Page 50 of Thinking It Over

While I’d known the basics of who the men getting married were—their jobs, their connection to Jasper, their daughter—that was about all I knew. And as soon as we’d arrived, Jasper had discreetly pointed out thepeople and their names to me. Thankfully, I was a quick study when it came to names, one of the essential skills needed for teaching.

The people around us began to leave the seating area, milling around, and reaching for drinks from a couple of servers who’d appeared.

This bar belonged to Ted, who I’d heard mentioned a time or two, and his husband, Jason. They’d closed up for the day and night for the wedding, which seemed like a great idea. It was casual and friendly. There were a few decorations and flowers dotted around the area, but everything was minimal and in good taste. And with no sit-down meal, it made good sense.

Looking at Davis and Scott being congratulated, I smiled at the love emanating from the two of them. This was what I hoped for someday for myself. A man to call my own. A man who held my heart so completely and who loved me just as fiercely back that the sharing of vows would cement our affection and our future.

My eyes roved over the small family as Davis said something to his daughter before kissing her and placing her feet to the floor. A moment later, she was off like a shot, racing toward a couple of boys a little older than her.

“Let me introduce you to Scott and give our congrats.” Jasper tugged lightly on my hand. I smiled broadly at him, ignoring the flutter of nerves I always got when meeting someone new. The good thing was though, with the celebration going on, I was on no one’s radar.

“Congratulations.” Jasper hugged Davis hard, then did the same to Scott. “Your ceremony was so beautiful.”

Scott placed a kiss to his husband’s temple, holding him close. “Thanks, Jasper. We’re so happy you’re here.”

“As if I’d be anywhere else.” He glanced back at me. “Austin, meet Davis’s husband,” he said with a wide smile, “Scott.”

Scott laughed at that and reached out and shook my hand.

“I imagine that sounds pretty good.” My lips curved up as I spoke. “Pleased to meet you. And congratulations to you both.”

“It really does,” Scott agreed. “Davis had hoped you were able to come.”

Warmth enveloped me at the welcome I’d received from Jasper’s group of friends. “I was really happy to come. Thank you.”

Ian stepped forward and hugged the two men, Sarah next in line as Jasper and I backed away.

“You happy to continue to make the rounds and meet everyone or do you need a breather?” Jasper said as he moved in front of me, standing close.

My heart flipped over at the sweet concern in his voice. That he wanted me to be okay, cared enough to check on my comfort meant a lot. Unable and unwilling to resist, I leaned in his space and pressed a tender kiss on his warm lips.

He relaxed against me, falling into the touch.

This man had the power to unravel me, and I had no desire to stop him.

Reluctantly though, I eased back. “I’d love to meet the people in your life who you care about.”

Dilated pupils connected with mine, and a flash of emotion appeared in his gaze. The gentlest of smiles curved his lips before he said, “I’d really like that too.”

We made our rounds, chatting to those I knew and being introduced to a few unfamiliar faces. I was just going to recommend we head over to fill a plate when I heard Jasper’s name. I looked over my shoulder and saw a woman maybe a little older than my mom would have been.

She waved Jasper over, a big smile on her face and a glass of champagne in her hand.

“Hey, Marcy,” Jasper greeted, dotting a kiss on her cheek. “Where’s the dashing Mr. Marcy?” he sassed. I knew Jasper really liked Carter’s mom and Jack, her husband. The couple was one of the first pointed out to me when we’d arrived.

She rolled her eyes, which didn’t diminish the humor dancing in the depths. “He’s apparently explaining to Jason why it’s never too young to start playing golf. Ted abandoned the poor man when he realized the topic. I think someone needs to save him soon, else he’ll never get away.”

Both Jasper and I laughed and peered over at Jason—who’d been previously pointed out to me too. He stood with a serious expression, nodding every now and then. He was a big guy, a little older than Jasper. Marcy’s eyes were on me when I returned my attention to her.

“Sorry,” Jasper said immediately. “Marcy, this is Austin. Austin, Carter’s mom, Marcy.”

My smile was friendly as I reached out and shook her hand. “Lovely to meet you.”

“You too, Austin.” Her gaze flicked back to Jasper. “So, you were never lying about you and Ian then? Huh. I called that one completely wrong.”

Jasper’s mouth dropped open, and I laughed. He seemed to gather himself before saying, “No.” He shook his head. “No idea why you were so insistent about that.”

She grinned. “Sorry, it’s just because you’re both so handsome and lovely.” Her eyes roamed over to me. “However, you’re pretty easy on the eyes yourself, Austin.” She nodded as if in approval. “And you’re a principal, right?”

---