Page 98 of Worth the Wait

“By the power vested in me by the state of California, I pronounce you legally wed, and I swear we’ll do something much more deserving of a love like yours before the fall.”

Jack huffed out a small laugh and leaned down, pressing his lips gently against the corner of Callum’s mouth. He tasted like sleep and salt, and Callum mourned that it was all for him, so undeserving of the care and worry Jack always bestowed on him.

Verity tossed their marriage license and a pen on Callum’s lap.

“Sign it,” they said.

“Did you seriously drive home to get this?” Callum asked, signing on the line.

“I did,” Verity advised when Callum passed the pen to Jack.

“What about witnesses?” Callum questioned.

The curtain moved and Landon and Gregory stuck their heads around the corner. Landon offered a small wave, even though his face looked ready to crumble. Verity grabbed the marriage license and blew them both a kiss before ushering Landon and Gregory out of the room, closing the door this time with a loud click.

“Husband,” Jack said, crawling onto the bed and dropping a row of exploratory kisses around the bruises on Callum’s jaw.

“This is the wedding I’ve dreamed of ever since I was a little boy,” Callum bemoaned, plucking at the scratchy hospital sheets.

“Tell me about your dream wedding,” Jack situated himself next to Callum on the bed, careful to keep distance from his arm.

“I feel like the right answer is in a hospital room at seven in the morning on a Monday because as long as I’m marrying you, it’s a dream,” Callum admitted with a blush. “But I really hoped for more flowers.”

“What kind?”

“All of them.” Callum closed his eyes and rested his head next to Jack’s, taking a deep inhale before burrowing his nose into the messy brown strands.

“Duly noted, kitten.” Jack dragged his fingers lightly over the sheets, ghosting over Callum’s thighs.

They sat in silence, and excepting the pain in his face and body, it was the most comfortable silence he’d ever had, like being wrapped in contentment and perfection.

He had Jack.

His Daddy.

His Husband.

“Callum,” Jack’s voice was quiet and wobbly. “I was so scared.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Never apologize for what happened last night. Ever,” Jack demanded.

Callum nodded.

“When can I take you home?” Jack’s voice was calmer, more level.

“Around lunch probably.”

“Let’s get some rest then.” Jack kissed him and lay their tangled hands on top of the sheets.

Callum closed his eyes and did as he’d been told.

* * *

As predicted,he was discharged after lunch, Jack walked him and his pain killers to the parking garage and into the Range Rover.

“Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” Callum asked, grumbling even as he let Jack buckle him in.