WES PARKED and got out of the car, leaves falling from the trees that lined the street. A cold fall wind with the promise of winter to come blew down the street, fluttering the leaves and creating a small cyclone of color.
“Just getting home from work?” Jordan asked as he and Jeremiah approached down the sidewalk.
“Yes.” Wes felt a little at odd ends. “Evan was going to pick up Greyson and then meet me here, but it doesn’t look like he’s home yet.” He pulled his keys out of his pocket. “Do you want to come in for something to drink?”
“That would be nice,” Jordan said, and the two of them followed Wes to the door. He slipped the key in the lock and pushed open the door. The rooms were dark, and he reached for the light switch to turn them on.
“Surprise!” All their friends jumped out at them, and Greyson ran up to him, grabbing his leg.
Wes lifted him. “What’s this for?” he asked Jordan, who, judging from his smirk, knew exactly what was supposed to happen. His mom and dad stood in front, smiling. They had decided that things needed to change and had wanted to be part of his and Greyson’s lives. Forgiveness worked both ways, it seemed.
“Ask Evan,” Jordan said.
Their friends parted, and Evan walked through the center of them, clothed in his dress uniform. God, he was gorgeous, and without giving it much thought, Wes passed Greyson to Uncle Jordan just before Evan took his hands.
“Why are you dressed this way?”
Evan grinned. “My promotion came through today. I’m the newest lieutenant in the sheriff’s department, and my new duty station is at the courthouse.”
“Is that what we’re celebrating?” Wes asked. “Not that it isn’t enough, but we knew this was coming once you passed the exams and….” Wes’s words failed him as Evan slowly lowered himself to one knee. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Jordan set a squirming Greyson on his feet.
“Pa,” Greyson called, and he ran over and stood next to Evan, who put an arm around him.
“Yes, we can’t forget you.” Evan smiled, then looked up at Wes, his intense gaze making everything and everyone else fade away until there was only Evan and his son. “I wanted to ask you if you’d marry me and be my husband.” He then turned to Greyson. “Do you want me to be your papa, forever?”
“Pa!” Greyson answered.
“Yes,” Wes answered.
Evan lifted Greyson and then stood, bringing Wes into the three-way embrace. Then he kissed him, to hoots and hollers from all the assembled guests, which faded to applause.
Wes couldn’t think of a better way to officially start their family.