Specters & Sparks, page 20
“Flip said the sex massage has changed his life,” Owen panted and Fox could tell that he’d found an angle he liked by the way his jaw stretched. Fox rubbed Owen’s thighs, gripping lean, flexing muscles before sliding his hands up Owen’s back. His thumbs dug into the tight muscles along Owen’s spine, just above his ass and Fox was rewarded with a euphoric moan. “That’s the spot.”
“Your back or your…?” Fox teased.
“Both.”
Owen settled into a fast but shallow bounce as he worked his prostate on the base of Fox’s erection. He was so hot and tight and made the sexiest sounds as Fox kneaded Owen’s lower back. And the view while Fox worked was sublime. He watched Owen’s firm, round ass as it clapped against his groin and Fox didn’t think it was possible for life to get any better.
“I have to be the luckiest man in the world,” he said as he reached for Owen’s shoulders. His hands curled around Owen’s throat gently and Fox used his thumbs to smooth out any tightness in his neck and the base of his skull. His hands glided to Owen’s shoulders and his head hung limply while Fox gripped and twisted.
“I don’t know… I’m feeling pretty lucky,” Owen mumbled. Then, he gasped and arched as he shivered. Fox felt the goosebumps as they washed down Owen’s neck and arms. “Oh, Fox…” It was a drowsy, sated breath that turned into a yawn. Fox scooped Owen into his arms and held him against his chest.
“This is the last time I go anywhere without you. All I can think about is this when I’m gone. I miss hearing you and tasting you,” Fox whispered against Owen’s neck before he licked and sucked hard. He held Owen tight as he thrust into him and Fox had never felt more complete or more content. “You’re mine and I will always belong to you,” he vowed and Owen nodded jerkily as he turned his head and searched for Fox’s lips.
“Always mine!” Owen said breathlessly and Fox came as he sucked on his tongue. It was a hot rush that swelled from Fox’s sac and erupted deep in Owen’s ass. “Love you so much.” Owen couldn’t keep his eyes open and he laughed drunkenly as Fox fell back onto the pillows with him.
“I love you too,” Fox whispered as he settled Owen against his chest. A soft, care-free smile clung to Fox’s lips as he drifted into a peaceful dream about Owen and Juniper.
Chapter 34
“It came early!” Owen hopped up and down excitedly as he waved the package over his head. “Thanks, Ted!” He called as the UPS driver got back in his truck.
“Hurry up and open it before they get here!” Cace ordered and stifled an excited shriek as he bit into his knuckle. Lorrie, Baxter, Beau, Hal, Russ and Cassius were excited as well as they gathered around the counter. “I would have loved one of these when you were little but I didn’t even have an apron with a Bean Company logo on it.”
“I already feel like I’m going to cry,” Owen confided as he opened the box and everyone made impatient sounds as he tossed aside the invoice and ripped open the plastic. He took out one of the tiny aprons and they all gasped ecstatically as Owen unrolled it. “Oh, my God! It’s so perfect!” Owen whispered shakily and there were murmurs and groans of agreement as they admired the little Bean Company apron. Juniper’s name was embroidered in purple and Owen had hung a row of pegs for her aprons in the kitchen. They were at Juniper’s height and Owen found a purple clipboard with a unicorn on the back for the shop’s new assistant manager.
“I wasn’t expecting to get this emotional over a little apron but it’s the most precious thing I’ve ever seen,” Cace said and Lorrie laughed softly as he nodded.
“I’m going to need Owen to start cutting onions before that baby gets here because I’m going to be a mess.” He dabbed at the corners of his eyes as they shimmered.
“You’re going to have to find a different excuse. We don’t keep any onions in the kitchen,” Owen said. He designed the panini menu so they wouldn’t have to keep a lot of perishable produce on hand so they mostly made grilled cheese or turkey and havarti sandwiches.
“They’re here!” Cace whispered as he pointed at the window. Fox’s SUV turned into one of the empty spaces in front of the shop and Owen’s hands trembled as he hastily packed up the rest of the aprons and stuck the box under the counter.
“She’s finally here!” He said as he hurried around and handed Lorrie the apron. Owen was afraid he’d twist it into knots and his hands were sweating. They were all silent as Fox went around the front and opened the back door on the passenger side. Cace grabbed Owen’s hand when Fox shut the door and turned with Juniper on his hip. She had one arm around his neck and was babbling animatedly as she pointed at all the colors on Main Street.
“Look at her pigtails!” Beau said and sniffed. “I miss Jolie’s little bows so much.” Juniper’s glossy black hair had been braided and there were little purple bows around the ends of her pigtails. She was wearing a purple tunic with pink and blue polka dots and blue leggings.
“She’s wearing Dr. Martens! I’m done!” Lorrie said and covered his mouth to hold in a whimper. Her little pink boots were adorable but Owen was mesmerized by her big silver eyes as Fox pushed open the door and she searched the coffee shop. She spotted Owen and she squirmed as she called his name and reached for him. Fox laughed as he lowered to put her down and Owen’s vision blurred as she ran to him.
“Hello, angel!” He said as he bent and she raised her arms so he could lift her.
“Owen!” She threw her arms around his neck and Owen hugged her tight.
“It’s so good to finally hug you in person,” he told her while Cace sobbed into Lorrie’s chest. “This is the best day ever,” Owen said and Fox was crying too as he nodded.
“All she could talk about on the plane was meeting you and seeing the coffee shop,” he said. Owen forced out a steadying breath as he leaned back.
“Wait until you see what Lorrie has!” Owen said and turned so he could introduce Juniper to his dads. He had to bite down on his lips as he became overwhelmed with happiness and pride. Cace needed a moment too and used the end of his apron to wipe his eyes. “Dad, this is Juniper Rose. Juniper, this is my dad, Cace, and my other dad, Lorrie,” he said hoarsely. Juniper beamed at Cace and Lorrie as she waved and they were captivated as they waved back.
“It’s so nice to meet you, princess,” Cace said once he could find his voice. “I’m not quite old enough yet but you can call me grandpa when you’re ready,” he said and gently pulled at one of her bows. Lorrie tugged the toe of her boot and nodded quickly as he fought back tears.
“Me too. We’re going to be best friends and you can come to the studio and make anything you want.”
“I want to hold her!” Baxter said and clasped his hands together as he waited for her permission. Juniper looked at Fox and he smiled.
“Juniper, this is your Uncle Baxter. Remember? He’s super cool,” he said and she nodded and her arm stretched toward Baxter. Owen was a little sad to let her go but he saw the way Baxter melted as he gathered Juniper in his arms and situated her on his hip.
“Aren’t you the cleverest girl?” Baxter asked as he began to bounce and sway and Owen felt a catch in his throat as he recalled being rocked and comforted the same way. It was a reflex that came back to Baxter instantly despite the years since Owen was old enough to be picked up. This is what “full circle” truly means and feels like, Owen realized and felt a pang of sadness as he thought about Sükan and Naima. They would never feel the dazzling and occasionally terrifying ups and downs of parenthood or know the satisfaction of holding their grandkids but Owen wouldn’t take any of it for granted because of them. He would love Juniper, Fox and the rest of their family as hard as he could because Owen understood how lucky he was. He was raised in a place where he could be anything he wanted and love anyone he wanted. There might be a few black eyes and hard feelings but Owen still had the unconditional love and support of his family.
“And look at what Owen had made for you,” Lorrie said as he held up the apron and Juniper’s whole face lit up.
“That’s my name!” She said and laughed while her little fingers splayed as she reached for it.
“She’s so smart!” Cace declared and reached for her. “Come here! I want to show you where all the cookies are.” He took Juniper from Baxter and Lorrie cooed as he put the apron on her.
“Don’t get any ideas, Cassius, but I want to steal Juniper and take her home to Inez. What’s happening to me?” Russ hissed.
“I think it’s the boots. They’re so cute.” Cassius said as he waved at Juniper.
Almost everyone followed as Cace carried Juniper to the counter so he could give her free reign. Owen laughed as Cace grabbed one of the bottles of pressurized whipped cream and smiled at Fox.
“I’m glad she already knows how to walk. I don’t think they’re going to put her down until she’s too heavy to carry,” Owen warned but Fox waved it off.
“Jules insisted that everyone spoiled Juniper so she wouldn’t feel too attached to her and it worked like a charm. We have to be careful because Juniper wants to love everyone but she knows she has to check with me first and she understands why we have secret words for friends,” he said.
“She’s so beautiful, Fox,” Owen said dreamily as Cace helped Juniper pick from the pastries in the case.
“She’s a dream come true and so are you,” Fox said and pulled Owen close. He had to lean and turn Owen’s chin so he could get his attention. Owen flashed Fox a loopy smile.
“Look at how happy Dad, Bax and Lorrie are!” He said and stole a quick kiss. No one was paying attention to them and nobody was that bothered anymore but it was still a little nerve wracking, kissing Fox in public.
“We stopped at the McDonald’s with the dinosaurs but she just wanted to hurry home so she could meet you.”
“I swear, this weekend felt like it went on forever. I couldn’t wait to see you two!”
“Good, because you’re stuck with us forever now,” Fox warned but Owen’s face split into a huge smile as he slid both arms around him.
“I love the sound of that,” he said and shut his eyes as Fox’s hand cradled his cheek.
“Are you sure you want to wait until after New Years to get married? I think Juniper would be fine if you asked for her blessing now.”
“Nope,” Owen said and rose on his toes so he could steal another quick kiss. “Juniper’s homecoming is a big deal and we’re going to make everything about her for a while. I’ve got big plans for Christmas and I’m going to need her help.” He’d ask for her blessing after Thanksgiving so she could help him find a ring and officially propose to Fox on Christmas Eve. He’d wait until just before the wedding to tell Juniper about their trip because Owen wasn’t sure how well she’d be able to keep a secret. But he wanted her input on the menus and grocery lists Russ’s chef had requested. And they’d all need new swimwear and sundresses for Juniper.
“Are you sure I can’t help with this big surprise?” Fox asked and his eyes narrowed as he hunted for clues or any sign that Owen was reconsidering.
“Sorry. I need Juniper’s assistance with a few things but I’ve got the rest all worked out.”
“I’m sure you do and everything will be perfect,” Fox said and laughed tenderly as he held Owen. “You always have it all worked out.”
“Thank you.” Owen decided he could go ahead and gloat a little as he watched his dads and uncles fawn over Juniper. “Everything’s worked out perfectly and it’s about time everyone’s accepted that I’m not the baby around here anymore.”
A Letter From K. Sterling
Dear Reader,
Thank you so much for your time and for reading Specters & Sparks. I hope you enjoyed the final chapter of our Bisbee Bachelors’ Club series! Before you go, I’d appreciate it if you’d consider leaving a review of Specters & Sparks on Amazon. Your review would really help me and help other readers on Amazon find their way to us. And I promise, I read and appreciate every single one of them. Even the negative reviews. I want your honest feedback so I know how to steal your heart. Please help me out by leaving a review!
K. Sterling is just a very tired and anxious woman with a MacBook who writes to save her sanity. Writing also allows her to stay home and care for her dog, the awful Otis, and one very rotten cat, Luna. K. has two teenage daughters who are the most teenage daughters to ever teenage and responsible for all of K.’s premature grey hairs. She also homeschools her autistic teenage son, Alex. Alex is the inspiration behind K.’s most beloved character, Dr. Aiden Sharp. Before all this magical romance nonsense happened, K. served in the U.S. Army as a counterintelligence agent then went on to teach CI Investigations before changing careers and becoming a stay-at-home mom with Alex and the gang. K. has been married for many, many years to Mr. Sterling and he’s recently left his very long career in counterintelligence to narrate his wife’s audiobooks. And other things.
Once again, thank you from the very bottom of my cold, dark heart. I love you for sharing your time with us and hope we’ll see you again soon.
Love and happy reading,
K.
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Epilogue
“You look really handsome,” Owen said and Baxter blushed as he turned away from the window in Noah’s tiny cottage. They were waiting for the music to start so they could walk out and it was the first time in days that Owen felt fragile and like he might break down.
“Let me get a good look at you.” Baxter rolled his hand impatiently but his voice had cracked. His jaw twitched and Baxter kept it tipped back bravely but Owen saw his lip quiver. Which caused Owen’s nose to burn and his eyes watered. “You look…” Baxter pushed out a slow, shaking breath as his hands spread and patted Owen’s chest. “When did you get to be so grown?” he complained. He smoothed the lapels of Owen’s tuxedo and straightened his purple tie. “I did everything I could to slow this down but you had to be the smartest and bravest man I’ve ever known, even if I wanted you to stay a little boy. I’m so proud of you, though.”
“I know, Bax. But stop making me cry. It’s your day, too,” Owen pointed out and adjusted Baxter’s boutonniere. “You and the mayor, huh?” He teased and Baxter pulled a face.
“Someone has to.”
“I’m really happy for you and Mercer and I’m glad you and Fox are alright,” Owen said and they both nodded when someone tapped on the door, giving them the five-minute warning.
“I was afraid he wouldn’t be able to let go of his past and stop chasing danger but I didn’t realize how much he needed a family. I didn’t realize how much he needed you. I was wrong and I’m really glad,” Baxter said with a simple shrug. “I’m not 100% convinced that he’s good enough for you but he might be the closest we’re going to get.”
“I know he’s good enough because I set the bar really high. I was raised by the finest men I’ve ever met and I knew you wouldn’t let me settle for less,” Owen said and Baxter waved and shook his head.
“Stop.”
“No, I mean it. I understand why we were wrong but I knew I couldn’t settle for someone who wasn’t as good as you or Dad. It was a ridiculously high bar but that’s how I knew that he was the one. He made me feel all those tingly feelings but Fox was good and selfless like you and dad too.”
“Don’t tell Mercer or your dad but I’m sorry I hit Fox. I’m glad you two found each other and I guess I can’t blame him. You’re brilliant and funny, but most importantly, you’re kind. I worried that he’d see nothing but your beauty and your youth but he saw the wonderful man you’ve become.” Baxter took another deep breath as he adjusted Owen’s tie. “I’m sorry that I let my feelings toward you threaten my friendship with Fox. And I’m sorry I failed the both of you as a friend. I know I missed out on a lot of fun and I’ll always wonder how I could have helped when the two of you were making asses of yourselves.”
“I love you for how fiercely you fought to protect me,” Owen said. He wasn’t frustrated or disappointed anymore. Hindsight and time made it easier to understand why his dad and Baxter worried but it was Juniper that truly brought their fears home. Owen was waiting until Juniper was a little older and could understand but he hoped to adopt her one day. He loved her like she was his and Owen wanted to wrap her in a protective bubble so she’d always be safe. He didn’t want her to drive or ever leave home and Owen would be damned if she ever got her heart broken. None of that was rational but it put all of Cace’s and Baxter’s fears into perspective.
“I’m just glad I got my head out of my ass. You knew what you were doing, as usual,” Baxter added with a wink.
“Whatever. We figured it out and you’re marrying Mercer Hathaway,” Owen drawled and tipped an imaginary hat at Baxter.
“He’s alright,” Baxter said with a blush. He was nervous as he tugged at the front of his coat and rubbed his shoe on the back of his pant leg.
“You know he thinks you’re absolutely perfect no matter what,” Owen said gently and smiled as Baxter’s blush deepened. Baxter and the cranky mayor were so absurdly in love. They were another reason Owen refused to settle. He saw how Mercer completed Baxter and kept him on his toes and Owen realized that was what he wanted too. Not just blind worship but balance and joy as well.
“I really love him, Owen,” Baxter said, suddenly serious as he took Owen’s hand and their eyes locked. Owen could see and feel that Baxter was nervous but he wanted to cry because he was so happy.
