“Were we that bad in the beginning?” Josh asked and Cory laughed, causing a grin to break out on Nick’s face as well. He pulled back and Ash had a light blush staining his cheeks as he ducked his head a little in a shy and endearingly bashful way.

  “Babe, we’re that bad now,” Cory replied and smacked a huge wet sounding kiss to Josh’s lips, forcing a grunt and choked laugh out of Josh. Nick and Ash snickered as they settled back down and Josh proceeded to wrangle his husband back into propriety. Cory was giggling and doing his best to ensnare Josh’s mouth again but when Josh took Cory by surprise and captured his face between his hands, planting a warm and sensual kiss to his lips, Cory melted and settled immediately, slumping into Josh and wrapping his arms around his neck.

  “Yup, definitely still that bad,” Nick proclaimed and they broke apart laughing, grinning over at them, completely unrepentant.

  The rest of their short visit in the coffee shop was much more laid back with Cory and Josh talking about their drive out and some of the things going on back home.

  When they finally left the shop and got in their respective cars to make the short drive home, Nick’s cheeks hurt and his heart felt lighter than it had all week. Ash held his hand and everytime they needed to stop for a red light, he’d lean over and kiss his man, so grateful to have his most treasured person in his life. It was awesome reconnecting with Cory and getting to know Josh a bit more, but Ash was his sun, his center of gravity and Nick couldn’t be happier to have his favorite people all together, even if the reason was soberingly within their grasp.

  Josh and Cory parked along the curb and got out as Nick and Ash came around the back of his car and led them up the walkway. They commented on the house and how different things were compared to Oregon and Nick laughed, remembering a time when he’d said the same thing.

  They pushed open the door and Ash called out to his mom.

  “Hey, boys,” Stevie replied as she came around the corner from the kitchen. “Oh, you must be Cory and Josh,” she said, walking up and holding out her hand in greeting. “I’m Stephenie, but please call me Stevie. I’m Ash’s mom and I want to thank you both for coming out to support my boys.”

  Cory and Josh shook her hand with smiles and nods. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Cory, and this is my husband, Josh. We’re glad we were able to come out and our parents were more than understanding of the situation. Obviously they all send their love and support for Ash, but my family has known Nick for years and we wanted to be here for him since we all know what he’ll be going through, being away from Ash during his surgery.”

  Ash snuggled into Nick’s side and wrapped his arm around his back. “Thanks, you guys. I know I’ve been so focused on the actual surgery and just freaking out that it’s actually happening, I’ve kind of lost sight of that. I know we talked about it a lot at first, but now I’m even more grateful to have you here for Nick.” He turned and looked up at Nick. “Why didn’t you remind me? I’m sorry I’ve been so focused on myself and everything. I feel bad that I didn’t even remember you’d be miserable.”

  “Babe, it’s fine. You are definitely getting the worst end of this thing. It’s not like I can do much about it. I’ll just be taking an extended mid-morning nap,” Nick said.

  “I realize that, but you didn’t sign up for this. This is my thing and now you have to suffer through that horrible feeling for hours. I’m sorry I hadn’t put much thought into that,” Ash replied.

  Nick cupped his cheek and pressed a kiss to his lips. “It’s fine. Yeah, it’s totally going to suck but I’d do whatever I had to for you. This is the most important thing in your life right now and you are the most important thing to me. So, please don’t feel bad. It’s one time and you need to focus on you. I don’t want you worrying about me. Everyone knows what to expect and they’ll all be there to watch me while I sleep. It’ll be fine.”

  Ash hugged him and Stevie welcomed Josh and Cory into the house. The next few days were going to be chaotic and super stressful, and add in the fact that the five of them were going to be crammed into the small two bedroom house, things were bound to get a little tight.

  Ash and Nick planned to take over the living room because Ash was going to be camped out in the recliner for the next week and Nick was going to be taking over the sofa bed again. Cory and Josh were going to be staying in their room and after a very brief tour, they went out to their car to grab their things.

  Ash and Josh took over moving some of their things into the living room and Nick hung back to chat with Cory as he plopped his backpack down next to the desk. He knelt down and rummaged through the front pocket, then stood quickly and held out a small black velvet box.

  “Thank you so much for doing this,” Nick said, taking the box and giving Cory a quick hug.

  “You’re welcome, Nick. I’m glad I could help.” Nick nodded and snuck a quick peek then shoved the box into his pocket.

  The ring he’d chosen for Ash was a stainless steel band with woven carbon fiber inlay, but what had really drawn Nick’s eye and told him he’d found the perfect ring was a small single diamond accent in the center of the silver band. Nick couldn’t believe how perfect the ring had been because even he knew that you could made a diamond out of ashes. And that was exactly what Ash was to him. His diamond. Something that had once been less than its potential but now was a gorgeous representation of all the beautiful and wondrous things in Nick’s life. It couldn’t have been more perfect and he’d purchased a second one for himself so he could always have his diamond close to his heart.

  “So, tonight?” Cory asked, nicking his chin out to the box in Nick’s pocket.

  Nick grinned. “Don’t tell him you know, but I already asked him.” Cory chuckled and shook his head. “I know. I couldn’t wait any longer. You know how it is. He gave me the most incredible gift and I had to ask.” Nick’s eyes lost focus as he remembered those moments.

  Cory laughed again. “Uh, judging by the look on your face and the fact that you’re a Connective couple, I’m assuming it went well?”

  Nick blinked and a huge grin lit up his face. “Yeah, it was amazing. He knows I’d already been planning to ask him and that I have a ring, so I’ll be doing it again tonight in front of everyone and with the ring this time.”

  “The ring is beautiful. It was sweet of you to consider the diamond,” Cory said.

  “I couldn’t decide—” Nick cut off as Josh and Ash’s voices drifted closer and moments later they appeared in the doorway. Nick went to Ash immediately, wrapping his arms around his waist. “Hey, babe. Get everything all settled out there?”

  Ash nodded as Josh made his way over to Cory. “Yeah. Josh helped me make the bed and we got out the extra sheets and blankets for the recliner. My neck pillow will come with us tomorrow so there’s really not much else to do right now.”

  Nick pressed a kiss to Ash’s lips. “Should we just head to dinner then? We need to get an early start on that if we still plan to make it to my last class tonight.”

  “Yeah, I guess so,” Ash replied. “You guys want to ride with us and come to school after or take your car so you can do whatever while we’re busy?”

  Josh looked to Cory. “Maybe take our own car?” Cory replied. “It’d be cool to explore a little bit. How long is your class? Like three hours, right?”

  Nick nodded. “Yeah, six thirty to nine thirty. But we should probably get to bed early too. Tomorrow is going to be difficult and Friday’ll be even worse.”

  Ash squeezed Nick’s waist. “Let’s focus on right now, okay? I know it stresses you out to think about Friday, so just focus on this and going to dinner. One thing at a time.”

  Nick sighed and blew out a breath. “Yeah. I know. I’m just nervous. Let’s go gorge ourselves on french fries and chocolate shakes,” Nick said and everyone laughed as the tension eased and they all gathered their things to head to dinner.

  Nick could try to just focus on the present and not get too caught up in the future. Ash would be in good hands and he had to think positively if he wanted a positive outcome. It certainly wouldn’t make him feel any better to let his imagination run away with him.

  They grabbed their school supplies and hoodies, then caught up with Stevie, and when everyone was ready, they headed over to The Creamery for dinner and, Nick smiled as he held Ash’s hand, Ash’s proper proposal.

  ~

  Rick and Adam were every bit as great as Ash had described and Nick shook both their hands warmly with his sincerest gratitude for what they’d done for him. Rick waved him off, but Adam, who was much more emotional and sensitive, drew Nick into a big hug and even though he was shorter than Nick by a few inches, he made up for it in the warmth of his embrace. Nick could easily understand why Ash thought of the men as family. They both just had warm, caring, and inviting personalities. Rick being more of a gruff teddy bear type while Adam was all smiles, love, and acceptance. If they ever did get married or have children of their own, they’d be the perfect model for a happy family.

  They placed their orders and opted to eat on the lighted patio. The weather was definitely cooling off in the evenings as fall approached but it was still mild out for the time being and Nick knew how much time they’d all be spending cooped up indoors over the next week to ten days. So after they settled in, they all talked freely, with Cory and Josh explaining their story and Nick glimpsed Rick’s subtle squeeze of Adam’s shoulders as they all talked about their Connections and fate and how lucky they were to have found their partner.

  When Adam spoke up, saying that as awesome as having a Connective relationship sounded and looked, he didn’t need all the bells and whistles to know that Rick was the person he was supposed to be with. Everyone oohed and aahed and fussed over how cute they were and Rick even turned a cute shade of pink under his full beard and flannel.

  Their meals were delivered and thoroughly enjoyed and as everyone finished up and conversation began again, Nick realized he needed to make his move. He was only slightly nervous since he’d already done the hard part and knew Ash was going to say yes, but he didn’t want to fumble his words too badly in front of everyone. He wanted Ash to remember both of his proposals: the one that was completely spur of the moment and drawn from the depths of his heart and the one that was planned and thought out with his ring and their friends and family present.

  He squeezed Ash’s hand under the table and as Ash looked over, he slid out of his seat, encouraging Ash to come with him and everyone quieted down, waiting to see what they were up to as they stood in the small courtyard.

  “Hey, everyone,” Nick began. “Tomorrow and Friday are going to be kind of crazy, but I’m glad you’re all here right now because I have something I need to do and I’m glad you’re here to be a part of it.” He let go of Ash’s hand and dug in his pocket for the ring box. He glanced at Ash and saw a tender look on his face, but he could also see Ash’s excitement and awe simmering below the surface. Stevie, Rick, and Adam all made sounds of surprise and delight, but Nick’s eyes were only for his man as he stepped back and dropped down to one knee.

  He took Ash’s hand and smiled when he realized Ash was trembling slightly. Ash brought his other hand up to his chin and smiled the biggest smile as Nick squeezed his hand and began.

  “Ash? I didn’t know you two months ago or know anything about Connectivity or love or fate. But in such a short amount of time, you’ve become the most important person in my life. Sometimes I watch you, either while you’re asleep or while your concentrating on a video game, or doing whatever you’re doing, and it just hits me all over again, how much I love you, how much I want to care for you, and how completely and absurdly lucky I am to have you. I can’t think of anything that would mean more to me than to have your love and to have you by my side for the rest of our lives. I know the next few days are going to be a trial for both of us and I couldn’t live with myself if you didn’t know just exactly what you mean to me before you undergo your procedure.

  “You are my sun, Ash. You are the center of my world; my gravitational pull. You bring me so much joy and happiness and you radiate this life and energy and strength that I’m just in awe of. You know exactly who you are and exactly what you want.” Nick paused. “And now I do too. I want you. Plain and simple. I want every part of you. And I want it forever. I’ve already asked for your father’s permission, but Ash Noel Weaver, when you turn eighteen, will you do me the incredible honor of becoming my husband?”

  Ash nodded with a shimmer of tears in his eyes. “Yes,” he choked out and threw his arms around Nick’s neck, laughing as Nick straightened up and spun his fiancé around with his feet high off the ground.

  Everyone else quickly surrounded them, wishing them well and all talking over each other to tell them congratulations, but Nick set Ash down, kissed him properly, and held open the little black box for Ash to see his ring.

  “Oh my God, it’s so beautiful,” Ash declared as he reached out to touch it. Nick stalled his fingers and took the ring out himself then closed the box and pocketed it once more. He took Ash’s left hand and slid the ring onto his ring finger then brought his hand up to kiss it and kissed and hugged his fiancé again.

  When they separated, Ash looked down at his perfectly-fitted ring and even though his eyes were misted slightly he was grinning from ear to ear. Stevie broke in then and drew Ash up into an enormous hug while Nick shook hands with Cory, Josh, Rick, and Adam, who hugged him tightly, told him congratulations, and welcomed him to the family. Nick really took that moment to heart because to Ash, Rick and Adam were the only father figures he had left and they were his family. For Nick to be welcomed and accepted so freely and openly, was so touching that he might have gotten a little choked up as well.

  But what really tugged at his heart strings was seeing mother and son so emotional and sharing in the joy of the moment. Stevie was whispering in Ash’s ear as they hugged and when she turned her watery eyes to him, he smiled and wrapped his arms around both of them. They were his family now and he was so completely honored to be a part of so much love.

  As all the hugs and well wishes died down and talk of weddings and future plans rose, they unfortunately had to quell any further discussion so they could leave for class, but Ash commented that if anyone wanted to help him plan a wedding, he’d be perfectly available over the next week to ten days. Everyone chuckled as they walked them out to their car and with a few more hugs and goodbyes, Nick opened the passenger door for Ash and then ran around to his side to climb in and drive them across town.

  -XV-

  Thursday morning, Nick woke up with the worst butterflies of his life. Ash was snuggled up against him in some shorts and a shirt and as much as Nick would love to take the edge off his anxiety by waking Ash with a little fooling around, he knew today was not the day for that.

  Ash had been prepping himself, both mentally and physically for both the pre-op and the surgery, so Nick didn’t want to risk either of them losing focus on something that could definitely wait for another day. And as much as he’d love to strengthen their Connection one more time just to ensure them both of the other’s presence, he wanted the next time they were intimate with each other to be completely uninhibited. He wanted to know Ash without barriers, without the restriction of seeing or feeling something that made Ash uncomfortable.

  So… He’d wait.

  He’d show Ash how much he loved him by being there for him one-hundred percent. No pressure, no expectations, just pure love and devotion and unwavering support in the face of one of the most important days of Ash’s life.

  He kissed Ash’s shoulder and gently slid off the sofa bed, looking down at his fiancé for a moment before seeing Ash’s engagement ring. Nick ran his thumb over the smooth metal of his own ring and thought back to the night before and the quiet promises they’d made to each other once the house had gone to sleep.

  Stevie had gone out with Rick and Adam to purchase a cake and some sparkling cider for an impromptu celebration and they’d surprised them as they’d opened the door after class, expecting to change and head off to an early bed, but instead were greeted to smiling faces and a quick piece of cake before everyone hugged them and Rick and Adam left, and Cory and Josh admitted they were ready for bed as well.

  They’d all taken their turns in the bathroom and said their good nights and when he and Ash had returned to the living room, Ash wasted no time claiming his mouth in an all-consuming kiss that just about melted Nick’s bones. They’d had to remind each other more than once to be quiet and even though they’d only kissed, they’d been practically glued to each other’s mouths.

  When they finally had come up for air, though, Ash reiterated how much he loved his ring and Nick had told him that he’d bought a matching one to keep Ash’s diamond close to his heart.

  With that news, Ash had practically demanded the ring and before Nick could even say any more, Ash had been out of bed and rummaging through his pants pocket for the ring box. When he’d finally snagged the box and opened it, he withdrew the second ring and insisted Nick sit up so he could exchange his feelings while he slid Nick’s ring into place.

  It had been such a tender exchange of words and feelings, that Nick was certain he was going to remember the night for the rest of his life.

  But the morning was all business as he went to take care of things in the bathroom. He could hear Cory and Josh’s low voices behind their bedroom door and after he finished up in the bathroom, he headed to the kitchen to start on a huge batch of scrambled eggs.

  “We smell bacon.”

  Nick startled as Josh entered the kitchen and took a seat at the kitchen table. He smiled and nodded. “Figured I’d get an early start and let Ash keep sleeping. I’m not sure how much sleep he’s going to get tonight.”

  Josh nodded. “How are you holding up? If it were Cory going in for surgery, I’d be a wreck.”

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32