Page 32 of Now and Forever

“Sweetheart…” He cleared his throat. “Seth. You fill my life with so much joy. Without you, I’d be lost. That might sound cliché, but it’s the truth. I was drowning in loneliness, aching for love—for a true connection—when we met. I love you with all my heart.” Malcolm dropped to one knee then fished the box from his jacket. He popped the lid open and gazed up at a startled Seth. “Will you marry me?”

Seth froze, his eyes round as saucers. Then he burst into tears and launched himself into Malcolm’s arms. They laughed together as they shared wet kisses and frantic caresses. Malcolm grabbed Seth by his biceps to still him.

“Wait. Was that a yes?”

Seth lunged at him again and wrapped his arms around Malcolm’s neck. “Yes, yes! A thousand times yes!”

Malcolm pulled him into another embrace, and when the reality of Seth’s response sunk in, his own happy tears fell.

He’d had nothing to fear. The proposalhadturned out perfect.

Chapter Eight

One year.

Seth flipped through photos on his tablet of him and Daddy. His feet were propped up on a wicker ottoman in the sunroom as he perused the images, delighting in the memories they aroused. Holidays, getaways, nights out with Nate and Tina, the trip to visit Daddy’s parents—in some ways, much of it still didn’t seem real.

This is my life now.

Not only that, but they were getting married. Seth grinned. He was going to be someone’shusband. His vision went swimmy as his eyes filled with water. Seth swiped at the happy tears, refusing to get weepy when Daddy was going to be back at any minute so they could go over the wedding plans.

Debbie had insisted, and she expected a full report from them that evening.

“Hey, baby.”

Seth jumped and slapped a hand to his chest. “Oh my God, Daddy. I didn’t hear you come in.”

“Sorry.” He chuckled as he rubbed Seth’s neck, peering over his shoulder. “That’s one of my favorites. The night I proposed.” Daddy leaned down and kissed his cheek. “And now we’d better get to work. We don’t want to face the Wrath of Momorgive her an opening to take over.”

Daddy helped Seth to his feet then led him out of the room, Seth trailing behind him.

“I don’t mind, Daddy. Honestly, I’m not sure where to start. And she makes lists like you do. I’m sure she’d do a much better job than me.”

They entered the den and Daddy dropped onto the couch, dragging Seth down with him. “Or me. We have an activities director at the vineyard who handles all the weddings and parties.” Daddy scratched his chin. “Hmm. You know, since I’m her only child, this’ll be her only opportunity to help plan a wedding.” He lolled his head in Seth’s direction. “Thirsty? I’m not leaving the house again and don’t have any work, so I’m pouring myself a finger of whiskey.”

Seth arched his eyebrows. “Uh-oh. This is going to bethatstressful?”

Daddy shrugged. “Maybe? I guess we’ll find out.” He pushed himself up from the sofa. “Bottled water, seltzer, juice, coffee…?”

“Just regular water right now, Daddy.”

“Coming right up. In the meantime, can you run into my office and grab one of the legal pads and a couple pens? You’re right about the list thing.” He shook a finger at him. “See? Already you’re more on top of this enterprise than I am.”

Seth shook his head, laughing. Once he’d jogged to the other room, gathered what they needed, then jogged back—Daddy was already reclining against the sofa cushions, tumbler in hand. He’d taken off his shoes and placed his sock-covered feet on the coffee table. He glanced up when Seth drew near.

“Ah, perfect timing.” He indicated to the water bottle on the table by his feet then patted the cushion next to him. “Let’s do this thing.”

“Thanks, Daddy.” Seth plopped down next to Daddy. “Should I write the list, or do you want to?”

“You should definitely write the list.” Daddy took a healthy swallow of the deep amber liquid. “Umm, let’s see. Uh…” He furrowed his brow as he took another sip.

“Should we decide on whether to have a lot of people or if we should keep it small? I won’t be inviting anyone, so that’s not an issue. But does your mom have a lot of friends? And what about the rest of your family?”

Daddy gazed at him wistfully and finger-brushed Seth’s hair back from his face. “I want our wedding day to be a dream come true foryou. Whatever makes you happy is fine with me.”

“But what about your mom?”

“It’s fine with her, too. I promise.”

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