Page 40 of Slippery When Wet

As if reading his thoughts, Calvin leaned down and whispered, “I never said a word. But I think Mel has suspected for a while.”

Once everyone had a glass of champagne, Calvin took a breath then coughed into his fist. Ellery noted his Adams’ apple bob up and down twice, and maybe it was a trick of the firelight, but he thought there was a glimmer in Calvin’s eyes.

At last, Calvin lifted his glass with a smile. “I want to thank everyone for choosing to spend this special night with us. Ellery and I are so glad you did because we have an exciting announcement to make.” Calvin took a breath, sniffing. “I’ve asked Ellery to marry me, and he’s honored me by saying yes. You’re all invited to our wedding here at the estate in June.”

Calvin squeezed his hand and Ellery squeezed back in reply.

Part of Ellery wished he’d held off on school so they could get married right away. But at the same time, he was genuinely excited about finally getting to go and officially learn design. The tuition was Calvin’s wedding gift to him.

A chorus of congratulations rose up all around, then Mel yelled over the din, “Congratulations to a wonderful couple. Cheers!”

Ellery yelped, startled as Calvin swept him up in his arms and gave him a toe-curling kiss in front of everyone. This time, the cheers sounded more like wolf calls.

After emptying their glasses and another round of congratulations, Calvin invited everyone to the dining room for the appetizers. Ellery couldn’t remember ever feeling so exhilarated.

Right as he reached the threshold of the dining room, his arm was grabbed, and he was yanked backwards.

“Hey!” Ellery yelled.

He didn’t need to see who it was who’d manhandled him—it could only be Reese.

Reese let go of Ellery’s arm, but his scowl remained. “That was a rotten trick.”

Ellery’s jaw dropped. Had Reese downed too much eggnog? “What do you mean by that?”

With ahmmph, Reese slammed his fist on his hips. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you’re engaged! I thought I was your best friend?”

For once, Ellery didn’t think Reese was messing with him. He seemed genuinely hurt. Ellery put an arm around Reese.

“You are my best friend, dork. But Calvin’s my Daddy. My honest to goodness, no holds barred, Daddy. He asked me to keep it a secret so we could make a special announcement on Christmas Eve. Wouldn’t you do the same if Lex made you promise?”

Reese lowered his gaze and pressed his lips together. At last, he looked up. “Is that why you kept cancelling our playdates, because you didn’t think you could hold it in?”

Ellery shrugged. “I could barely keep my big mouth shut tonight.”

Reese sputtered out a laugh then wrapped Ellery in a big hug. “I’m really happy for you, El. I’m so glad I dragged you to age play night.”

The slightest hint that he could’ve missed out on meeting Calvin always made him shudder. He’d be forever grateful to Reese.

“You have no idea how gladIam.”

They gave each other a squeeze before ending the hug. Reese wiped a finger under his eye, clearing his throat. “Enough of this mushy talk.” He rubbed his palms together. “Let’s eat. Your cook makes killer dishes.”

Ellery couldn’t argue with him about that.

As they made their way into the crowded room, Calvin locked gazes with him, inclining his head toward the kitchen. Ellery gave a small nod then took the roundabout way so he wouldn’t have push his way through their hungry guests.

When Ellery reached the kitchen, he was relieved to discover that he and Calvin were alone—at least for the moment. Calvin gathered up Ellery’s hands.

“I was going to give this to you earlier before everyone arrived, but I didn’t want to distract your Little. Then I decided to wait until we were alone later.” Calvin chuckled. “But I can’t stand it. I need to give this to you now.” Calvin let him go then reached into his pants pocket. When he retrieved a velvet, ring-shaped box, Ellery sucked in a sharp gasp.

“Daddy…”

“Here.” Calvin smiled, the glimmer in his eyes clear this time. “Open it, sweetheart.”

With shaky hands, Ellery managed to pop the lid open. The tears fell before he could stop them, and all he could do was stare at the etched, platinum ring, set with a square emerald. He’d never seen anything so beautiful.

“May I place it on your finger?”

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