Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25937 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 130(@200wpm)___ 104(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25937 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 130(@200wpm)___ 104(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
We do just that as I appreciate that we both want what’s best for Jackson.
And I don’t just mean our life together, but our big special day as well.
I want it to be perfect. Although, between my wardrobe malfunction and the videographer issue popping up, I’m starting to get a bad feeling…a tingly Bottom Boy feeling.
But that could just be me needing Jackson back in my ass ASAP.
4
Jackson
“Any luck?” Travis asks as I pace back and forth.
“Not yet. Fuck. Why is it so hard to find a videographer?” It’s honestly not something I give a shit about, not really. I’ll remember this day regardless, and I know Derek will too, but I also know it means something to him, which makes it matter to me, because I don’t want him to freak out. I know he’s already overthinking this whole thing, and it’ll be one more “issue” that will worry him.
“I’m guessing because it’s close to Christmas and at the last minute, but what do I know?”
“Fuck you,” I tell Travis.
“I’m giving you shit. It’ll work out. I’ll make some calls too, and if we don’t find anyone, you’ll still be marrying your Bottom Boy, which is what counts in the end.”
I can’t help wondering if he would be this calm if it were his wedding—or his fiancé that he wanted to take care of. “Yeah, I know. I just don’t want to let him down.” Or make him feel like he’s letting me down. Maybe that doesn’t make sense, but I have a feeling that’s what Derek is stressing about.
“You couldn’t. Do you think any of us ever thought we’d see this day? I never imagined Derek getting married, but since he’s met you, I can’t see it any other way.” His words help slow my pounding pulse. I needed to hear that more than I’d realized.
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”
“No problem. Now give me a few names, and I’ll call some people too.”
I do, and Travis and I call everyone under the sun with no luck. By then nighttime is bearing down on us, and I know we’re heading back to the chalet soon. The plan is to eat dinner there and drink our asses off so we can stumble to our rooms easily.
“Did you find anyone?” Derek asks, approaching us with Cody. I cock my head a little, not having it in me to answer. “No one at all? So like, we’re not going to have a videographer at our wedding?”
I see the sadness darken his eyes, the way he sort of glances away, and I know exactly what this is about. He wants a good video to show his uncle Randy, who couldn’t come because of his Alzheimer’s.
Cody and Travis quietly sneak away as I grab my boy and pull him to me. He fits perfectly in my arms, like his body and mine are meant to be here, right where we are. “It’ll be okay.”
“What if it’s not?” He pouts.
“Hey.” I tilt his head up so he looks at me. “Do we have to do this again? The pants weren’t a big deal and the videographer… I know you want a video for your uncle, but we’ll figure it out. I can call some more people tomorrow, and if it happens, great. If it doesn’t, we’ll make one of our friends do it. Having a professional video doesn’t make you more mine.”
“You know how hot it gets me when you talk to me like that.” He trembles, which I fucking love. There’s nothing like the power it gives me to know I can take Derek apart. That someone as beautiful and lively, as passionate and strong, takes such comfort in me.
I smile, and he grins up at me. It’s a smile that still has the ability to knock me on my ass. It’s like I can feel it inside every time Derek gives it to me. “I do. And don’t worry, okay? I know you’re trying to change the subject right now. Don’t. Tell Daddy if you’re worried.”
“I’m not.” He shakes his head. “It’s fine. It’ll all work out.”
“That’s my boy.”
I swat his ass and take his hand, and we go and meet everyone back by the concession stands. They’re all chatting and laughing, and even though Derek joins in, it doesn’t totally ring true. Part of me wonders if he’s having second thoughts. I don’t think he would. I know what we are to each other, but that fear is still there, and I don’t trust myself to ask.
Then we all go to our vehicles, which we’d hired drivers for. Derek and I sit in the back of one car with Steph, Damian, and Zane. Derek’s head rests on my shoulder as we make the drive carefully through all the snow.
When we get back to the lodge, Damian and Steph head to their room, not really wanting to participate in the shenanigans we have in store for the night, and the rest of us go to the chalet we’re sharing.