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Aiden looked up at him with eyes as clear and blue as the sky after a summer storm. "Maybe," he replied with a cheeky grin. He hooked a finger through Seth's belt loops and hauled their hips together suggestively. "Unless you've got another kind of fun in mind."

Seth's blood stirred in response, and his hands wandered freely over Aiden's body. Having him so close and available to touch, hold, and kiss whenever he wanted was a luxury Seth would never take for granted.

"Now that sounds mighty fine," he whispered in a voice thick with lust. He gave the rim of Aiden's ear a seductive lick and then added in his campiest, sultriest voice, "And when we're done…you can help me move irrigation lines."

Aiden burst out laughing. "Now that's an offer no man can resist."

Seth chuckled and kissed him again.

"You know, I never thought I'd be this happy," Aiden said in a thoughtful voice. "I just didn't think it was in the cards for a man like me."

Seth's heart ached with the overwhelming strength of his love. "You deserve it," he said.

"We both do." The smile on Aiden's lips was faint. "I don't know why you love me, but I'm thankful you do."

They stood together with the sounds of ranch life wrapping around them: the distant low of the cattle, the impatient shifting of Bandit's hooves, and the call of a passing hawk. Seth gazed at the life they were building together and then glanced down at the man who had become his home, his past, and his future.

"There's a million reasons and no reason at all," Seth said quietly. "Some things just…are. I was born to love you. It's as simple as that."

Aiden's eyes turned glassy, but he distracted Seth from their shine when he reached up, clasped Seth's face between his hands, and pulled him down for a slow, tender kiss. It was a kiss filled with love and promise for the future they would build together, side by side. When they finally pulled apart, Seth rested his forehead against Aiden's and breathed him deep.

"I love you," Aiden murmured. "Always have, and always will."

"I know," Seth replied.

Aiden smiled at him, and as they basked in the sunshine pouring down on them, Seth knew they were finally exactly where they were meant to be.

They were home.

“Hey,” Aiden brightened suddenly, “did I ever tell you the joke about the cowboy who walked in the bar…?”