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That was what Jesse wanted. “I listened to what you said before. To all the advice that you guys gave me. I’m in this with Lake. For as long and as much as he wants.I’m in it!”

“I believe you,” Remi said. “But I’m not the one you have to convince.”

“I’m trying to show him,” Jesse responded.

“I know.” Remi sighed. “We all know how you feel about him. You haven't made it a secret from us. Lake wants to trust you.”

Jesse’s heart gave a twinge. “I would never hurt him.”

“Good. Because he’s been hurt enough in his life. Just have him keep smiling like when he came home. We like that.”

A door opened down the hall as Dom laughed loudly.

“Come on! He’s waiting!” Dom coaxed.

Lake’s reply was too soft to hear. Jesse ran his hand over his shirt to make sure all the buttons were still in place and he wasn’t wrinkled. He wanted to look good for his boy.

“You look wonderful! I love that color,” Dom said.

Jesse waited.

Damn, he felt like he was seventeen again waiting on his prom date with her parents staring at him. Jesse hadn’t been the kind of kid any parent would have wanted for their child. He’d changed since then. At least on the outside. What was inside was only for him and Jacob to worry about.

Dom came around the corner first but he dragged Lake along with him.

Jesse’s breath caught.

He barely even noticed Dom standing there.

Lake was beautiful. Just stunning. He wore a pale-yellow waffle fabric loose pants and matching top outfit. His dark hair was curled around the ends, hanging into his face, but Jesse could still see his eyes were lined.

“You look gorgeous, baby,” Jesse whispered.

Lake immediately flushed.

Dom yelled, pumping his fist.

Remi grabbed Dom, pulling him from between Jesse and Lake.

Jesse stepped forward until he hovered before Lake. “I mean it.” He gently cupped Lake’s face, brushing his thumb over the white sparkles that highlighted his cheeks. “Beautiful.”

Lake met his gaze. “Dom helped me.”

Jesse nodded. “I’m glad he encourages you to be yourself.”

“I…” Lake swallowed hard. “It’s okay for lunch and shopping?”

Jesse would be a fool to say no, and he was no fool. “It’s perfect. And I’m proud to be your date.”

“You really like it?” Lake sounded so shy.

“I swear that I love seeing you like this. The way you were meant to face the world.” Jesse was getting a little emotional having Lake take this chance with him.

“Thank you. I think I’m ready to go,” Lake said.

Jesse was now doubly glad he booked a private session for their shopping trip. “Great.” He looked down. “Is Zeb not going with us?”

“Oh!” Lake’s eyes widened. “He can come?”