Chapter 29
Carmel
December 2024
Randy
The Christmas tree lights twinkled, the Grinch was on TV, a glass of brandy sat in my hand, and Logan was snuggled up to me on the couch.
Life didn’t get better than this.
“I’ve been thinking.”
Logan chuckled. “You’re always thinking. What about this time?”
“We haven’t set a date yet. How does July twelfth grab you?”
“Hmm. Let me check my diary.” He laughed, his arm tightening around me. “Yeah, I think I can fit you in.” He tilted his face toward mine and we kissed, slow and tender. “We’re inviting Travis, Doug, all the guys, right?”
“Of course. Whatever you want.”
He let out a contented sigh. “I’d like that. Still wanna come with me when I visit Mom before New Year’s?”
“Yup.”
His gaze met mine. “At least she’s thawed a little since the summer.”
Angela had taken a lot more convincing than Doug had, once she’d learned Logan was gay. I liked to think I was growing on her, but I knew a lot of the credit for her reversal of attitude went to Doug. He’d spoken up for us, backed us to the hilt, and told her I was a good catch.
Logan stood his ground, and I marveled at how much he’d grown in a few short months. I think that more than anything had swayed Angela.
Her son was in love. It shone from him, and she couldn’t argue against something that so obviously lit him up like….
Like a Christmas tree.
Logan stroked my cheek. “You look tired. You need a vacation, and I don’t mean a weekend or even a week at the cabin.”
“You may be right.” I put my glass down, took his hand in mine, and brought his fingers to my lips, bestowing a soft kiss. “I’ll think about it, maybe have a look at something last-minute.” I stared into those ebony eyes. “Still going to marry me?”
He laughed. “You ask me that every day. I’m not suddenly going to change my mind, okay?”
I gave his hand another kiss. “Just checking.” I gave a nod toward the TV. “Where are we up to?”
Logan picked up the remote, aimed it, and pressed. The screen went dark.
“We can watch that anytime. I’ve got something much better in mind.”
I couldn’t rein in my smile. “Does it involve lube?”
That twinkle was answer enough.