Page 74 of A Small Town Spring

“So, I heard from Fernanda that your show completely sold out,” Pete says to my boyfriend.“Congrats.What’s next for Toby Wheaton, hot new artist?”

Toby grimaces.“Yeah, thanks.It’s all a bit overwhelming, actually.I think I’m going to take a break.”He glances at me.“Refill the well, that sort of thing.I didn’t put up absolutely everything in my collection, so Fernanda’s going to swap some of the sold pieces out at the gallery.”

“Give the people what they want,” Pete says.“Ride this high as long as you can.”

“Good advice, thanks, man.Oh, I’m going to grab us some of those bacon date things.”Toby lopes across the yard to intercept a server with a tray of canapés.

“And how’s the Kingston James Literary Agency doing?”Jack asks.

“It’s humming along.Reed’s YA book went back for a second printing, so that’s good.”

“I devoured that book.When’s the next one coming out?”

“Patience,” I say.“It’ll be ready when it’s ready.”

“Agent speak for he hasn’t finished it yet,” Jack says.

“What about you two?I’m waiting for the next book in your contract,” I say mildly.I’m not worried about getting it, but I’m not going to pass up a chance to remind them.

“About that—” Pete starts.

“We wanted to talk to you?—”

I wasn’t worried before, but now I’m starting to sweat again.

“Should we really be talking work at a wedding?”Pete says to his husband.

“This will be quick.We’ll have this book done by summer, like I told you,” Jack says, and I internally breathe a sigh of relief.“But we want to hold off on extending the contract.”

“Why?”

Pete and Jack exchange a glance.“We’re starting the adoption process, and we want to keep our timing flexible.”

“Oh my goodness.”I grin and gather them both into a hug.“That’s so exciting.I’m so happy for you.Does this mean I’m going to be an uncle?”

“You already are an uncle,” Jack points out.“But yes.If everything works out.”

“Which it will.You guys are going to be amazing dads.”

Jack’s cheeks are stretched painfully wide with his smile.“We’re actually incredibly excited, even though it’s all paperwork and background checks and lawyers at this point.”

“You should be.”I raise my glass.“To this next, very exciting chapter.”

Pete and Jack clink their glasses to mine.Toby walks up carrying four bacon wrapped dates and offers them to us.I take one, feeling famished with the stress of performing the wedding finally behind me.The snack is chewy-salty-sweet and I watch Toby’s mouth as he eats his, wanting him with a fierceness that makes my skin feel tight.I’m so lucky I found him.What would I ever do if I lost him?

He catches my gaze with his honey one and tilts his head at me in question.

“Toby, can you, uh, help me with something inside?”I grab his elbow and steer him toward the house, ignoring the stares of Pete and Jack behind us.Who cares what they think I need help with?I’ve put up with them loving on each other for literally years.They can deal.

“What is it?”Toby asks, depositing his empty champagne flute on a table as I propel him through the French doors into the kitchen.The large space is overrun with catering crew who pay us no attention.

“I need—you,” I say, honest and raw.

He nods, as if he understands, then glances around.“Um—where?”

I think about the best place, decide on an upstairs bathroom, and drag him up the stairs.“I need this.”I find the guest bathroom and lock the door behind us.

“I did sort of leave you hanging this morning,” Toby admits.

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