Page 11 of Beyond the Rainbow (Pride Camp 2025 #11)

“Then you’d better start acting like it, or you’re going to lose them both !

” He gripped Jeff’s wrist. “Listen to me. Marrying Trent doesn’t erase Adam!

It honors the life you still have left to live.

Which is exactly what Adam wanted you to do.

” He leaned toward Jeff, his grip on Jeff’s wrist growing tighter.

“I told Josh the other night that Adam might be your… Colin . Because I’m not sure Josh or I could ever be happy with anyone else.

But, man Jeff… I want so much to be wrong !

You and Trent deserve happiness, and I want you to have it. ”

Jeff’s hand moved to cover Colin’s as it rested on his arm. “You’re a damned good friend,” he told Colin in a choked-off whisper. “Thank you.”

“Jeff, can you imagine my life if Josh wasn’t in it?”

“I can. And it’s a pretty ugly picture.”

“Yeah, well, don’t let it turn into a self-portrait.”

Jeff entered his apartment that afternoon, feeling a deepening sense of peace welling in his heart. He had barely had time to close the door when he felt two arms wind around his waist.

“Hi, Pops!”

He embraced Sophie. “Hello, sweet girl. I’m glad you’re here. I have something to ask you.” He rose and took her hand, leading her to the couch. “Sit with me.” He kept her hand in his as they sat, then he lifted it to his lips and kissed it.

“What do you need to ask me?”

“Well, it’s like this …”

When Trent entered the apartment over an hour later, the sound of raucous music and clattering dishes mingled with the smell of something delicious cooking on the stove. “Don’t tell me!” he spouted as he moved into the kitchen. “Did the CIA manage to spare you long enough to cook dinner?”

“They did. Empires may fall, and domestic terrorists may flourish, but we are celebrating with a glorious chicken parm and air fryer potatoes!” He indicated the frying pan and the golden-brown chicken sizzling within.

“Created by world-renowned master chefs, Miss Sophie Hartwell and Mister Jefferson Kerry.” He moved to Trent’s side and embraced him.

“Hi,” he whispered, then kissed his cheek. “Sorry about this morning.”

Trent glanced down as his daughter also embraced him. She was smiling. Nearly giggling. “All right. What have you two been up to? What’s going on here?” He wrapped an arm around each of them. “And exactly what are we celebrating?”

Sophie backed away, gazing up at Jeff. “Jeff has something to ask you,” she told Trent. “He’s been practicing ever since he got home.” She grinned up at her father and poked him with an elbow. “Yer’ gonna love it, dad.”

Trent spun to face Jeff. “What?”

Jeff took his hand and led him to the exact center of the living room.

For a moment, he stood before Trent in silence, then he drew in a deep breath and shot a glance at Sophie, who stood close by.

She nodded and gave him an encouraging thumbs-up.

Jeff drew in a trembling breath, then dropped to one knee in front of her father.

“Sweet Jesus!” Trent gasped out. “Jeff, what the hell are you ...”

“Dad! Shut up for a second!”

Jeff stared up at him, still holding his hand.

“I want to apologize for holding back. I want to apologize for letting my fear suggest to you that I didn’t want this.

Because I do, Trent. I want this more than I’ve ever wanted anything.

” He drew Trent’s hand to his lips and kissed it. “Will both of you please marry me?”

For a moment, there was complete silence.

“Dad!” Sophie encouraged, laughing. “For heaven’s sake, say ‘yes’!”

Trent lifted Jeff to his feet and kissed him. “Of course, I say yes,” he murmured, then turned to Sophie. “Don’t you have to say ‘yes’ too? He asked both of us.”

“YES!” Sophie shouted, then dashed forward and embraced both men. “Yes! And I’m the flower girl!”

Jeff burst into laughter and leaned forward into Trent’s waiting arms.

“And you two have to buy me an expensive new dress!”

“Uh-oh,” Jeff murmured into Trent’s ear.

“That’s what you get for marrying a guy with a teenage daughter.”

The following evening, Jeff stopped by Colin and Joshua’s home to give them the good news.

“Hey, Jeff, come on in,” Joshua told him. “What’s going on?”

“I didn’t see Colin’s car.”

“No, he’s not here. That fucking fraud case is keeping him late at the office. He just texted me that he’ll be home soon, though, if you want to wait …”

“No, Josh. That’s OK.” He fell into a living room chair. “First off, I just came from Rainier. I’m back in therapy and really happy that Jack was able to take me as a patient.”

“He’s a great guy. And a great therapist. You’ll do well with him, Jeff.”

“And,” he grinned at Joshua, “Here’s the real news: I proposed to Trent and Sophie last night.”

“Jeff!” Joshua crowed. “That’s wonderful! I assume they accepted.”

“They did, thanks, in no small part, to your husband. Colin really helped me yesterday, Josh. I’ve known the guy for fifteen years. Even longer than you’ve known him. And I’ve never before seen him that emotionally vulnerable. He showed me his open heart, Josh. And I’ll always be grateful.

Joshua smiled and nodded. “He has a deeply tender side which even close friends rarely see. But when they do, it’s potent.”

“And I’d like to ask you a favor. Trent and I would like to hold the ceremony during Camp Pride. Down by the lake, maybe? Would that be all right with you?”

“God, Jeff …” Joshua said in a half-whisper. “ All right with me? It couldn’t be more perfect .”

“It feels like a fantastic way to begin our new life.”

Joshua smiled and touched Jeff’s arm. “You and Trent will literally and symbolically step into your future in a place whose entire purpose is hope, healing, and acceptance.”