Chapter Nineteen
This is really happening!
Hank stood there in Eliza’s back yard and stared into Dox’s eyes while trying not to cry.
He couldn’t even focus on what Loren was saying. The ceremony was more or less noise to him, quieted only by focusing on Dox’s calmly intense gaze.
There was no going back for him, only forward.
This wasn’t merely a means to an end for him. This waslove.
This mantrulywas the love of his life.
Maddox had seen him at his worst and lowest at various points in his life andstillwanted to be there for him.
Still wanted to have his back.
Wanted to protect and love JJ as much as he did.
How could he ask for a better partner than that?
As Loren led them through reciting their vows, Hank focused on Dox, on trying not to break down bawling like a baby, and on the fact that, for the first time in his life, he felt completely at peace.
“Maddox,” Loren said. “You wanted to say something?”
He nodded and squeezed Hank’s hands. “I’ve always been in love with you. I was too chicken to admit it when we were kids. Maybe it’s better I didn’t, I don’t know. I never thought I’d see you again, then you came back into my life. It feels like a series of events conspired to make sure we got our second chance, and I’m beyond grateful for that chance. I refuse to waste it, or to deny what I feel for you. I swear to you that I’ll love you for the rest of our lives, I’ll always take care of both of you, and that I’ll love JJ as my own child.”
Then Dox released his hands. Hank watched as Dox’s hand dipped into the pocket of his shorts and he held up a ring. Hank had to blink back tears as Dox slipped it onto his finger.
“With this ring, I thee wed,” Dox said, looking Hank in the eyes. “I want you to know how serious I am about this, that it’s not a game to me, it’s not just doing you a favor. It’s for life, and I mean every word of my vows.”
It fit perfectly.
That Maddox had actually found time, somewhere, to go out and buy one for him…it meant the world to Hank.
“I-I don’t have one for you.”
Dox smiled and reached into his pocket. “I just so happen to have one.”
Hank chuckled. “You sneak.” He took it from him and had to pause for a moment to corral his thoughts. “I was clueless about how you felt for me when we were kids. I always knew you were my best friend. I can look back on those years and see this isn’t far-fetched. I’ve always followed you around, and you always took care of me. I think it’s only fitting that I spend the rest of my life following you around, because I’ve never been happier than when I’ve been with you.”
He slipped the ring onto Maddox’s finger. “With this ring, I thee wed. I want you to know I will spend the rest of my life trying to be the best husband I can to you, and like you said, working day by day, night by night to make us as strong a family as we can be.”
“With that,” Loren said, “I pronounce you husbands. Feel free to kiss.”
Everyone cheered as Hank leaned in and kissed Dox first, staring him in the eyes as he did.
“Love you, Sir,” Hank whispered.
He could never remember Dox ever looking so happy in his entire life as he did in that moment. “Love you, too, boy.”
* * * *
It was nearly dark when the men finally got out of there, with JJ asleep on Hank’s shoulder as he carried her to the car and strapped her into her car seat. Rusty and Eliza had both worked with her most of the afternoon on basic fighting techniques, with a fake sword and shield, and she was already hooked on it.
One more activity for their little girl that would, as Rusty and Eliza gleefully pointed out, help teach her how to defend herself and terrify boys—or girls—who might want to mess with her.
They wouldn’t argue with that logic. Not at all.
