The answer was always going to be yes, because I want you to be mine so desperately. Because my love for you is the strongest, deepest thing I ever felt." His voice was hushed, and Theo's eyes when they turned soft and loving were the most beautiful thing in the world.
As Seth gazed at him and tried not to cry, he told him, "If I knew you existed I would have been dreaming about you all my life."
"You say some crazy stuff," Theo told him then wrapped his whole body around him.
Since he was talking crazy, Seth thought he might as well tell him, "You know I want cake and ice cream at my wedding. That means we have to do it in the summer."
"You were serious about that?" Theo said.
"Yes, and Ace will agree with me so we'll outvote you."
Nose to nose with him, Theo gave him one of those dirty looks that always made Seth want to kiss him so he did. Already the painful feeling of happiness was hurting less, settling into something that was real and strong, that he could count on forever.
The End
Also by Trina Solet
Peach Tree Life
Wyatt was never the good brother. He was the troublemaker, the one who escaped to Europe when his family couldn't accept who he was. But now that his older brother is gone, Wyatt is the only one who can take care of his two little nephews, DJ and Riley.
Is Wyatt up to the daunting task? No one is sure, not even him.
It's a big change in his life, but his nephews need him. After losing their parents, the two little boys are heartbroken. Wyatt doesn't want to uproot them so he moves to the small town of Peach Tree. He doesn't expect small town life to be to his liking until he meets Sam, the young guy who works at the cafe in town.
They have an immediate connection, and Sam is the sweetest guy. But Sam is prone to panic attacks and he only just escaped his abusive ex.
Sam doesn't plan to get involved with anyone until Wyatt comes along. He thinks a real relationship between them is impossible, but Wyatt isn't so easily discouraged. He's a man who knows what he wants, and he's not afraid to go after it. Sam came into his life on the heels of tragedy and that makes Wyatt treasure him all the more.
Just when Wyatt is sure to get his way, trouble finds them. With Wyatt by his side, can Sam finally fight back against his fear, or will it wreck everything he found?
Peach Tree Love
Peach Tree works its magic on Mitch and Rico as the handyman with a kid and the college student without direction find exactly what they were looking for.
When a job offer falls through, Mitch agrees to fix up an old house that hides unexpected trouble. Rico is recruited to be his assistant and can't help but fall in love with the gruff handyman. Could Mitch ever feel the same?
Until he met Rico, Mitch believed he was straight. Now his whole word has been turned upside down. After all the hardships in his life, could this be the one time when everything works out just right?
Peach Tree Manny
Julian Brenner doesn't have good memories of his childhood home in Peach Tree, but he's moving back there for the sake of his little brother. Little Danny has already been through so much, Julian wants him to have some peace and quiet.
That isn't what Peach Tree is known for, so it's a good thing Julian is bringing some backup. At first, he hires Rob as his assistant, but maybe what he really needs is a manny.
Rob doesn't seem like the type. He's a little rough around the edges and not afraid of a fight. His protective side is what Julian notices first, but it's Rob's kindness that wins him over.
But does Julian dare to fall in love. Both men have old pain and troubled histories to overcome. Will they realize their love was meant to be?
Peach Tree Baby
Living on the outskirts of a small town, busy running an inn, Andy doesn't like his chances when it comes to finding the perfect man. Plus his leg was hurt in a car crash. The scars and the limp don't help his self-confidence. Not wanting to wait before building a family, Andy skips right to having a baby.
But maybe he gave up too soon. Andy brings his baby daughter home just in time for Christmas and hires a manager to help him run the inn.
Leo Copeland is the new manager, and he's hot, built and has a take-charge attitude. When Leo and his new
dog need a place to stay, Andy offers to put him up at his family home.
It's only supposed to be for a little while, but Leo is good company and he's amazing with the baby. As their attraction keeps heating up, Andy starts thinking that he doesn't really want Leo to go.
That man just fits at the inn, in Peach Tree and quite possibly in Andy Brighton's life.
They're busier than ever preparing to host the reception for Mitch and Rico's Valentine's Day wedding when a threatening message rattles them both. Will Andy realize he finally found the perfect man, or will a secret from Leo's past make him lose faith in the man he has come to trust and depend on, the man he loves?
A Christmas Manny
Christmas is approaching fast and Gary Radcliff is still recovering from an injury. He can use some help especially with his little boy, Scotty. Gary doesn't want him to be cooped up when there might be snow out there any day now. He hires Wayne to help him give his kid a happy Christmas.
Wayne has worked as a health aid before but never as a manny. He takes his work seriously, but it turns out that working for Gary and Scotty is more fun than work. Right away, he fits in with those two.
He also finds himself incredibly drawn to Gary. Unaware that Gary feels the same way, Wayne thinks it's hopeless. If only Wayne can be brave enough to speak up, their attraction might turn into so much more.
It doesn't take much to ignite their desire, but will demands of real life get in the way of their happy life?
Our Boys
After getting burned in his last relationship, Diego isn't looking to get involved. He is willing to allow only one little guy into his heart. That little guy is his irrepressible, four-year-old son, Jamie. But Trevor, a young neighbor who just moved in, might turn out to be too much of a temptation for Diego.
Trevor is taking care of his one-year-old cousin, but he's worried he might lose custody. He has quite a few challenges in his life, and Diego is driven to help him overcome them.
As the two families bond, the guys find their feelings for each other growing stronger. It's only a matter of time before they'll have to admit that they found in each other everything they ever wanted.
The Forever Manny
Marshall Bowen is more comfortable sitting in a boardroom, but now he has his baby niece, Tessa, to take care of. Until very recently, Marshall didn't even know he had a sister, and the baby is a complete shock to him. He's out of his comfort zone and doesn't know the first thing about taking care of a baby. But he'll have to learn fast.
He does have some help. Cody is his late sister's best friend, and he has become incredibly attached to the baby. After he and Cody meet, Marshall is determined to keep the young man around. It's only for Tessa's sake, of course. He would never indulge in his budding attraction to the baby's manny.
Cody is glad to help Marshall take care of Tessa, but it's only a temporary arrangement. Once Marshall gets the hang of parenting, Cody will go back to his old life. He can't stay Tessa's manny forever, can he?
But what will happen when Cody wants more? Will Marshall want a future with him?
A Bookworm for Christmas
Miles is not looking forward to a lonely Christmas when a chance encounter with his ex boss changes his prospects.
When Miles worked at his bookstore, Gavin was a strict boss and a secret crush. Gavin's life has changed since Miles saw him last, but he still seems unattainable.
Miles can't stay away from him though and ends up spending time with his little boy too. Benji is the big change in Gavin's life, and being a dad suits him perfectly. But will he see Miles as someone who can join their family, or will his misgivings win out in the end?
The Professor and the Manny
Ned needs a babysitter for his daughter, Mina. When he hires Jeff, he ends up with a manny and so much more.
Mina is a vulnerable child who has endured too many losses. Ned has given her a new life, but she doesn't come out of her shell for just anyone.
When Jeff comes into their lives, he wins her over and starts out babysitting for only a few hours a day. That's long enough for him to realize that he's incredibly attracted to Ned.
Ned feels the same way, but he's a professor and Jeff is a student at his college. Ned is determined to keep his distance. That only lasts until he learns that Jeff has been keeping something from him. When Ned finds out that Jeff has no place to live, he invites him home and hires him as Mina's manny.
There's no turning back now. Living in the same house, neither man can deny his feelings for long. But when danger disrupts their happy life, Jeff blames himself. Can Ned convince him to stay? The next time danger strikes, Jeff might be the only one who can protect what's most precious to them both.
Key To His Heart
Phillip Morton is a disciplined and self-assured young executive, but that's only on the surface. His heart is in turmoil. He has just discovered that his late brother might have left behind a child. This child is only a rumor, a possibility, but Phillip sets out to find him.
To help him with his search, he brings along Leon, his assistant. Leon is very young and new to his job. Phillip doesn't want things between them to turn too personal, but he needs Leon to keep him sane.
Even as he searches for his nephew, Phillip is afraid to hope. After the heart-wrenching loss of his estranged brother, it seems too much to expect that this child could be real.
It turns out that Ant, short for Anthony Morton Junior, is very real indeed. He is a sweet three-year-old living in precarious circumstances with an elderly relative. Phillip has found them just in time.
As Leon lends a hand with all the new challenges in Phillip's life, the two of them are growing closer every day. If only Leon can free himself of the demons from his childhood. While Leon's past still haunts him, he and Phillip can't rush into anything.
Will Phillip's love and patience win out in the end so they can all become a family?
A Christmas Boyfriend
"Can you get me a man for Christmas?"
When he said those fateful words, Ben didn't know what he was setting in motion.
Ben is a busy dad to a four year old little girl. He doesn't have much time for a social life, but he wasn't serious when he asked for a man for Christmas. His daughter, Maya, doesn't know that. She is determined to play Santa and get her dad the gift he asked for.
The man she picks for her dad is her preschool teacher, Jason Kenney. Neither Jason nor Maya think he's the right man to be a present for Ben, so why is he standing there on Christmas Eve with a gift bow in his hair?
Smarting from a recent breakup, Jason isn't looking forward to the holidays. Despite his reservations, Jason gets tangled up with Ben. There is something about Ben that he just can't resist. As their feelings intensify, will spending Christmas together turn into something more?
Pizza for Thanksgiving
Mack and Enzo are roommates and nothing more. While sharing the same apartment, they live separate lives. Enzo is sweet but painfully shy. Mack is gruff and kind of intimidating. He's had a hard life and doesn't let his guard down easily.
Now Mack is anticipating a lonely Thanksgiving dinner, but Enzo won't let that happen. When he hears that Mack is going to be all alone for Thanksgiving, he gets up the courage to make him an offer. But things don't go as planned in more ways than one.
With the best of intentions, Enzo has woken up something in Mack that he might not be ready for. Can Mack stop hiding and holding back? When Enzo asks for too much from him, can he say yes anyway?
His Winter Heart
Wes is living a lonely, stark existence when he meets Colin, a lively young guy in desperate circumstances. Wes is so taken with him that he has to have him. His decision to invite Colin to spend the night is going to turn his quiet life upside down.
Colin almost finds himself sleeping on the street. When the tall, blond man makes him an offer, he can't say no either to the money or to the man. Colin is impulsive and full of contradictions. He
refuses to sell himself for money and ends up homeless because of it. But when Wes offers to pay him for sex, Colin jumps at the chance to go home with him. Something about Wes strikes a chord with Colin. He knows there is a warm heart under the serious, impassive exterior and an awesome body under all the layers of winter clothes.
Things don't go as planned when Wes decides that Colin is too young and inexperienced and refuses to sleep with him. That doesn't mean that he can stay away from someone who shakes up his world.
The more time Colin spends with Wes, the more he wants him. Colin isn't shy about getting what he wants. His relentless pursuit might pay off if Wes doesn't let family complications and his fears about the future keep them apart. Will Wes let go of his inhibitions and allow himself to love the younger man?
With Eyes Open
Jacob and his son, Toby, have just moved to a small town. Everything is going well so far, except for one thing – who is Toby talking to in the back garden? There's no one there.
Ian is wondering the same thing. He's taking time off from college to be with his dad. One day he sees the little boy acting strangely, and he decides to look into it.
While Ian is trying to solve the mystery of what Toby is seeing, he and Jacob grow closer. Jacob is a man Ian can trust and lean on at a difficult time. Jacob has some reservations about Ian, but his feelings are too strong to be denied. Even as unexplained events surround them, these two can't stay away from each other.
Good thing because when Ian finds the answers he's looking for, he's going to need Jacob more than ever.
His True Home
Alec has retreated to his childhood home after a life of too much fun. When a little boy is abandoned on the road leading to Alec's home town of Seaview Pines, Alec is the one who ends up taking care of him. Now Cory is on his way to join them. He was abandoned by his mother as well and wants to give Teddy, his little brother, the family he never had. As they spend time together, it's up to Cory to draw out the serious, silent little boy. He also has to convince Alec that his home town isn't just a temporary refuge. It's where all three of them belong.