Page 121 of Quinton's Quest

“Yes, I’m asking you to marry me. I understand it’s only been a month.”

“Two fewer weeks than Ev and me.” Rayne’s contribution.

“About that amount of time for us.” Foster speaking up.

“Oh, sweetie.” Arnav put an arm around his husband’s shoulders. “And we were married barely a month later.”

I gulped.Maybe I didn’t think this through properly.Somehow, we’d gone from exclusive to bareback to moving in together. Marriage just felt like the next logical step.

“Ask him already!” Lucia looked vaguely impatient.

Quinton shot her a look I couldn’t quite discern.

“What? I want Nanaimo bars.” She grinned unrepentantly.

“Oh, yummy. Yes, get on with it.” Aussie Dean’s husband Adam. The former recluse. Okay, another name I remembered. His facial burn scar admittedly made him more distinctive.

“There’s Bailey’s cheesecake as well.” Archer pointed to the tray he held.

Gideon was by his side. His expression wavered between concerned and excited. He’d known I was doing this—because this was such a huge moment for all of us.

“Okay. Bailey’s? Hurry up.” A slender redheaded man, tucked against a larger blond man, rolled his hand—indicating I should hurry up.

Right.

“Will you marry me? Join me in this crazy journey called life? Be a stepfather to my children? Let me be a son-in-law to the most amazing mother ever?”

“That might be up for debate.” Archer snagged a Nanaimo bar. “But I’ll give you that Mama’s very special.”

Gideon elbowed him.

Several people laughed. Just about everyone knew Mama.

I held Quinton’s gaze.Please sayyes. Please forgive me for making this so public.

He rolled his eyes. “Like I’d ever saynoto you.”

“Well, there was that time—” Lucia’s dark-brown eyes gleamed mischief.

“Oh hush, you!” Quinton shot daggers at his friend. “It’s all behind us now. Sunny days ahead.” He turned his attention back to me. “I know everyone wants dessert, so I won’t prolong this. Yes, I’ll marry you. Yes, you can attempt to be the best son-in-law ever. I’d be honored to join your family.” He blew a kiss to Gideon and Archer.

Gideon met my gaze. “Now?”

I nodded.

Archer bolted upstairs.

Quinton cocked his head. “Uh…?”

Clomping feet thundered down the stairs. “Papa!” Trevor bolted right for me.

Melodie was just behind him. While Trevor threw himself into my arms, she held back, looking at Quinton. “You said yes?”

He nodded.

“Yay!” She pumped her fist. Then she beckoned him closer.

He bent at the waist to meet her gaze.