Chapter 3
Jordan
As the night wounds down and conversations take over from loud ruckus I find myself gravitating to Blake and Mario, maybe Marcus.
I don’t want my ‘could be’ son to think that I don’t have any interest in getting to know his boyfriend.
Or that I'm just going to be an over protective dad figure he didn’t ask for.
Eric and a few of the guys head back to the kitchen to help clear up some of the mess and Pete goes to collect the plates he brought over.
Can’t say I blame him. I’ve mentioned several times how much easier it would be if I just threw all of the plates out.
I move my chair closer to Blake, who is still sitting on Mario's lap - It’s definitely not Marcus, I asked Eric - and whispering sweet nothings into his boyfriend's ear. Or maybe he’s just talking shit about us old guys.
Who knows. I clear my throat loudly to get their attention and smile fondly at the way Blake's head whips up and his face beams red like I could hear what he was saying. Oh to be young again.
“So tell me about you Mario, you guys met in college right? What’s your major?” I ask, Blake is on the prelaw path, like my dad and Eric and the kid has the stones for it. He’s incredibly intuitive. I couldn’t be prouder.
Confidently Mario sits up, keeping his arm wrapped around Blake's waist so he doesn’t slip off. He looks me directly in the eye. “I’m taking the same classes, while Blakey is thinking of going into family law, I’m set on prosecuting.” Confident and driven. I like it. The pet name is cute too.
“Amazing, have you applied for any internships? I know not everybody is as lucky as Blakey to have two law firms in the family.” I ask not able to help myself poking a little fun.
“Yes, Sir. I have been accepted at the DA’s office actually” Wow, having done prelaw myself I know how difficult it is to get an internship at the DA’s office.
“Damn, you must have worked your ass off for that opportunity, good for you. Congratulations” Leaning forward I offer my hand and he accepts the shake. Blake is practically beaming at him. Cartoon heart eyes bulging out of his head. He’s absolutely smitten.
“Just remember, if you hurt my boy, in any way. I have an exceptional defense attorney and a lot of witnesses to say you fell off the bridge” I say casually, sitting back in my chair and sipping on the eggnog Drew brought over.
“Seriously Jordy?” Blake's eye roll looks almost painful, but I just shrug. I mean it. As long as Eric and I are in his life I will protect him like he was my own. I love that kid.
“It’s alright baby, I like knowing you have so many people in your corner.
” Mario tells him softly before turning to me.
“If I ever hurt him, I’ll throw myself off.
I love him. He’s safe with me. I can promise you that” The sincerity in his voice, the way he is gazing back at Blake, tells me more than any words could. Blake found himself a good one.
By the time we see everybody out, waving goodbye and wishing everybody Merry Christmas and goodnight, we promise to finalize the plans for New Years.
Although I have made it abundantly clear that we will not be hosting again.
Fuck that. It’s probably going to take a week to put the house back into order.
It’s been years since I was shot, but sometimes I still ache and I just know my shoulder is going to be killing me tomorrow.
Which naturally I will milk for all its worth. Eric will be my bitch for the day.
Turning to face my boyfriend, the man I love with every ounce of my being, against all odds and against my own wishes I fell so hard for him and I haven't looked back. I can’t even remember why I was so against a relationship in the first place.
Being boo’d up is the best. Take the obvious sex on tap out of the equation.
Waking up every morning wrapped in Eric's arms, going to bed each night and feeling safe, comfortable and loved. I don’t think I can live without it now. No. I can’t live without Eric.
The realization hits me right in the chest. I feel stunned stupid.
How has it taken this many years for me to come to the most obvious conclusion?
Guess that tracks, considering it took me so long to figure out I was in love with the man.
Why would it not take me any less time to realize I don’t just want to share a home and a life with him. I want to share a name too.
“Marry me, Dimples” I announce more of a statement than a question, my eyes locked on Eric’s back. He’s still wearing a stupid Christmas shirt that he was adamant to wear. It’s hideous and still I am overwhelmed with love for him. Doesn’t that speak volumes.
“Okay”
That’s it, a one word response.
He doesn’t even stop clearing up the rogue wrapping paper that's been strewn all around the living room. When I tell you my jaw has dropped. Is this bastard really going to act all nonchalant after I propose? I mean I don’t have a ring and it’s not exactly romantic, but still. This is a big deal for me.
My eyes follow Eric as he moves around the living room and heads to the kitchen before coming back toward me.
Still stuck in the same spot. Jaw on the floor.
I am cussing him out in my head. Screaming that he is a fucking bastard.
Until he drops to one knee in front of me and my jaw quickly snaps shut.