“That’s a yes.” Reuben smiled against his lips. “Yes, to being your husband. Yes, to building a family. Yes, to all of it.”
Nikon’s fingers traced the line of Reuben’s jaw. “I never thought I’d have this.”
“Neither did I.” Reuben leaned into the touch. “Funny how life surprises you.”
“Especially when you think you have everything planned out,” Nikon murmured.
Reuben laughed softly. “That’s us. Two control freaks forced to adapt.”
“But I wouldn’t change it.” Nikon’s eyes held his, serious again. “Any of it.”
The sound of Nikon’s phone vibrating against the nightstand interrupted the moment. Without looking, he reached over and silenced it.
“Aren’t you going to check that?” Reuben asked.
“Not right now.” Nikon settled back against the pillows. “It can wait, whatever it is.”
Reuben raised an eyebrow. A year ago, Nikon would’ve been reaching for that phone before it finished its first vibration. The change didn’t need to be pointed out.
“I should make coffee.” Nikon slid from the bed, moving with fluid grace as he pulled on sleep pants.
Reuben watched him, admiring the play of muscles beneath scarred skin. “I’ll join you in a minute.”
As Nikon left the bedroom, Reuben listened to his footsteps. They were purposeful but unhurried, lacking the tense rhythm they’d carried for months during the Dmitrii situation.
Reuben reached for the pocket watch on the nightstand. The Matvei crest caught the light as he turned it over in his palm, the shape of it still new in his hand. Family. Home. And now, marriage.
A minute later, Reuben pulled on a pair of sweatpants and followed Nikon into the kitchen.
Reuben leaned against the counter, content to watch as Nikon carefully measured out coffee grounds.
“You’re staring again,” Nikon said without turning.
“Old habits.” Reuben stepped forward, sliding his arms around Nikon’s waist from behind. “Besides, you’re worth watching.”
THE END
