Page 98 of Free to Live

A ring. My ring.

For all intents and purposes, we haven’t spent a night apart since the first time we made love. Even if she’s left to drive home, Holly’s been at my place until well after Grace has gone to sleep. Many a night, we’ve all stayed at Holly’s, so much that Holly has been making noises about redecorating her guest bedroom into a Pottery Barn Kids paradise for my daughter.

There’s nothing in my heart, nothing in my soul, holding me back from asking the woman I love to become mine.

Except for one thing.

Leaning over, I kiss Holly deeply in front of her sisters and future brothers-in-law. “I want to talk with Jason and Phil for a few,” I murmur against her lips.

Em hoots above us. “Youwantto talk with big brother?”

Corinna grins. “It could be Jason. Phil’s just glommed onto him today since it’s the first time Jason’s wearing shorts all season.” The group laughs. I push to my feet. Holding a hand down to Holly, she waves me off.

“I’m good down here. One of them will likely sit…” Corinna drops down in my spot faster than a game of duck, duck, goose. Holly shrugs good-naturedly.

Brushing a finger down her nose, I move away toward Phil, who really has been surgically attached to Jason. “Hey, guys.”

Jason holds out a hand to shake mine. “Joe.” His voice is warm.

Phil smiles but doesn’t unwrap his arms from around his husband. I grin at him before saying, “They’re saying you won’t let go of Jason because of his shorts.”

Jason bursts out laughing while Phil straightens and glares at his sisters, who are all waggling their fingers. When Phil admits, “Sadly, they’re not wrong,” I join Jason in his laughter.

Their love is so open and so beautiful. It’s a union formed of trust, dedication, and family. Being accepted into this group and getting to know them so well, it’s a model of everything I want with Holly.

I open my mouth, and it all comes out.

“I love her.” Both of their heads swing toward mine. “Every moment I spend with her, I know the next is going to be better. I know together life can be anything with her.”

“Joe…” Phil says slowly, but I keep going even as Jason wraps his arm tighter around him.

“I can’t imagine a day in my life without her waking up by my side. I love her, and I want to marry her. I’m asking for your blessing, Phillip.”

Phil swallows hard and looks over my shoulder. “You had it from the moment you told me you loved her.”

I sag in relief inside, but my whole body locks up at his next words.

“Do you know you’re the only one who ever asked me for permission? I am so. Fucking. Honored—” His voice goes hoarse before he continues. “—to say you absolutely have my blessing, Joe.”

I hold out a hand to the man I pray will be my future brother-in-law. He looks down at it disdainfully. “You need to get with the program.” He clasps my shoulder and pulls me in for a tight hug.

“Just keep making her as happy as she is today, Joe. That’s all I ask,” he mutters next to my ear before letting me go.

“I’ll break my back every single day trying, Phil.”

“Welcome to the family, Joe.” Jason grabs me in his own hug. Tears burn in the back of my eyes. This man and I have come full circle, from tragedy to triumph.

“Thank you for accepting me,” I choke out. “Then and now.”

Jason’s arms tighten just a bit before he lets me go.

Phil slings an arm over my shoulders. “Now I don’t know about you two, but I could use a drink. And besides, we need to plan a shopping trip to pick out my baby girl’s ring.”

“Um, sweetheart? Do you think maybe Denise might want to help Joe with that?” Jason’s voice is dripping pure sarcasm.

“She can come too.” Scanning the crowd, he spots my mother. “Denise! Come inside for a second. We need your help.”

My mother flits her fingers at Phil while she finishes a conversation with Charlie.