Page 15

JULIAN

T he party is in full swing, our backyard decorated with a marquee, tables and chairs, and gas heaters to warm up the guests. It’s a lot, over the top even, especially for Deacon and me, but Rowan and Reese are eating it up.

We decided against the formality of a ceremony or an aisle, splurged on the food and drinks, and made sure there would be dancing.

A few months ago, we were going through photos and video footage of our wedding and Reese offhandedly said, “I wish we were there, Daddy.”

And an idea was born.

Looking like a princess, Reese is absolutely breathtaking in a beautiful ivory satin dress that has a gorgeous puffy skirt. While Rowan’s suit matches mine and Deacon’s.

I know tonight will be a night they will both remember fondly. In a way that I could not explain, both our kids are in love with our love. And I don’t know if it’s because we love loud and proud or because we make them feel safe enough to love loud and proud too.

While Reese is outgoing, Rowan is reserved, they complement one another beautifully. Reese is affectionate and tactile in her love, and Rowan is the young man who notices how many balls you’re juggling everyday and takes it upon himself to do everyone’s laundry just to make it easier.

And they’re both what the other needs, always coaxing the other out of their shell. Like siblings often do, they alternate between being a figurative punching bag and a support pillow for one another.

“What are you doing?” Victoria moves in beside me, handing me a glass of champagne.

“Just ogling your brother,” I say truthfully.

“It’s the kids, isn’t it?” she says. “When Hayden is in dad mode, I just wanna fuck his brains out.”

I laugh at her candidness, chuckling a little bit harder, because she’s right, it’s the kids. But it’s also that only a few hours ago, I was sliding a two-inch-long, black, silicone butt plug into Deacon’s tight ass, because that’s exactly what I wanted to do: Fuck his brains out.

Steering my thoughts away from anything that’ll encourage an erection in public, I focus on Deacon and the way he’s holding Reese’s hand. With his other arm protectively slung across Rowan’s shoulders, he looks so relaxed and content, laughing and talking to our friends, with our kids by his side.

I thought the pride I felt ten years ago at finally being married to the love of my life would be unrivaled, but watching him parent and love our children so effortlessly outweighed it every time.

I watch as Deacon casually peruses the yard, subtly trying to look for me while staying engaged in the conversation. I wait for his gaze to land on mine, and when it does, the sexiest smile spreads across his face.

He’s nearing forty-five years old, and looking at him still makes my heart stutter and my body light up like a live wire. He has a smattering of gray on his temples and in his beard, making him look both distinguished and sexy. And laugh lines at the corners of his eyes and mouth that I enjoyed putting there.

Tipping his chin up at me, he gestures for me to join him.

“Come on,” I say, grabbing Victoria’s elbow and bringing her with me. “Your brother’s wish is my command.”

“Twenty-year-old me would’ve said you two are so gross,” Victoria says as we walk. “But almost-fifty-year-old me is so unbelievably proud of you both.”

“Does drinking still make you emotional?” I tease.

“Shut up,” she says, nudging my shoulder. “I was trying to be nice.”

“I know,” I assure her. “I’m proud of us too.”

We head over to Deacon, who shifts over just enough for me to slide in between him and Reese, while Victoria has other ideas. I watch her whisper in Hayden’s ear, and I catch the smirk on Hayden’s face that follows.

Giving me a wink, she hightails it out of there and into the house, with her husband hot on her heels.

“I don’t even want to know what that was about,” Deacon murmurs against the shell of my ear.

A chuckle rumbles in my chest as I take a good look around at the people who showed up for us a second time.

We’re standing between a large group of our friends, those we’ve spent the last ten years or more living and loving with. Finding their own way and growing their own families, it’s a testament to the strength and importance of found family.

Those people in your life who stayed for the long haul, swam with you and beside you through the surf and through the still.

“Julian,” Wade greets. “Just the man I’ve been looking for. I’m kinda bummed you didn’t want me to revive my time as a wedding officiant for the night.”

“I figured you might like that it’s a little bit less stressful this time around,” I reply lightheartedly. “If I remember correctly, there was an hour of time where you had lost our wedding rings.”

“‘Lost’ is a strong word,” he says in defense. “I misplaced them. And then I found out Christie was keeping them safe, so that hardly really counts because she and I are basically the same person.”

“He’s right,” our friend Gael chimes in. “My parents speak to Jordan and me like we’re interchangeable and it’s a full time job keeping up.”

A subtle tugging on my arm shifts my attention away from the conversation. I glance down at Reese expectantly, certain I know what she’s about to ask before the words even leave her mouth.

“Can we have cake now?” she whispers

Slipping her hand in mine, I give it a little squeeze. “Do you think we can wait for half an hour or so?”

Biting her bottom lip, she mulls it over before nodding in defeat. “Can I at least find Emilia and show her the new art set in my room?”

I tip my head to Gael and Jordan. “If it’s okay with her dads, then it’s fine with me.”

We all watch Reese sweet talk her way with Jordan and Gael as Jesse says, “I remember when Raine was like that. It was about the age she was when she met Leo.” He glances lovingly at his husband. “And she had him wrapped around her finger from the get go. She would talk to him with her cute, sugary voice and she got whatever she wanted.”

With permission from Gael and Jordan, we all watch Reese excitedly run off to find their daughter Emilia. At the same time, Rowan uses that as his cue to walk away from us and dutifully follow his sister. He never lets her out of his sight, and for now it works in our favor.

“Sorry we’re late.” Familiar voices have ten sets of eyes darting their way.

Both wearing black slacks and dress shirts with their sleeves rolled up, it’s impossible to miss the bronze-like glow that radiates off them.

“I could’ve sworn you two were in Australia,” Deacon says as both men move around the circle, shaking everyone’s hands.

“We were,” Pierce answers. “We got back this morning.”

“And let me guess, after a million hours on a plane, the first place you wanted to be was here,” Deacon jokes as Pierce leans into him for a hug.

“Definitely that,” Pierce says. “Or maybe this was a good way to combat the jet lag.”

“User,” I murmur jokingly as we greet one another hello. “Seriously though, how was Australia?”

“The surf is no fucking joke,” Auden says as he shakes my hand and leans in for a hug. “And the kangaroos. We went to some beautiful beaches and, holy shit, they’re just out there hopping around, minding their business. And they’re so huge, some of them were easily as tall as Pierce and me.”

The conversation continues, Auden and Pierce sharing more about their trip, only for someone to go off on a tangent that everyone follows.

Being around everyone, my cup is full, my chest is about to burst with just how happy I am in this moment, and I don’t know if I want to laugh or cry. My mind takes me back to that twenty-six-year-old man, lying on his bed in a suit, crippled with grief, crying his eyes out.

You couldn’t have told me that this is where my life would be all these years later. And if you did, I wouldn’t believe you. Because there is no way one man could be this lucky.

No way I could be this lucky.

“Pa.” Rowan’s voice pulls me out of the past, his green eyes wide and staring up at me. “Can I talk to you and Dad for a second?”

The crease forming between his brows is a dead giveaway that something is bothering him. “What is it, Row?”

Deacon’s hand finds the small of my back, his body shifting closer, clearly paying attention to Rowan’s distress. “Let’s go inside,” he says, his voice taking on that protective but authoritarian tone.

Wading through the guests, the three of us make our way inside, bypassing the kitchen and Deacon’s parents, and head to Rowan’s room.

Closing the door, I turn to find Rowan sitting on the edge of the bed and Deacon standing beside him.

“What’s wrong?” Deacon asks him. “Did something happen?”

“No.” Rowan shakes his head. “I didn’t mean to worry you, but…” His words are replaced by a heavy sigh. “I don’t want to say a speech in front of everyone tonight.”

“What?” Deacon turns to look at me, clearly confused. “What speech?”

Before I have a chance to fill him in, Rowan’s explaining what we had planned to Deacon. “Reese wanted us to say our own vows. Like, not to one another.” He rolls his eyes, as if to say obviously. “She wanted us to say all the things we love about you and Pa.”

I can’t help but steal a glance at Deacon, whose mouth is curling up at the side in a small smile just like mine. We’re truly the luckiest men alive.

“But I don’t want to say all that stuff in front of everyone,” he reiterates. “Dad, you know I hate being the center of attention.”

His eyes dart to Deacon, needing the solidarity, and Deacon gifts it to him effortlessly. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.”

“But I do want to do it,” Rowan insists.

“Just not in front of everyone,” I finish for him.

He nods vehemently. “I just don’t want to let Reese down. She’s so excited.”

A knock on the door interrupts us.

“Rowww it’s me,” Reese cries emphatically. “Open up.”

“Is it okay if she comes in?” I ask, wanting to make sure we’re validating his feelings and not prematurely railroading him with hers.

Wordlessly, he strides to the door and opens it up, very obviously answering my question. Space is not an issue for these two.

I’m surprised when I see Deacon’s parents on the other side of the door behind Reese.

“Sorry,” Elaine says. “She was distraught looking for him.” Her hands stroking Reese’s hair, she says, “Look, sweetheart, he’s here. Everything is fine.”

It had been eight years since we let Elaine back into our lives, and it’s been an interesting journey to say the least. I’d personally expected push back after we explained what was required in order to have a relationship with our children, but Elaine respected our boundaries in a way that surprised both Deacon and me.

Words and feelings are not her strong suit and neither is being able to admit defeat. To this day, she has truly never really elaborated or explained when it comes to apologizing to Deacon. But her actions toward Reese and Rowan are those of a changed woman, a humbled woman, an apologetic woman.

And while things still have never been the same between her and Deacon and me, every now and then, like tonight, the walls come down for the sake of the kids.

“What if we do it in here?” Rowan suggests excitedly, looking at Reese. “And then we’ll go and eat cake.”

“Do what in here?” Deacon asks, thoroughly confused.

“Our vows,” Rowan says. “Or your vows. Our family vows?”

His confusion at this makes me laugh, his always-so-serious nature coming through.

“It’s our day,” I remind him. “You, Me, Reese, and Dad. That’s the only thing that matters.”

“Can I at least say them in here and when we cut the cake?” Reese asks.

Looking over them, and at Deacon, I shake my head. “I fear this whole idea has become bigger than I intended.”

Smirking, he shrugs. “Can never have enough love, right?”

“You need a t-shirt, at this point.”

He chews at the corner of his lip. “The t-shirt is not on my priority list right now.”

I drag my gaze up and down the length of his body, loving the simple flush in his cheeks. It reminds me so much of us in the wedding suite on our actual wedding day, and just like now, we’re volleying between heat and heart at every turn.

“Okay, I’m going to start,” Deacon says, glancing around the room, his voice loud. “Rowan and Reese. I promise to love you both unconditionally.”

Reese immediately shoots her hand up in the air. “I promise to never lie.”

“That’s a good start,” I murmur through a smile. “Rowan?”

“I promise to love you all unconditionally.”

My throat bobs at his words, words that weigh heavy and have so much meaning, more than his twelve-year-old heart knows, and my eyes can’t help but move to Elaine and Bill. “Do you want a turn?” I ask her.

“Yes, Grandma,” Reese says excitedly. “Have a turn.”

Her gaze darts between the two kids before landing on Deacon. “I promise to listen and learn.”

I catch the slight nod Deacon gives her, his expression full of appreciation and understanding, before turning his attention to me.

With Reese’s and Rowan’s eyes wide in excitement, I opt for something light hearted to keep the momentum going. “I promise to always share my chocolate with you.” I point at each of them. “All of you.”

“Me too!” Reese shouts. “And I promise to always make my bed.”

“This is the best idea you two have had yet,” Deacon says. “What about emptying the dishwasher and putting away the laundry?”

Rowan pulls out a piece of paper from his pocket. “I have those on my list too.”

This kid is too damn cute.

“Why don’t you read it out to us,” Bill steps into the room and suggests, probably anticipating just how long this will take if we let these two run the show. And Deacon and I almost always let them run the show.

“Reese, honey, do you have a list too?” he adds.

Rowan pulls out another piece of paper and hands it to her. “I kept it so she doesn’t lose it.”

“Okay, let’s all find a comfortable place to sit and then you two read them to your dads”

Between the bed, the desk chair, and the floor, we spread ourselves around the room, and they read out their lists.

There are almost fifty promises between them and counting, And even though we have a whole house full of friends and family, there isn’t a single place in the world any of us would rather be.

Their list ranges from helping us around the house to making sure they never go to sleep angry at one another. Their lists are so well thought out, I’m in awe, but I also don’t expect anything less from either of them.

I can’t confidently say it’s us, because it isn’t true. It takes a village to raise children, even an occasionally dysfunctional one like ours, and everything they’ve learned—their love, their empathy, their compassion—has been taught to them by all of us. Including Elaine and Bill.

“Okay, it’s time for our last one,” Reese announces.

Rowan looks down at his list and then looks between Deacon and me.

“We promise to clean up after our dog,” he says.

“And take it for walks,” says Reese.

“And teach it how to sit and shake hands.”

“Wait,” Deacon says, shaking his head. “What are you two talking about? We don’t have a dog.” He looks up at me. “Did you buy us a dog?”

“No!” I exclaim. “I’m just as confused as you are.”

“Don’t look at us,” Elaine says, putting her hands up in surrender. “We spoil them, but a dog seems like a recipe for disaster.”

“We don’t have a dog,” Row says, a cautious smile on his face. “But can we get one?”

Reese stands in the middle of the room, batting her big, childlike doe eyes. “It can be our anniversary present.” She puts her hands together like she’s praying. “Please.”

After Deacon and I stopped laughing with the kids at just how wrapped around their fingers they both have us, Reese made a unanimous decision—it was cake time and then she was ready for her and Rowan’s sleep over at Elaine and Bill’s place.

“Julian and I just want to thank you all for coming here tonight and celebrating our wedding anniversary,” Deacon says to all our friends. “It feels like it was only yesterday I was walking down the aisle. Life seemed so full of promise, and when I look around this room…” His gaze lands on Row, Reese, and me, the three of us standing huddled beside him. “Life more than delivered.”

Clapping and cheering fill the yard as Deacon comes closer to us, kissing both Rowan and Reese on the head as they pass us by to enjoy dessert with their friends.

“I love you,” he says. Reaching for me, he intertwines our fingers and tugs me close, our bodies flush against one another. “And I love all these people.”

Arms wrapped around my neck, he kisses me softly. “But how about instead of promising to share your chocolate with me, you make me another one.”

“Yeah?” I say with a teasing tone. “Promise you what?”

Kissing me again, he subtly grazes his hips against mine, and I can feel his cock thickening against me. “Promise me that this’ll be over soon.”

“I promise,” I say against his lips.

“Promise me we will worry about cleaning up tomorrow.”

Laughing, because it’s a hard ask, I sneak a hand down to his ass and squeeze. “I promise.”

Deacon kisses me along my jaw until his mouth is below my ear, his voice low enough only I can hear him. “Promise you’ll replace this plug with your cock.”

“I promise.”

“Promise you’ll make love to me.”

My hand still on his ass, I push him into me, my length against his. “I promise.”

“And fuck my brains out.”

A gravelly chuckle leaves my mouth. “Definitely.”

He rears his head back to lock his eyes with mine. “Make me yours?”

“Always,” I promise.

Only him and me.

Me and him.

Husbands.