23. Epilogue
Foster
As we stepped up to Quinton’s door, a strange feeling seized me.
“Hey, are you okay?” Arnav turned me to face him. “You said you were fine with coming back here. Were you lying to me?” He peered down at me. His expression of concern was clear, even in the porch light.
“I’m fine.” Nervous. But fine .
He didn’t look convinced.
I pressed a kiss to his lips
Just as the door opened.
“Oh, I thought I saw someone coming up the walkway.” Quinton opened the door wider. “You’ve got to get in here. Things are just getting interesting.”
As always, I had no idea what he was talking about. Still, I snagged Arnav’s hand and led him into the house.
A blast of warm air hit me, and I reveled in it.
The winds had picked up, and again the threat of snow lingered. Just a light flurry, though. In the early morning.
As much as I loved Quinton, I wasn’t going to get stuck here in a snowstorm. My pickup truck was parked on the street, and we were out of there at the first sign of real snow.
Quinton hugged me tightly. “So glad you made it.”
“Yeah, me too.” I held on for just a bit longer. This was the man who’d seen my loneliness and had sort of dragged me into his circle. Thanks to him, I’d met the love of my life.
“Hey, what about me?” Arnav laughed. “Don’t I get love?”
After releasing me, Quinton grabbed him. “Of course you do. Sometimes people need extra love.” He finished the hug, then turned back to me. “All is well?”
“Yeah.” I’d considered telling Quinton about my kink. He’d have understood—I was certain of that. Still, I hesitated. Arnav and I had a date for the last Wednesday in January. Pup night at Club Kink. I’d already been in touch with Evan to get his advice, and he promised to come along to introduce me to all the pups.
Arnav planned to watch over me, but to also socialize with some of the other handlers. See if he could pick up any tricks. He was learning.
So was I.
“If it isn’t the hotshot lawyer.” A tall, dark, and imposing man headed our way. He was even taller than Arnav. He held out his hand. “Counselor.”
Arnav ginned. “Counselor.” He shook the man’s hand. “Nice to see you, Zach.”
I toed off my shoes.
“You did good work.” Zach grinned. “Bested one of my finest prosecutors.”
Arnav stood a little taller. “I did my job.”
“And then some. You found what our forensic accountants didn’t.”
“That’s true.” He scratched his clean-shaven jaw. “But I believed my client was innocent and so went in with that mindset. Your prosecutor looked at the evidence and, on the surface, it made my client look guilty. Just two different perspectives on the same set of facts.”
Zach raised an eyebrow. His dark hair and eyes gave him a roguish look I found both sexy and intimidating. “Still, well done.”
“Thank you.” Arnav pulled his arm around my waist. “I don’t think you’ve met Foster.” He pressed a kiss to my temple, then turned back to Zach. “The love of my life.”
“Really?” Zach grinned. “I love when people find their soulmates.” For just a moment, his happiness slipped.
Just a fraction of a second, but the pain in his eyes hit me. Pain I’d seen many times in the mirror when I’d been with Howard—the pain of missing something in life. So was Zach just lonely or was he pining for someone from his past? I was truly curious.
And none of your damn business.
Zach shook my hand. “Lovely to meet you, Foster. Why don’t you guys take your coats off? I can get you drinks, and Arnav can regale us with his exploits. Everett’s already here.”
He pointed to a striking Black man who was huddled with two men I recognized from the Halloween party. A tall ginger with blue eyes and an adorable beard as well as an Indian man.
Arnav laughed. “Everett’s holding court with Ravi and Maddox? Why am I not surprised?”
“I think Justin and Stanley are in the kitchen.” Zach looked around. “Adam and Dean are on their honeymoon. Ravi filled me in—sleigh rides on Christmas Day.”
“Sounds like a nice wedding.” I remembered Arnav saying the men had married at Healing Horses. I could imagine sleigh rides on the ranch.
“Who are they?” Arnav leaned a little closer to Zach while indicating a couple I hadn’t noticed. The taller one was blond, hunky, and gorgeous. His hazel eyes shone in the light. Next to him was a ginger with a trimmed beard and blue eyes.
“Oh, that’s Simeon and Ryan.” Zach grinned. “Quinton met them at Maddox’s infamous Christmas cocktail party.”
Arnav snickered. “I don’t generally associate Maddox and infamous. Seeing as he’s the father of twin toddlers, I see him as more sedate.”
“Well, you’ll laugh. Ryan told us the story about that night. The night of the massive snowstorm? His car was buried, and he had to go home with Simeon. And they rescued a dog from the road and…” Zach squinted. “I think they’re moving in together.”
“ The snowstorm?” I snagged Arnav’s arm and with more bravery than sense, said, “We might’ve enjoyed being snowed in that night as well.”
“Really?” Zach grinned. “Come join the group and you can swap stories. Only wait for me. What would you like to drink?”
“Hot chocolate.” Arnav searched my face.
I nodded.
“Two hot chocolates coming up.” Zach nodded and headed toward the kitchen.
“Maybe we should take off our coats?” Arnav laughed. “Seeing as we’ve already been here for about ten minutes.”
“I am getting warm.” I removed my coat and handed it to my boyfriend who hung them both in the closet. “Zach really wanted to greet you.”
“You remember I told you I spoke to Remy Stevens?”
I searched my memory. “Right. You told me Christmas Eve, and her husband’s name is Rusty.” Heat crept into my cheeks.
Arnav kissed my nose. “I prefer Sparky.”
“So do I.” And my collar sat at the front door at home. Arnav had pretty much moved into my place. We’d found our dream home just the day before, with the help of our trusted realtor, Cadence. A lovely three-bedroom house with a large backyard and a massive dining room. Wouldn’t fit thirty, but we’d come close. The basement also had a gigantic rec room. Great for romping around in. Whether me as a pup or for some of Arnav’s many, many, many nieces and nephews.
I’d given notice to my landlord just in time—his daughter wanted to move in with her boyfriend. Frank wasn’t thrilled about her decision, but believed it better to have the couple close by. So he was giving discounted rent to the two as they got their start in life. I was incredibly glad I’d done the renovations. His daughter was a genuine and respectful young woman. Knowing she’d have a nice place to live made me glow inside.
“Two hot chocolates.” Zach eyed us. “You haven’t moved.”
“Hey, we were having a moment.” Arnav took a mug, then handed it to me.
Zach handed him the second one. “I still want you to meet Ryan and Simeon.”
“Because you want to hear our snowstorm story.” I arched an eyebrow at him, feeling confident in a way I hadn’t in a long time.
Possibly ever.
“Guilty as charged.” Zach led us over to the group of gathered men. The next hour passed quickly as we discussed snowstorms and one-bed scenarios. Turned out Maddox and Ravi had a snowstorm story of their own which had Ravi laughing and Maddox blushing.
Simeon didn’t speak as much as Ryan—possibly because of his stutter or possibly just because of his reserved nature. The two made an adorable couple.
I caught Everett looking around for the dozenth time. As Zach was recounting something to do with a courtroom, I’d have thought the lawyer next to me would be interested, but he was scanning the crowd again. “Are you looking for someone?”
He pursed his lips. “That obvious?”
“Well…” I eyed him. “I pay attention—when I can. You intrigue me.”
He arched an eyebrow.
Heat crept into my cheeks. “Well, I don’t know many gay men in Mission City, let alone other Black ones.”
“Ah. Well, I hope you’re welcomed everywhere. If not, let me know.” He snickered. “There’s another lawyer, Gil. And the harbormaster Isaac. Oh, and an arborist.” He gazed upward. “August.” He met my gaze again. “And plenty of other folk whom I can’t name at the moment. The gay local community is also welcoming. Again, that I’ve found.”
Arnav gently grasped my hand, even as he continued to engage Zach in some discussion about a case they faced off on last year.
I blinked at Everett. “Yeah. I think I’ve found my people.”
He grinned. “And your person.”
“Uh, yeah.” I squeezed Arnav’s hand and I received a squeeze in return.
I refocused on Everett. “So who’s this guy you’re looking for? He’s not here, I take it?”
He shook his head. “We, uh…” He winced.
I grinned. “Look, Arnav and I have a story in this house as well. Something about an upstairs bedroom?” I couldn’t believe I was being so bold. But something about Everett’s hangdog look had me empathizing.
“Okay.” He leaned closer. “I did something really wild with a guy on Halloween, and after I cleaned up, he’d vanished. Like entirely. And no one knew who he was.”
“Not even Quinton?”
“Not even.” He sighed. “The guy said his name was Rayne , but I don’t even know whether or not to believe him. And now I have no idea, and I guess I really hoped he’d be here tonight.”
“So you might get a repeat?”
His dark-brown eyes met mine. “So I could talk to him.”
“Oh.”
“Well, and I wouldn’t say no to more.”
That had me smiling. “That’s fair.”
Quinton appeared with Rainbow and Justin in tow, carrying trays of champagne flutes. “Justin has the non-alcoholic, and hurry up, because midnight’s coming soon.”
En masse, we descended upon those brave enough to carry the trays.
Justin met my gaze and grinned as I took a flute. We had one more session planned in January, then we’d agreed he’d discharge me. I’d keep his number handy, but I honestly felt I’d worked through many of my issues. Having Arnav beside me meant everything. The acceptance. The love. I no longer grieved the losses in my life—my mother, Howard, and most importantly PJ. He’d always be a big part of my heart. He made me the man I was today. Someone I was damn proud of. Someone worthy of Arnav’s love. Of his family’s clear affection. Tomorrow we were all headed to Beena’s house for samosas, mimosas, and general merriment.
I couldn’t wait.
“All right. Counting down from ten.” Quinton started us all out and we obediently followed his lead.
After the obligatory Happy New Year , Arnav took me in his arms. “I love you.”
“Yes. That. And more.”
He pressed his lips to mine. He might’ve coaxed my lips open.
I might’ve let him.
He pressed against me.
I grinned. “Anxious to go home.”
Against my ear, he whispered, “Sparky, you have no idea.”
My breath hitched. Oh, we were going to have fun tonight. I liked when frisky Daddy came out to play.
As the noise died down, I handed my flute to a surprised Everett and then I leapt on to the raised fireplace step. Only about a foot, but enough to put me over everyone’s head. “I need everyone’s attention.”
To my shock, the noise died immediately.
I sought Quinton’s gaze.
He saluted me with his glass.
Okay, so my plan was on. I took in a deep breath. “I don’t know everyone here.”
“Well, we want to know you.” A gorgeous woman in the corner saluted me.
“As friends? You’re on.” Boldness overtook me. “I want to get to know everyone. I’m finished hiding in the corner.”
A general cheer went up.
I gazed down at Arnav who gaped. “Join me.”
He handed his flute to an amused Stanley, then hopped up on the brick. He leaned over. “What are you doing?” No concern or embarrassment. Only amusement.
I met his gaze. “Asking you to marry me.”
“You have to say it loud enough for everyone to hear.” Quinton held his hand to his ear.
I took a deep breath. Still grasping my love’s hand, I turned to the crowd. “I met this amazing man during the Halloween party here.”
Quinton raised his hand. “He’s talking about me.”
The crowd hooted.
I held up my hand—locked with Arnav. “But I got scared.”
A general aw went up through the crowd.
“But we met again.” Don’t blush . “And we realized…” I gazed into his eyes. “We’re meant to be together.”
“Woo-hoo!” Ravi clapped
Maddox rolled his eyes at his husband.
I grinned. “So this guy asks me to move in with him the very first time I meet his massive family.” I gazed around the room. “Massive.” I pressed a kiss to Arnav’s knuckles. “And I was totally intimidated.”
“I’d say so.” Stanley chuckled as he pointed to Justin. “You should’ve seen me with this guy’s family.”
Justin beamed.
“But they welcomed me.” I gazed across the room. “Just like you all have. I mean, I haven’t met all of you—”
“We’ll rectify that.” Another woman raised her glass. “You keep right on going—we’ve got your back.”
I nodded. “So, I don’t want to live in sin.”
Quinton hooted.
Several people laughed.
“Which means getting married by the end of the month.”
Rainbow raised her hand. “I know a possible wedding venue. Apparently, my ranch is the latest it destination.”
I offered my glass in salute. “My future mother-in-law has this all in hand.” I glanced at Arnav. “If you say yes .”
“Mama?” He whispered the word reverentially.
“Yes.” I leaned closer. “I asked your parents. If they weren’t okay with it—”
“I wouldn’t have cared.” He spat the words out fiercely.
“But I would have.” I grinned. “Rashmi softened the way. We’re good…if you say yes .”
“Way to make us wait.” Everett nudged Arnav. “If you hadn’t spent the entire night gazing at your man in awe, I might not be encouraging you so vehemently. After all, you’ve only known each other two months.”
Arnav blinked. “Some people can know in five minutes, and some will spend a lifetime searching. I’ve found the man I want to spend the rest of my life with.”
“So that’s a yes ?” Quinton rolled his hand yet again, clearly wanting us to move this along.
My love gazed into my eyes. “It’s a yes .”
The room erupted into the loudest cheer I’d ever heard. I worried the neighbors might call the cops, then remembered plenty of people were igniting firecrackers. Tonight was for celebration. For new beginnings. For cementing love.
This time, I pulled him into my arms. “I love you.” I leaned in close. “Daddy.”
He matched my grin. “Yes, Sparky.” He could use that name with me, and people would think the name was a term of endearment.
I cocked my head. “What are we going to name our actual dog?”
He blinked.
“The one we’re going to rescue once we’re married and settled in the house? Because that backyard is just begging for a pooch.”
“You can always borrow Princess Sofia.” Maddox leaned over. “Sorry, had to listen in. I didn’t do the public proposal, and I’m finding this fascinating.”
“I take it Princess Sofia is a dog?” I leaned toward the ginger lumberjack.
“Well, yes, she is.” Maddox scratched his beard. “She’s…unique.”
“Great. We can borrow her to test out what it’ll be like.” I nearly vibrated with excitement. “This is perfect.”
“You’re perfect.” Arnav kissed my cheek.
“Okay, photo time!” Quinton moved toward us with a fancy-assed camera. Apparently he’d taken my request to make tonight special to heart. “Everyone make way.”
The red seas parted. Well, the partygoers.
“One of them together alone, and then one with all of us. To commemorate the fabulousness.” Quinton ran his hand up and down his pink sequined jacket.
The one I’d somehow not noticed before now.
Or had he just put it on?
I was too befuddled to figure it out.
We took pictures. Lots and lots and lots of pictures.
And that night, cuddled against my daddy and wearing my collar, I dreamed of big houses, large yards, and lots of rescue dogs.