Page 44 of Silver Fox in Cedarwood
He had no words. The man who talked too much finally had nothing to say. He thought he knew how he’d handle this moment, but he’d been wrong. He’d dreamed about this event. Yet Len stole his words and breath.
“Isaac?” A smile quirked on Len’s lips.
“I will.” His voice cracked, but it was there. He sank onto the floor with Len and the dogs. Laughter bubbled in his throat. “Yes.”
Len slid the ring onto his left hand. “Then this is almost exactly how I imagined this moment.”
“It is?” Tears slipped down Isaac’s cheeks. “Really?”
“Yes. The dogs, us, tears…yeah. I even knew you’d say yes.” Len leaned against the wall. He petted Cissy. “Now we’re a family.”
“Yeah.” He wiped his face. “I’m yours.”
“Aiden? Did you and Matt get that?” Len asked. He pointed to the tablet screen on the end table. Aiden and Matt waved.
“We did,” Aiden said. “Congrats.”
Isaac paled for a split-second, then sighed. “You called them on a video chat.”
“I wanted them to see this. Besides the dogs and Ollie, they’re my family. Now you are, too. I wanted everyone included.” Len grinned. “They have been.”
Mild embarrassment washed over him, but pride mixed with the emotion. He was part of the tribe.
“Congrats,” Aiden said again. “This is what I hoped would happen.”
“You did?” Isaac stared at the screen, then at his new ring.
“Sure. You and Dad are made for each other,” Aiden said.
“Told you,” Matt added. “Engaged, living together and happy ever after. It’s how this goes.” He laughed. “We should let those two celebrate.”
Isaac held Len’s hand, but grinned at the screen. “Thank you.”
“Good evening and congrats,” Aiden said.
“Yes, congrats.” Matt waved and the screen returned to the image of Isaac, Stan, Cissy and Len.
“I’m sorry if you felt ambushed. I wanted them to see that moment, babe,” Len said. “I screwed up so much with Aiden and I needed this to happen this way. No, we did. We’re a family and we muddle through this all together.”
The band weighed heavy on his finger, but felt right. Like it belonged there. Isaac crawled onto Len’s lap. “We are.”
“I had faith you’d say yes, but I worried you’d clobber me when you realized they were watching,” Len said.
“Nah.” He shook his head. “I love you too much to care that we’re on camera.” He draped his arms around Len’s shoulders. “Do you want a huge wedding or something small?”
“A party in the backyard is enough for me. I found my guy and I’ve got the life I want. I’m great,” Len said. “You can have the lead on the wedding.”
He nodded again. “I’m great, too, and I have no desire to have a huge wedding. I am, though, rather partial to nuptials in September. Something in the backyard, a few friends, our family, the dogs…” He’d never thought he’d get married and now he would be.Christ.He had no idea how to throw a wedding.
“September it is.” Len kissed him. “I’m there no matter what.”
Isaac sighed and leaned into Len. He didn’t have to be a lone wolf any longer. Now he never would because he had his silver fox, Len, Stan, Cissy and Ollie right beside him. Life was perfect.