Page 18

brYSON

We drove from the cemetery with hope trailing behind us like dust in the rearview mirror, Chloe softly snoring from her car seat. I let the moment linger, savoring the warm weight of Tucker’s hand as it moved from my thigh to the wheel, his eyes scanning the road and glancing my way, a grin threatening to overtake his mouth.

“What has you smiling like that?”

“Oh, just thinking. Chloe’s first birthday is coming up soon, you know.”

I smiled back. “Yeah. I was holding off on planning her party until we got through all the legal stuff, but now, I guess we’re free to celebrate.”

“Do you think she's old enough for a pony yet?” he mused. I laughed louder and lighter than I’d thought possible. “Or a trampoline,” he continued. “A miniature Ferrari?”

I rolled my eyes playfully. “I think blocks and stuffed animals are more her speed right now.”

The car filled with the sound of our joyful banter which continued until we pulled into the parking lot of Lucky’s. “Wow! I’ve never seen the lot so full,” I said, looking around at the rows of cars.

“Yeah, it’s really busy, especially for a weeknight. Are you sure Langston wanted to do this tonight?"?”

I nodded. “Yeah, it was his idea.” Chloe opened her eyes as I pulled her from her car seat, but they drifted shut again as she cuddled up against me, her head resting on my shoulder.

“Well, let’s go see. If he’s too busy, we’ll reschedule for another night.”

Tucker rested a hand on the small of my back as he led us to the front door and opened it for me. Once inside, cheers erupted around us like fireworks, applause ricocheting off the walls. A huge “Congratulations” banner spanned the far wall, balloons bobbed from every booth, and colorful streamers draped across the ceiling. The tables were covered in festive tablecloths and lively music played through the speakers.

The look on Tucker's face said he'd been as caught off guard as I was, and for a split second, we both stood stunned as what seemed like half the town congratulated us on our guardianship. Chloe lifted her head from my shoulder, staring wide-eyed at the commotion but she grinned when she saw the balloons.

I finally found my voice. “You guys did this for us?” My gaze bounced from face to smiling face.

Someone called out, “You bet we did!” and more laughter and applause erupted. I felt Tucker's arm around my waist, squeezing tight. I couldn't help but smile at the energy in the room, the warmth of this unexpected welcome that washed over us like summer rain.

Langston stepped forward, shaking both of our hands with a wide grin. “Sorry to ambush you like this, but once they heard you were finalizing things today, well, they all just wanted to help celebrate.”

“No need to apologize. This is amazing,” Tucker said.

The place was packed, and I saw familiar faces everywhere. More people kept streaming over, all eager to shake hands, pat us on the back, even pinch Chloe’s cheeks until she dissolved into giggles. I felt like I was floating in a sea of well-wishers, each one more enthusiastic than the last.

We were ushered toward a big table covered with a mountain of food and drinks. It was like everyone in the town had chipped in, making the place a vibrant patchwork of friendship and family. I stood there, taking it all in, hardly believing it was real.

I thought back to my childhood, to nights spent wishing for parents, praying for a family. Now here I was, at the center of something I’d always wanted and never thought I'd have—a family of my own, a community of friends who cared about and supported us.

Tucker's fingers laced through mine. “You doing okay?” he asked, his breath warm against my ear.

I nodded, a lump forming in my throat. “Better than okay. This is perfect.”

People flooded our table like they’d been waiting all day for this moment, words of congratulations mixing with bear hugs and affectionate pats on the back, a tidal wave of support that left me breathless. Susie was the first to reach us, pulling us both into an embrace that smelled of vanilla and hairspray.

“I’m so happy for you guys,” she said, kissing my cheek and Chloe’s in one swoop.

I tried to keep track of it all, not wanting to miss a thing. Mrs. Patel was there with Margie, both of them gushing over how much Chloe had grown. Frank stopped by to offer congratulations, his plate piled high with food and the Johnson’s offered to watch Chloe anytime we’d like.

Noah was there with his son, Curtis. They walked over with Duncan and Jessie. Noah grinned, clapping Tucker on the shoulder. “I’d like to officially welcome you guys to parenthood. It's a wild ride, but worth every second.”

“Thanks, man,” I said, bouncing Chloe on my knee. “We're excited for the adventure.”

Duncan chimed in, “And don't forget, we're all here to help. It takes a village, right?”

Noah nodded, adding, “Absolutely. Anytime you need a sitter or just a breather, give us a call.” The warmth of their offers wrapped around me like a cozy blanket. I'd spent so long feeling alone, and now here we were, surrounded by people who genuinely cared about us.

As the crowd thinned a bit, Langston made his way over, his identical twins in tow and a strikingly gorgeous man at his side. Millie and Maya darted ahead of their father, making a beeline for Chloe. Their eyes lit up at the sight of her, and they immediately started cooing and making silly faces.

Langston turned to the man beside him, who'd been watching the scene with a warm smile. “Guys, I want you to meet someone. This is my best friend, Raiden.”

Raiden stepped forward, extending his hand. “It's great to finally meet you both. I've heard so much about you from Langston.”

“It’s nice to meet you too,” I said, shaking his hand. I couldn't help but notice the way Langston's eyes lingered on his friend. There was a softness there, a hint of longing that made me wonder if perhaps their relationship wasn't as platonic as Langston had implied.

The night stretched on, an endless parade of congratulations and well-wishes. People came and went, leaving us with warm hugs and warmer words. “You three are so lucky to have each other!” was the most common refrain, and I had to agree. I certainly felt lucky.

The room slowly started to empty, and I knew Chloe wouldn’t be the only one who’d sleep well tonight. As we got ready to leave, Tucker’s eyes shone with happiness, a happiness that hadn’t been there in so long I almost didn’t recognize it. He held Chloe against his chest, breathing her in and I knew I wasn’t the only one who wanted to remember this day forever.

It was late by the time we got home, Chloe asleep before we’d even carried her through the door, and the only sound in the house was the soft hum of the fridge. We managed to get her changed and tucked in without waking her and then quietly slipped from the nursery.

I followed Tucker into the bathroom and leaned against the sink, watching him as he started the shower and began to undress.

“Want to join me?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

I couldn't help but smile. “I thought you'd never ask.”

We showered together, hands roaming, lips meeting under the warm spray. It felt like coming home, like everything in the world had finally fallen into place. When we finished, we dried off and slipped into bed, our bodies still humming with the day's excitement.

As we settled in, I found myself thinking about Langston and Raiden. “Hey, did you notice the way Langston looked at his friend?” I asked, turning to face Tucker.

He nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips. “Yeah, I caught that. There was definitely something there.”

“I can see why,” I teased. “Raiden's quite the looker.”

Tucker's eyebrows shot up in mock offense. “Oh, is he now?” He rolled on top of me, pinning me to the mattress. “Should I be jealous?”

I laughed, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Not a chance. You're the only man I'll ever want.” I pulled him down for a kiss, savoring the taste of him. “But you could remind me, if you want.”

He growled low in his throat, capturing my lips in a searing kiss that left me breathless. His hands roamed my body, igniting sparks wherever they touched. I arched into him, craving more.

“God, I want you,” he murmured against my neck, his stubble scraping deliciously against my skin.

“Then take me,” I whispered back, spreading my legs in invitation.

He arched an eyebrow, a challenge I was happy to take. “Ask nicely.”

I reached into the nightstand, pulling out the lube and a condom, putting them beside us with more desperation than care. “Please,” I begged.

He smiled that smile, the one that went right through me, and pulled me in for another kiss. My hands found his shoulders, then his chest, tracing each line of muscle, every inch of familiar territory. His skin was still warm from the shower, and the way he shivered at my touch sent a thrill through me, electric and urgent.

His lips trailed down my neck, leaving a path of heat in their wake. His hands roamed lower, caressing my thighs before gently pushing them apart. I gasped as his fingers found me, teasing and exploring.

“Is this what you want?” he murmured against my skin.

“Yes,” I breathed. “Please, Tucker.”

He reached for the lube, coating his fingers generously before returning to me. The initial stretch burned slightly, but he was patient, working me open slowly until I was writhing beneath him.

“Tuck,” I gasped, barely getting the word out. “Now.”

He rolled on the condom and positioned himself between my legs. Our eyes locked as he pushed in slowly, giving me time to adjust. When he was fully seated, we both let out a shaky breath.

“You feel amazing,” he whispered, his voice rough with desire.

He started to move, slowly at first, building a rhythm that had me gasping for air. I wrapped my legs around his waist, urging him deeper. Our bodies moved together in perfect sync, the room filled with the sound of our labored breathing and soft moans.

His lips found mine again, swallowing my cries as he picked up the pace. I clung to him, my nails digging into his back as the pleasure built. It was overwhelming, this connection between us, more than just physical—it was everything.

“I love you,” I breathed against his ear. “God, I love you so much.”

His response was to thrust harder, hitting that spot inside me that made me see stars. I could feel myself getting close, teetering on the edge of ecstasy.

“Tucker,” I gasped, my voice breaking. “I'm close.”

He nodded; his eyes dark with desire. “Me too. Come for me, baby.”

His hand snaked between us, wrapping around me. It only took a few strokes before I was falling over the edge, my release hitting me in waves of pleasure. Tucker followed soon after, his hips stuttering as he came with a low groan.

We lay there for a moment, catching our breath. He pressed a soft kiss to my shoulder before carefully pulling out and disposing of the condom. He returned with a warm washcloth, gently cleaning us both up before climbing back into bed.

I curled into his side, my head resting on his chest. His heartbeat was strong and steady beneath my ear, a comforting rhythm. We lay in comfortable silence for a while, basking in the afterglow.

Tucker's fingers traced lazy patterns on my back. “I can practically hear you thinking,” he murmured. “What's on your mind?”

I hesitated for a moment, not wanting to break the peaceful mood. But there was one thing I needed to know, something I’d been too afraid to ask before. “I was just wondering... is all of this truly enough for you? Staying here in Lakeside Ridge with me and Chloe?” I lifted my head to look at him. “Won't you miss traveling and experiencing all of life's adventures?”

His eyes softened, and he pulled me closer. “Bry, being with you and Chloe is the greatest adventure life has to offer. Waking up every day with the man I love, watching our sweet little girl grow... that's all I’ll ever need.”

“And the traveling part?” I whispered, unable to keep the hint of worry from my voice.

“Easy,” he said. “If I want to travel, I'll just take you guys with me.”

My heart swelled at his words. “Where would we go?” I asked, unable to keep the happiness from my voice.

His face lit up, and I could see his mind racing with possibilities. “Oh, the places we could go, Bry. We could show Chloe the world.” He started listing off destinations, his voice growing more animated with each one. “We could take her to see the Northern Lights in Iceland or explore the ancient ruins in Greece. We could go on safari in Africa, or hike through the rainforests in Costa Rica.”

I listened, a smile spreading across my face as Tucker painted a picture of our future adventures. My eyelids grew heavy, but I fought to stay awake, not wanting to miss a single word.

“I want to spend summers showing you guys all the places I’ve been and discovering new ones together, immersing ourselves in new cultures.”

I hummed contentedly, my eyes drifting shut as his soothing voice washed over me. I was happy in his arms, safe and loved… wanted. The last thing I remember before sleep claimed me was his gentle kiss on my forehead and a whispered, “Sweet dreams, my love.” But I already had everything I’d ever dreamed of.