Page 92 of The Marriage Policy

“I knew it would happen. Maggie and Calvin did too. We were just waiting for the two of you to catch up.”

And all it took to get us here was a marriage policy.

“I really, really love him.”

She cups my face. “I know you do, sweet boy. And he really loves you too.”

I nod, knowing she’s right.

We swap parents, Maggie and Calvin hugging me and telling me they love me and how happy they are that Donovan and I are together.

When Donovan comes back over to me, I do what I’ve been thinking about for days: I get down on one knee.

“What are you doing?” Donovan asks.

“I don’t have a ring, but I want you to know I’m going to work hard to buy you one, and then, I want you to marry me again. I want our friends and our family there to see us become husbands. Donovan Carter, will you marry me again?”

I’ve never seen him smile so big. Eyes glassy, Donovan tugs me to my feet. “Yes. Always. I’ll marry you a hundred times if you ask.”

EPILOGUE

Donovan

“I’m glad we’remaking Jilted Exes sleepovers a thing,” I say, cuddling up with Hayes and Anthony on the couch. Hayes is wearing matching PJ pants and shirt, one that buttons up and has a collar. I’m in one of Eric’s T-shirts and jammy pants, and Anthony is in short shorts and a matching crop. He has what I would call a twunk dancer’s body—Anthony liking to show it off more than Hayes or I would ever feel comfortable with.

We’re at Hayes and Rylan’s place this time. Rylan is away on a road trip. They’re playing in Seattle, and we just finished watching the game. We played drinking games every time Rylan’s line was on the ice, drinking extra every time he had the puck or knocked someone into the boards. We basically used any excuse we could find to consume more alcohol. My skin is warm and tingly, and I keep wanting to laugh for absolutely no reason.

“Me too,” Hayes says. “My first friend sleepover was with you guys.”

“Eric and I used to have them, but they were different from this. It was just the two of us, and we didn’t sit around and talk about guys and do facials.”

“You’re making our night together sound much kinkier than it is.” Ant pumps his brows playfully, making me realize what I just said. We in fact, are not giving each other that kind of facials.

“You know what I mean.” I nudge him. He hasn’t mentioned what Malcolm said to him that night—about Anthony’s own family not wanting him. I tried to bring it up once, but he clearlydidn’t want to talk about it, and I didn’t want to push. I let him know I’m always here if he wants to chat, and I intend to prove that to him. I’m so lucky to have him and Hayes in my life. “I love you guys,” I find myself saying.

“Uh-oh. This is one of those times when a person gets emotional when they’re drunk, right?” Hayes says.

I chuckle. “Yes. But it’s also true.” I hook one arm through Anthony’s and the other through Hayes’s. They scoot closer, Ant’s head on one of my shoulders and Hayes’s on the other. “Young Donovan couldn’t have imagined ever having this.” Emotion clogs my chest, and yes, I’m definitely at emotional-drunk levels. “I never could have even dreamed that this would be my life…living in LA, married to Eric, planning our actual, real ceremony, and getting drunk while watching hockey with the best friends a guy could ask for.”

“Drunk Donovan is adorable.” Anthony kisses my cheek. “I get it, though. Sometimes it’s scary to dream, but we’re fucking awesome and deserve to get everything we want.”

Hayes says, “It’s still amazing to me that people think I’m awesome. First Rylan and now you guys. It’s so weird.” He frowns as if truly confused by it.

“Aww. You’re the best. I love you both.” I give Hayes a hug.

“Me too,” Hayes replies.

“Right back at ya.” Anthony winks. “Come on. Let’s dance.” He shoves to his feet, then takes my hand and pulls me up, followed by Hayes.

“Um…I don’t think we can dance like you,” Hayes says shyly.

“Speak for yourself. I know how to work this body.” It’s one thing I’m fairly confident in.

“Oh, I remember. I’m the one who sucked last time.”

“I’ll teach you,” Anthony promises.

Hayes mutes the TV, Anthony turns on music, and that’s what we spend the next hour or so doing—laughing and dancing.Anthony moves with Hayes, hands on his hips, trying to show him how to fluidly move his body. Hayes is an adorable mess, and I love him for it.

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