Page 177 of His Boys to Protect

“I already asked Charlie,” Ward continued, “and he saidyes. It won't be legal, not with three of us–”

Skylar threw his arms around Ward. “I don't care!” he cried as his heart beat wildly against his ribs. “Oh fuck. Do you mean it?”

Ward pulled back just enough for his face to come into focus. “I've never meant anything more in my life.”

Skylar burst into tears. Ward held him tight, rubbing his back, murmuring soothing words, telling him over and over that he loved him. Skylar soaked it all up, still certain that it was only a dream.

But when he pulled back and saw the mixture of hope and wariness in Ward's eyes, he knew it wasn't a dream. It was real.

“Yes,” he gasped. “Yes! Oh fuck. Really?”

Ward grinned. “Really. We can do it at Christmas, just like you said you wanted.”

Skylar frowned, then recalled the conversation they'd had the night they met. “Holy cats. You remember that? Fuck, I don't want to wait that long. A year is so far away.”

“Then we'll do it this Christmas.”

Skylar blinked. “Seriously? But that's not even a month away.”

Ward shrugged. “Unless you want a whole big–”

“No! Hell no. I don't need the whole charade. I just didn't think you were that sure.”

“I'm that sure. I'd marry you boys right this minute if I could.”

Skylar burst into tears again while Ward held him. He was afraid to let go, afraid he might fall apart. But Ward kept him together.

“Let's get your things,” Ward said. “Get you out of here.”

Skylar nodded rapidly. “Okay.” He started to turn away, then spotted Uncle Zeke, standing several feet behind him, watching them.

Uncle Zeke studied him for a moment, then gave him a little smile. “Go.”

Skylar gasped. He stood there, frozen, staring at the man. When Uncle Zeke nodded towards the guest room, Skylar ran to him, gave him a quick hug, and hurried off to pack his things. When he came back out, bag in hand, he saw the two men silently assessing one another.

“Take care of her,” Uncle Zeke said, then quickly added, “Him. Sorry.”

Ward gave him a nod. “I will.” He looked at Skylar. “Ready to go home?”

Skylar's breath caught in his throat.Home. That sounded amazing. He burrowed into Ward's side and let the man lead him out of the apartment. Skylar glanced back once, giving Uncle Zeke a parting nod, then turned away, feeling the weight of a mountain drop off his shoulders, replaced by the warm, comforting presence of Ward's arm.

“Is Charlie here?” Skylar asked as they got into the elevator car.

“He stayed behind,” Ward explained. “He didn't want to slow me down. But I've got a whole string of texts from him. I saw them when I got here.” Ward chuckled. “He said if I found you tonight, we have to come straight back. He's staying at Dakota's place, but they're going to leave the front door unlocked for us. And he told me which room he's in.”

“That'll be really late,” Skylar realized. It would be hours before they got back to Paso Robles.

Ward held Skylar's face with both hands. “If you want to get away from here, I'll drive all night if I have to.”

Skylar's lower lip trembled.

Ward gave him a kiss, then paused, a curious look on his face as his thumbs brushed along Skylar's jaw.

Oh shit. “I'll shave,” Skylar blurted out. “I'll do it right now. Or–” He looked around, trying to figure out how to manage it.

“Sky,” Ward interrupted him.

“You hate it, don't you? I get it. You're still getting used to being with a guy and–”

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