She raises herself on her toes and framing my jaw she kisses me softly.
“I love this place. When can we move in?”
I turn to where Jill is. “Thanks, Jill. She said yes.”
“Congrats.” Jill walks over to us and hands us two keycards. “I hope you’re both happy here.”
As Jill leaves, Doc frowns. “That was quick.”
“I’ve already purchased it. I figured if you said no, Marcus could have it.”
“So, it’s ours?” she gasps.
“Yeah.” I smile as I wrap my arm around her waist and pick her up against my body. “How about we christen it?”
I carry her over to the counter that separates the living room from the kitchen and set her down on it. I place my hands on the counter, and cage her in with my body.
“This feels familiar,” she whispers as she leans back.
I unbutton the top two buttons of her blouse and lift the material over her head. Unsnapping her bra, I slide the straps down her arms. I place my hand flat on her breastbone and slowly drag my hand down her body. She falls back on the counter, and it gives me full access to pull her pants and panties off. When I have her naked in front of me, I position her legs over my shoulders and cover her breasts with my hands. I start to kiss her from her navel to her pussy, then take my time licking and sucking on her clit, until she trembles from pleasure.
∞∞∞
LEIGH
As we walk into the bar, I spot the group where they’re seated near the small stage.
I’ve been here a couple of times with Sebastian and Ryan, but it feels amazing to have Jaxson here with me.
Marcus came with Rhett, and I’m glad to see Marcus didn’t chicken out. Sebastian is really looking forward to seeing him up on the stage.
“Hey guys,” I say as we reach the table. Jaxson pulls out my chair, and after I sit down, he presses a kiss to my hair.
When I first met him, I never would’ve thought he’d turn out to be such an amazing man. I might have had my doubts in the beginning, but they’re all long gone now.
We order drinks while other people take their turns on the stage. Some are quite good, while others are clearly here to have a fun go at it.
I lean over to Sebastian. “You look pretty tonight. I love the pink streaks.”
“Thanks, baby-girl.” He blows me a kiss. “You look pretty hot yourself.”
I crinkle my nose at his compliment.
When we’re on our second drink, Rhett helps Marcus to stand. We all watch as they walk onto the stage. Rhett grabs a chair for Marcus, and when he’s seated, they both grab a microphone.
I look at Jaxson, who’s sitting with a wide grin on his face.
Sebastian claps his hands excitedly as Marcus brings the mic to his mouth.
“We rewrote this song for Miss Sebastian. I didn’t believe in angels until I met her.”
He blows Sebastian a kiss, and he pretends to catch it. The second the intro starts Sebastian’s face turns emotional. I place my hand on his back when his eyes start to shine. He brings his hand to his mouth as Marcus starts to sing.
“When we first met you, we couldn’t look you in the eye. You’re just like a queen, your beauty makes us shy.”
Rhett steps forward and holds a hand out to Sebastian. After helping him onto the stage, Rhett positions him between himself and Marcus.
He winks at Sebastian, and sings, “You’re everything that’s right in this beautiful world, but still you wish you were special. Well, we think you’re special.”
Marcus and Rhett look at Sebastian as they both sing, “When you feel like a creep, just remember we’re the real weirdos. When you wonder what the hell you’re doing here. Just remember you belong here.”
Sebastian starts to cry, and I can’t stop my own tears from sneaking out. Jaxson wraps his arms around my shoulders and pulls me into his side.
Ryan’s eyes never leave the stage, as the guys continue to sing to Sebastian.
“If anyone dares hurt you, don’t worry we’ve got it under control. You have a perfect body. You have a perfect soul. Believe us, we notice whenever you’re not around ‘cause we think you’re special. To us, you’re so fucking special.”
Rhett places an arm around Sebastian when he cries and pulls him into his chest.
“Whatever makes you happy, we’ll make sure you have it.”
Marcus stands up and taking Sebastian’s hand, he presses a kiss to it.
Rhett and Marcus close the song with the final lyrics, and I don’t think there’s a dry eye in the bar.
“You’re so fucking special. To us you are special. You’re not a creep. You’re not a weirdo. We love you, Miss Sebastian. You belong here. You’re a part of us.”
“Oh my God, you’ve totally ruined my makeup,” Sebastian sobs into Rhett’s chest.
Everyone breaks out in a loud applause as the trio leaves the stage.
I wipe my cheeks, and when Sebastian sits down next to me, I give him a sideways hug.
“My eyes won’t stop leaking,” he groans, while he waves his hand in front of his face.
Ryan leans over to Sebastian and using a tissue, he wipes off the mascara streaks.
“I feel…” Sebastian looks at Marcus and Rhett. “Even though you made me ugly cry in public, you’re both my chunks of hunks, and I love you madly.”
We order another round of drinks, and when they arrive, Ryan raises his glass to make a toast.
“Here’s to an amazing group of men, which of course includes me. To our beautiful women.” He looks lovingly at Sebastian and me. “Here’s to miracles and health, may we never run out of either.”
We all toast to his words and once Sebastian starts to dance, I lean back into Jaxson and watch as our friends have fun.
EPILOGUE
JAXSON
Eight months later…
I watch Logan set up the camera. It’s become a hobby for him. He records every single get-together.
“Who’s going first this year?” Rhett asks where he’s sitting on the floor next to Danny.
We’re celebrating Thanksgiving at my and Leigh’s place.
“I’ll go first.” Marcus gets up and glances around the room. “A year ago I thought my life was over. I don’t know how to say this without sounding insane.”
He laughs nervously and swallows hard.
“Just say it, babe. We’re all a little nuts,” Miss Sebastian encourages him.
“Yeah, we are.” Marcus chuckles then his face turns serious. “It took me almost dying to realize what an asshole I was. It’s still changing me every day. What I’m most grateful for this year are the fragments I had in my heart. If it weren’t for them, Jax and Doc wouldn’t have gotten together. I never would’ve met Miss Sebastian and Ryan. I’ve gained so much, being thankful doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel.”
“Thank God for permanent makeup,” Miss Sebastian says as she wipes under her eyes.
She stands up and spreads her arms out to the room. “You’re all my people. God, I’m so blessed.” She looks at Rhett and Marcus. “My boys, I love you madly. Thank you for encouraging me to have the surgery. Thank you for all the pampering afterward. Thank you for my B & V.”
“What’s a B & V?” Danny asks, looking up at Rhett.
I hide my face in Doc’s neck, so they won’t see me laughing.
“Your daddy will tell you later,” Rhett answers quickly.
“Thanks,” Carter says, not looking happy.
Rhett and Marcus paid for Miss Sebastian’s gender reassignment surgery. Miss Sebastian calls it her B & V, which stands for boobs and vajayjay.
Mia stands up and walks over to me. She hands me an envelope then smiles at Marcus.
“Is that what I think it is?” Marcus asks.
“Yeah.”
I look down at the envelope, and the breath rushes from my lungs.
To Jax when he’s expecting his first child.
It’s Marcus’ handwriting.
My hands start to shake as I open the envelope and pull the page from it.
Jax,
I wish I could be there. Even though I’m not, just close your eyes, because I’m standing right next to you. I’ll always be right next to you.
You’re going to be an amazing father. I know this because you are an amazing friend. You have so much love and passion inside of you. You protect those you love fiercely.
You’ve got this.
Marcus.
I stand up and hug Marcus as I take deep breaths.
“Thank you,” I whisper before I pull away. “I guess that makes it my turn.”
I close my eyes and fight to control my emotions before I turn to Doc.
“I’m so thankful for you.” I kneel in front of her and take her hands in mine. “I’m thankful for these hands. You gave me so much this year. You gave me Marcus. You’re giving me a child. You gave me your love. You’re my infinity, Doc. Please marry me.”
I take the ring from my pocket and holding it in the palm of my hand, I offer her everything I am.
“Jaxson, it’s perfect,” she breathes as she takes the ring from my palm. I had it made for her. It’s a simple band woven in an infinity design.
“Yes.” It’s a barely there whisper, but I hear it clearly.
I push the ring onto her finger and press my lips against it.
I get back up and turn to Marcus.