Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 115525 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 578(@200wpm)___ 462(@250wpm)___ 385(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115525 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 578(@200wpm)___ 462(@250wpm)___ 385(@300wpm)
Bishop had his arm around Trent’s shoulder as he got emotional over Wood’s gesture and his words. Someone could’ve knocked Mike over with a stick because this was the last thing he’d expected to happen today. He thought he’d lost his chance at giving his son a wedding. Damnit. How could he not think of Trent?
“I know Bishop and Edison wanted a small ceremony, but I know exactly what Trent wants.” Wood turned and smiled at his boyfriend. “He wants a small ceremony too, but he definitely wants his family and friends there. He wants to have it in a garden his dad designed, and he doesn’t wanna wear a monkey suit.”
Trent choked around his light chuckle, shaking his head as if he couldn’t believe what was happening.
Wood kept going. “He wants Mama to cook the food, and he wants to have a long reception that goes on until two in the morning.” Wood was close enough to stroke Trent’s cheek as he gazed down at him, a crooked grin on his lips. “And of all the places in the world to honeymoon, he wants to go to Dallas, Texas, in the winter.”
That time, Mike and Bishop both laughed when they said in unison, “To see the Cowboys in a playoff game.”
“He wants to live a simple life with a dog and maybe a couple cats. He wants to go on long weekend trips, and he wants to one day own a boat so he can go fishing with his dad and brother.” Wood didn’t take his eyes off Trent. “I’ll give him all of that and more if you will grant me the permission, Mike.”
The room went quiet except for Trent’s labored breaths. Wood held the black box in his hand, waiting for his answer. Mike made sure not to holler out as his muscles protested when he stood and walked over to Wood. Mike had so many feelings orbiting his chest, but none of them felt wrong. What he was about to say was the right decision.
“Herschel Wood. I’d be honored to have you as a son-in-law. Yes. You have my permission.” Mike couldn’t believe how saying that made him feel.
Like a father.
Wood accepted Mike’s handshake, then turned back to Trent and gracefully went down on one knee.
“Oh my gosh,” Edison gasped with his hand over his mouth. He hooked his arm through Bishop’s and watched the show.
A lone tear escaped down Trent’s cheek, and he hurried to wipe it away before another fell right after.
Trent slipped his shaky hand into Wood’s as he asked. “Trent Armstrong, I love you more than I’ll ever be able to tell you.” Wood kissed Trent’s knuckles, “Will you marry me and let me show you for the rest of our lives?”
There was no hesitation. Trent nodded and croaked out a “yes” before Wood surged to his feet and hefted him into his arms.
Once all the hugs and congratulations were out of the way, they made a toast to their growing family, to Bishop and Edison’s union, to Mike settling down, and to Trent and Wood’s engagement.
Chapter Fifty-nine
Rayne
Two weeks later…
Rayne had another fantastic workout. He and Chelsea had protein smoothies at the fitness center café and then hit up a couple of stores. He found a great set of Japanese-style throw pillows that would look beautiful on the couch, and he couldn’t wait to show Mike, who’d been in a much better mood these past couple of weeks.
“Mike. I’m home,” he called out, dropping his bags in the foyer. He announced himself every time he came into the house since his partner insisted on having guns stashed all over the place. Rayne figured sneaking up on Mike wouldn’t be such a good idea. “You upstairs?”
“No,” Mike answered, his voice coming from the back of the house.
He loved when Mike was working in his backyard; he was always in such a fun mood afterward. Rayne stopped at the kitchen and set his couple of grocery bags on the island, then went toward the patio doors.
“What in the—” Rayne’s mouth dropped open at the sight of Mike’s backyard illumination on full display. Rayne hadn’t had the opportunity to see it at night in all of its glory and splendor. He’d never seen the rich, green grass shimmering from the overhead hanging fairy lights or the solar spotlights that illuminated the exotic garden. Rayne stepped out onto the deck and scanned the yard, his eyes stopping at the made-up patio daybed Mike had moved beneath the towering magnolia tree, which also had lights wrapped around the base and icicle strings scattered throughout the dense branches.
“Hey, you,” Mike called out.
Rayne spun around at the sound of Mike’s raspy voice. He was reclined in the jetted hot tub with his arms hooked over the back of the ledge. Damn, he looked delicious half-naked and outside in his element.