Page 16 of Once Upon An Ever After
“What the fuck s going on up here?”
Everyone on the balcony turned to watch a furious looking Gibson Frost in full tuxedo make a path through the crowed with his new husband trailing just behind him. Dawson shot Beau a glance and saw his smile dissolve. He cringed, just barely keeping himself from stepping backwards and cowering in the presence of his oldest brother.
Gibson stopped at the edge of the crowd, his brows furrowing, “Dawson?”
“Beau?” Felix joined his husband, raising an eyebrow at his friend. “What happened to the cake?”
“It was an accident.” Beau said quickly but Gibson only narrowed his eyes on his brother.
“An accident?”
“Yeah, it was my fault and I’m so sorry guys. I didn’t mean to ruin your day.” His apologized sheepishly.
“You didn’t ruin our day.” Felix looked between them and the hint of a smile curled at his mouth. “You ruined a cake.”
“I’m so sorry.”
Gibson was still frowning, “Everything else is okay here?”
“Yeah.” He nodded stiffly.
“We were afraid we were about to see a body go over the balcony next.” Felix smirked.
“Oh my god. No.” Beau spoke up and Dawson nearly melted when he felt Beau’s hand slide against his own, twining their fingers together and giving a squeeze. They stood shoulder to shoulder now. Dawson couldn’t help but imagine them as a mirror image of Gibson and Felix and he squeezed Beau’s hand tighter. “We’re fine. Better than fine even. Promise.”
Gibson didn’t look the least bit mollified as he glanced from their joined hands back to Dawson, “Seriously, what happened up here?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Another voice spoke up from the edges of the crowd and Dawson turned enough to see his uncle step forward, a knowing smile and a twinkle of amusement in his eye when Roman spoke. “Your little brother takes after you more than any of us realized, Gibson. Turns out, he’s a possessive little shit when it comes to his man.”
Dawson felt his face heat, “I really didn’t meant to ruin the cake. I’ll go out and get another one to replace it.”
“I don’t think…” Gibson started but Felix put a hand on his new husbands arm and forced his attention to him before he took over.
“How about we send the caterer to get a new cake.” Felix smiled at Dawson and Beau now, “You two go on home and… talk, or whatever it is you need to do.”
“Are you sure?” Beau asked, “We can…”
“Just go.” Gibson waved him off. “And take care of my little brother.”
“Always.” Beau nodded in agreement.
“Get out of here.” Felix winked.
“Come on.” Beau tugged at Dawsons arm but he pulled away and hugged his brother.
Gibson surprised him. He didn’t give him a quck squeeze and then step back like he usually did. He hugged Dawson back hard. His words when he whispered in Dawson’s ear caused tears to well in his eyes and he had to wipe at them when Gibson finally released him and he moved back to Beau.
As they descended the stairs, Beau gave him a worried look, “What did he say?”
“Gibson said he was happy I finally opened my eyes and saw what I had right in front of me, even if it took destroying his wedding cake in the process. He said all he’s ever wanted was for me to be happy and whole and finally, with you, I am.” Dawson’s voice cracked on the last words.
Beau squeezed his hand as he led him out of the house but he didn’t say anything about Gibson’s words. He didn’t have to. The truth was out there now and there was no going back. Dawson didn’t want to. He only wanted to go forward and he couldn’t see himself doing that with anyone except this man who had come into his life and changed everything for the better.
“Let’s go home.” He climbed behind the wheel of his car and then took Beau’s hand again, not wanting any more space between them, not ever again.
Chapter Eight
They didn’t speak the entire drive to Dawson’s home. It was closer than Beaus own so he didn’t question the decision. He simply got in the passenger seat and kept his mouth shut. He wasn’t sure what he should say so he just held onto Dawson’s hand as if it was a lifeline and let him drive them home in peace and quiet.
