Page 26 of Twice the Problems

Salem could barely swallow past the lump in his throat. Then Quest’s arms wrapped around them and Salem’s eyes closed. He realized he wasn’t scared. Salem didn’t need to guard himself in any way. Because Dodge was right. They had loved each other before, and they would love each other again. Maybe that sounded crazy to somepeople, but not him.

“I just came out here to let you know I’m about to take a shower.” Quest kissed his shoulder.

“Okay, sweetie.”

He felt Quest smile against his skin before he pulled away, leaving Salem and Dodge to their stargazing.

Salem kissed Dodge’s spine.

Dodge’s hand covered his. “You should join Quest. I want to spend a few more minutes thanking the universe.”

Love filled Salem until it nearly drowned him. Still, he took a step back. “I love you.”

Dodge flashed a sweet smile over his shoulder. “I love you too.”

Salem headed for the door.

“Hey.”

Salem turned at Dodge’s call.

He found Dodge staring at him with that same flood of love. “Thank you.”

Salem smiled. “I thought you were thanking the universe tonight.”

“I am.”

Salem’s throat swelled. “You never have to thank me.”

“Yes, I do.” Dodge went backto staring at the sky.

Salem forced himself to leave Dodge behind. He understood the need to have a moment from whatever powerful thing it was the three of them shared. They had an overwhelming love. Sometimes it was almost too heavy.

He slipped into the bathroom. Inside the wet room, Quest sat on the bench and let the shower heads blast him from every direction. He, too, seemed to stare at nothing, completely lost in thought. Salem didn’t undress. If Quest wanted peace too, then Salem would make himself scarce.

He peeked open the door. “You good?”

A sweet smile turned his way. “Yeah. I was just waiting for you.”

“Are you sure? You look like a man who wants to be left alone.”

Quest rolled his eyes.

Salem couldn’t stop smiling as he stripped.

“I was a bit lost in thought, though.”

Salem paused with one foot in the wet room.

“You should have an engagement ring too. It should match, but I wasn’t sure if I should just ask where you got ours or try to drop hints. Then I decided you’re the straightforward one, so I shouldjust ask.”

Salem shook his head. He was so in love with this man. As he had once said to Dodge, Quest was the ‘everyone gets love in this house’ guy. It never got old.

Salem closed the distance between them. “They were specially made by Grant Cullier.”

Quest blew out a low whistle. “Damn. Really? I thought it took months to get him.”

Since Grant was the most famous jeweler in the country, that was true. “Not when you have money like ours. I got all three rings, so they’d match.”