Specters & Sparks, page 21
“I know, Bax. You were always supposed to be with Mercer,” Owen said and let Baxter see how sincerely pleased he was. Baxter had found someone patient and kind—albeit secretly—who also challenged him.
“I think so too. Most people don’t know how good he is because he hides it so well but I think Mercer might be the best person I’ve ever met,” Baxter confided and looked adorably pained to admit it. “In fact, I’m ridiculously proud to be marrying him.”
“You’re his whole world,” Owen said and laughed when he realized that was the difference. He had loved Baxter but it was selfish and centered around what Owen thought his ideal life could be. He didn’t consider Baxter or his true feelings because Owen fixated on the fairytale he had built in his head. Mercer happily cast aside his old life and was devoted to Baxter in a way that Owen couldn’t comprehend until he met Fox. Owen didn’t put himself first, it was all about Fox and Juniper now, but that somehow brought him even more happiness and fulfillment. Love had become something that was bigger than Owen and he was so grateful to Baxter for helping him see that. “And Fox and Juniper are my whole world.”
“I can see that now and I’m so happy for you.” Baxter gripped Owen’s shoulders and pulled him close. “You’ve built yourself a beautiful family and I can’t tell you how proud I am of the man you’ve become.” He kissed Owen’s forehead and they held each other tight until there was another tap at the door. “I guess it’s time,” Baxter said and his eyes flared as he looked at the window.
“Hey.” Owen slapped him on the stomach playfully and Baxter caught his hand. “You aren’t scared of the forever part. You’re just scared that we’re all going to know how much you love him but we’ve already figured it out. Let’s make it official,” he said. Baxter slid him a sly smile as he turned toward the door.
“Russ said that Cassius told him that Mercer is in terrible shape. He’s crying and hugging people,” Baxter whispered from behind his hand and Owen gasped.
“You’re definitely holding up better than he is.”
That only lasted until they stepped out onto the porch. Fox and Mercer were coming out of Beau’s kitchen and Baxter started sniffling. They did look extremely handsome in their simple black tuxedos. Baxter and Mercer chose black ties and white roses. Fox skipped a tie and he and Owen had boutonnieres made from succulents and purple roses because purple was Juniper’s favorite color. They followed a trail of white and purple rose petals to the tree and Lidia Castillo was waiting with Beau, Owen’s dad and Cedric, of all people. Cace was Owen’s best man and Baxter was doing double duty as groom and Fox’s best man. Baxter asked Beau to be his best man and Mercer asked Cedric to stand with him, which was oddly touching considering the butler’s generally aloof and murderous aura.
There were far more white folding chairs because the guest list was much bigger than their typical backyard wedding. Mercer wanted every Arizona politician of note to be present along with the several of the state’s senior Catholic clergy. All Owen cared about was that his dads, uncles and Juniper were there. Fox was holding Juniper and she was resting on his hip in a frilly purple dress that made her look like a princess when Baxter and Owen joined them under the tree.
“We’re getting married!” Owen whispered to her and cried when Juniper grabbed his cheeks and kissed him loudly.
“I do!” She declared and everyone laughed.
“I think we have to let Baxter and the mayor get married first,” Owen said under his breath and tipped his head to the right.
“And I’ve been ordered to keep their part brief,” Lidia said with a wink for Baxter. He bowed his head and Owen bit down on his lips to keep from laughing. He’d never seen Baxter blush so many times in one evening. And Owen had never seen Mercer Hathaway cry but tears trailed down his cheeks as he held Baxter’s hands and prepared to say his vows.
“I’ve always loved you, Dawson. I think you were four or five when I first noticed you. You glowed as you sat next to your mother in church and I had to look at you, even if it meant that I’d get my ear pinched. I may have...acted out now and then,” Mercer confessed in a low rumble that made everyone chuckle and there was some swooning as he smiled at Baxter. There was so much devotion and pure adoration as Mercer’s eyes held Baxter’s. “Because I didn’t think there was a chance in the world that you’d ever love someone as moody and as difficult as me. But you did and loving you has turned my whole life around. You’ve given me more than I ever thought was possible and I feel honored to be the man you’ve chosen to spend the rest of your life fighting with.”
“Why are you two like this?” Fox whispered to Baxter but he just shrugged and stared lovingly as Mercer put a ring on his finger.
“Because he’s always been the one,” Baxter replied and exhaled loudly. “No one’s ever gotten under my skin like Mercer Hathaway,” he said with a wink for their guests before he sighed at Mercer. “I was sure you’d laugh in my face if you knew how badly I always wanted to kiss you. Now I get to do that whenever I want and I’m happier than I’ve ever been when I’m with you. We were meant to be together and I’m so glad we finally figured that out. There’s no one I’d rather grow old with and I’m looking forward to making you miserable for the rest of our lives,” he said but Mercer’s brow furrowed and he shook his head.
“Annoyed or irritated but never miserable.”
There were more titters and adoring groans as Baxter put a ring on Mercer’s finger then stole a kiss. He was blushing again as he gestured for Lidia to get on with it. She smiled at Fox and gave him one of her knowing looks.
“It’s your turn, Jack.”
“I’ll take her,” Cace offered and held his arms out to Juniper.
“Wish me luck, sweetheart,” Fox whispered in her ear and Juniper giggled as she kissed him.
“You can do it, Daddy!” She whispered back and blew Owen a kiss as Cace took her. Fox’s cheeks puffed out as he held Owen’s hands in his. He was so damn handsome and Fox took Owen’s breath away when he smiled at him.
“I used to believe that luck was what kept me alive when things got scary but I think that was just fate. I was always meant to find my way here. But it was luck that brought me Juniper and it was luck that brought us together. You’re kind, brave, smart, and you’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever met—inside and out. I’m not sure why fate decided that I deserved you and I’ll never be able to thank you enough for giving me a family and a home but every day I’ll do my best to make you as happy as you’ve made me.” Fox’s hands were trembling as he slid his ring on Owen’s finger.
“I can’t believe it’s finally happening!” Owen laughed and it was watery as he swung around to look at his dad and Juniper. “It’s my turn!” He said to Cace and he nodded at Owen as his eyes were puddled with tears.
“I’m so proud of you!” He choked out before he waved frantically. “But it’s your turn! Go!” He whispered and Owen gasped as he turned back to Fox.
“It’s my turn!” He laughed and held on tight to Fox’s hands. “Oh, my God… What was I supposed to say?” Owen asked him and Fox raised a shoulder.
“How about I told you so? You said we’d be getting married under this tree just about a year ago,” he reminded Owen.
“I did,” Owen said and nodded. “I knew we’d be getting married the first time you walked into the Bean Company. I had to stumble a little before you came and then we had a few roadblocks but I knew we’d be worth it. I had a plan and I knew exactly what I was looking for because all I’ve ever known was love and I’ve always had an amazing family. It didn’t look like anyone else’s but I had the most amazing role models and they showed me what mattered most. You felt like you were already mine and we were already a family when you walked through those doors, Fox. And you made the rest of my dreams come true when you brought Juniper into our lives. All I’ve ever wanted was this. All I’ve ever wanted was you,” Owen said as he slid his ring onto Fox’s finger.
“I guess that means there’s nothing left but for me to declare you gentlemen married,” Lidia said and clapped her hands together excitedly. “You may kiss your husbands!”
There were loud cheers and lots of whistling and clapping as Mercer pulled Baxter into his arms and kissed him deeply. Fox widened his eyes and grinned at Owen.
“I didn’t know he had it in him,” he murmured as he tilted Owen’s chin back and lowered his head.
“Neither did I but we should show them how it’s done,” Owen said and hummed contentedly as their lips brushed.
“Thank you for making me the luckiest man in the world,” Fox said softly but he kissed Owen just a little harder than one should when one’s father was present.
“Remember what I said before about luck? Sometimes, all you have to do is ask and luck falls right into your lap,” Owen whispered, then sucked on Fox’s lip. “Are you feeling lucky, Mr. Fox-Talbot?” He asked and Fox chuckled as he kissed Owen.
“I always feel lucky when I’m with you, Mr. Talbot-Fox.”
The End
K. Sterling, Specters & Sparks
