Page 232 of Haunted
He stared at them. “So whereamI gonna sleep?”
“You know the land behind the Leather barn?” The boss grinned. “Thatiswhat you all call it, right? Well, I’m going to have a new cabin built, like the one Teague has. It won’t be huge—there’ll be space for one bed—but it’ll be plenty big enough for the two of you.”
Sol smiled. “It’ll be close to the barn. Better still, it’ll be private.”
“And until it’s built, you and Sol will share my mom’s old cabin.” The boss’s face tightened. “I haven’t told the boys yet that they’re going to lose their guest space. I feel bad about that. They’ve only just been given it.”
“You don’t need to worry about that.” Teague walked over, a bottle of beer in his hand. “I spoke to the boys after you told me your plan. They’re happy with it.” He grinned at Butch. “Zeeb said at least they’ll know where you are now.” He arched his eyebrows. “Just remember you still work here, okay? Don’t you be sneaking off to do God knows what with your…” His eyes sparkled. “I don’t know what to call Sol. A couple of labels come to mind.”
“He’s my boyfriend,” Butch stated emphatically. Then his heartbeat raced, and his stomach quivered. “And sometimes he’s my Sir.”
Oh my God, the light in Sol’s face…
Sol’s breathing hitched. “Have I told you today that I love you?”
Butch beamed. “Only a few times. I stopped counting.”
He would never tire of hearing those words, not if he lived to be a hundred.
Epilogue
Thursday, November 24, 2022
Casper, Wyoming
Alli came into the kitchen as Sol placed cups and saucers on a tray.
“Coffee’s ready,” he told her. From beyond the door came the sound of laughter, and he smiled. “Sounds as if they’re getting on like a house on fire. Who’s winning?” Alli’s son Luke had brought the game of Articulate with him, and so far they’d been playing for over an hour.
Alli rolled her eyes. “Dad.”
He shook his head. “Still can’t believe you’re a grandmother.” Lucy was only six months old, and Sol had begged to hold his new grand-niece every chance he got. The sight of Butch cradling the baby, gazing at her with an awed expression, had sent warmth flooding through him.
He’s going to make a really cool great-uncle.
Alli glared at him. “I amwaytoo young to be a grandmother, do you hear me?” She glanced toward the door. “Dad likes Butch. So does Mom.” She smiled. “So do I.” Then she narrowed her gaze. “You might’ve warned me who you were bringing.”
“Why? It was much more fun this way.” Butch had walked up to her with a grin, and asked if she was still the same pain in the ass she’d been when she was thirteen. Her expression of shock had been worth it.
“Don’t think I didn’t notice.”
He feigned innocence. “Notice what?”
“That ring on his finger? The one you haven’t mentioned yet?” Alli folded her arms. “Something you want to tell me?”
He smiled. “That’s between me and him. And before you ask, no, we’re not engaged, there are no wedding bells about to start pealing, no announcements imminent, okay?”
“But itisserious, right?”
Sol looked her in the eyes. “As serious as it gets.”
Alli gaped at him, and a second later, Sol had his arms full. She hugged him. “I think that’s awesome. I amsofreaking happy for you.” Then she released him. “Nearly as happy as I was to learn you’re living in Montana. At least you didn’t have to travel far to get here.”
Sol laughed. “I’d rather have seven hours in a car with Butch than fly from San Francisco.” He grinned. “Even if I had to put up with his choice of music for half the trip,” he added loudly.
“I heard that!” Butch hollered from the dining room where they were playing.
Sol cackled.
