Epilogue #2
Mike’s arms were around him in seconds. “Aw, I know it’s tough, baby, but it’s one summer. It’s like I said. Get it all done early on so we get time for us. What did I say?”
Tommy grinned. “I know. I know. ‘A few hours a day beats a week away.’” It was Mike’s new mantra.
“And it means one less year in the long run.” Mike peered intently at Tommy. “I know you’re not happy about how little time we’ll have once school starts up again, but we’ve talked about this.”
“An’ talked about it, an’ talked…. Doesn’t mean I have to like it.
” He knew Mike was right, of course. It wouldn’t be forever.
And part of him was pleased that Mike was thinking of the future.
He gave Mike a flash of a smile. “Can’t help it.
I’m sorta old-fashioned like that. Y’know, movin’ in together should mean we actually get to live together.
” He’d been thinking about that commute.
Forty-five minutes twice a day was nothing.
He could cope with that. Now all he had to do was convince Mike.
Okay, so it would mean time he’d be spending in his truck and not on his studies, but on the plus side, he’d get to sleep in Mike’s arms every night.
He couldn’t see Mike arguing with that.
“I love that you’re an old-fashioned kinda guy,” Mike said with a smile. He stretched up and kissed the tip of Tommy’s nose before taking his hand and guiding him to a chair.
“You two are so sweet together,” Caroline said with a sigh. She sat at the table facing them.
“Where’s Benson?” Mike asked.
“Playing golf at the club.” Caroline’s brow furrowed. “I asked him not to go, but he said it was the only chance he had to meet up with a couple lawyers who were in town. That man works too hard.”
Ben and Bethany entered the kitchen, and Ben went to the fridge to retrieve the lemonade while Bethany fetched glasses from the cabinet.
“I was serious before, y’know.”
Tommy turned to look at Mike. “About what?”
“Loving you being old-fashioned. It’s the way you were raised. You have principles, integrity, respect. Do you know how rare those commodities are in a guy nowadays?”
Tommy stared at him. He didn’t know what to say to such praise, especially in front of the others.
Mike nodded slowly. “This is what makes you so special, Tommy. This is why I love you. So remember, there is nothing wrong with being old-fashioned.” A slow smile spread across his face, and Tommy was surprised to note how Mike’s breathing quickened. “In fact, some occasions call for it.”
Before Tommy could ask what that statement meant, Mike got up from his chair and knelt down in front of him.
“What are you doin’?” Tommy gaped at him. He could hear soft noises of surprise from the others.
Mike reached for his hand and held it, his gaze fixed on Tommy.
“I’m taking a leaf out of your book and doing something a little old-fashioned.
We’re about to move in together, so I figured now was as good a time as any to ask you a question.
” He glanced up at Caroline. “Especially as your adopted mom is sitting there, watching us.”
“Oh my.” Caroline stared at him, her smile growing exponentially.
Mike returned his attention to Tommy. “So I’m here to ask you, Tommy Newsome, if you’ll do me the honor of becoming my husband.”
He was dreaming. He had to be.
“This is real, baby. This is me, asking you to spend the rest of your life with me. No, I’m not crazy.
Yes, I know exactly what I’m doing. No, I don’t care that you’re only twenty.
And yes, I do want an answer.” He grinned.
“Even if the answer is ‘I’ll think about it.’” He flushed. “Although I’d prefer an outright yes.”
Tommy’s heart was beating so strongly, he swore everyone in the room could hear it. And finally he found his voice.
“You really wanna marry me?” he whispered, unable to tear his eyes away from Mike.
“Oh God, yes.” Mike shifted closer, his hand tightening around Tommy’s. With his free hand, he reached into his shirt pocket. “I even have a ring.” He held it up, a circle of polished silver.
It was the sight of the ring that made Tommy’s heart soar.
“You… you’ve really thought about this, haven’t ya?”
“Constantly. I bought this a month ago.” Mike’s eyes, wide and blue, were focused on him. “So, as you might imagine, I’m getting kinda nervous here, because—”
“Yes!” Tommy blurted out. “I’ll marry you.”
Mike visibly held his breath. “You said yes?”
Grinning, Tommy nodded. “I said yes.” He couldn’t resist yanking Mike’s chain. “Your hearin’ goin’, Mike? This an age thing? Should I be worried here?”
Mike laughed. “You like living dangerously, don’t you?” He made as if to put the ring back in his pocket. “So maybe I need to reconsider my—”
“Don’t you dare.” Tommy held out his left hand.
Caroline was laughing, Ben and Bethany too.
Mike placed the ring over the end of his finger and slid it into place. He leaned forward until his face was inches from Tommy’s. “Love you. Need you. Want you in my life. Is that clear enough?”
Tommy smiled and closed the gap to kiss his fiancé on the lips. “Crystal.”
That road snaking off into the future had just taken an interesting—and unexpected—turn.
THE END