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yeah. For the kid s sakes. Taking a deep breath, he smoothed his
features and turned to Patrick. Thank you.
Patrick lifted one shoulder and gave him an understanding
smile. Sure, he replied settling back on Trace s lap. Let me
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know if she causes problems. He gave him a rueful grin. I may
not be able to remove all custody from her, but I can certainly
make things difficult for her.
Trace immediately kissed the attorney s neck and whispered
something about how fucking hot that was, and Carl prayed Lorna
hadn t heard it.
Carl nodded, and turned to Lorna. He dropped to his knees at
his ten-year-old daughter s feet and smiled. Guess you re with me
tonight after all. Did you really leave a paper over here?
Lorna blushed. No. Before Carl could figure out how to
respond to the admission, she rushed to say, I wanted to see you,
and make sure your boyfriend was okay, but when I told mom that
she got real red in the face like you saw and wouldn t let me come.
I had to think of something.
From the corner of his eye, Carl could see Vince stifling his
laughter. He focused on Lorna. I understand why you did, and I
like that you wanted to make certain we were all okay. However,
he added, no more lying to adults. Got it?
Lorna nodded, obviously relieved she d wasn t getting into
trouble.
You know that Mr. Androse is my boyfriend, and I m going to
kiss him in front of you, right? he asked, wanting to make certain
she understood that.
She rolled her eyes. Yeah. I guess it s fine.
Carl smiled and kissed her forehead. Good. He stood and
strode to Jake, wrapping the boy no, young man in a hug. It
was the only way he could express his gratitude for his son s
support, even though he d never wanted to pit his kids against their
mother. Pulling away, he murmured, Make sure when you re with
your mom, you show her respect. If she says anything derogatory
to you, let me know and I ll speak to her.
I will, Dad.
Nodding, he pointed out, And that may not have been the best
way to come out to her, but Rhonda s your mother and she loves
you. She ll come around. Carl prayed he wasn t giving his son a
line.
After letting out a breath, Carl turned to face Ryan. He took in
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Fireman s Carry
his partner s embarrassed expression, how he wouldn t meet Carl s
eyes, and remembered Rhonda s comment about Ryan refusing
her. His stomach rolled at the knowledge. She propositioned
you? he asked bluntly. When?
Ryan grimaced, swallowing hard. It was right after you told
me your suspicions about her cheating and hired the private
investigator. His expression turned pained. He rubbed a hand over
his bearded jaw in discomfort. I m sorry, man. Nothing happened
between us, he rushed to assure, You know I d never poach
your& lover, he said glancing at Vince.
Carl held up a hand, stopping Ryan s babbling. Don t worry
about it. It s over and done with. It was true, and he let that
knowledge settle his nerves. He sat next to Vince and wrapped his
arm around him, reveling in the knowledge of how comfortable he
felt showing Vince affection. From the pained lines around his
lover s lips, he knew he was beginning to fade and needed to lie
down soon.
He pressed soft kisses to Vince s lips and said, Trace reminded
me of the Memorial Day picnic put on by the firefighters. I m
going to be your date.
Oh, yeah? Vince replied, amusement lighting those brown
eyes Carl loved. You think I ll let you go as my date, huh?
Damn straight, Carl growled. Someone needs to make
certain you don t over exert yourself.
Vince leaned forward and kissed Carl. Carl opened easily to his
lover, uncaring who was in the room to watch them. Vince pulled
away just enough to whisper against Carl s lips, There s no one
else I d rather have take care of me.
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Epilogue
incent lounged in a park chair and smiled at the group of men
V
playing a rough game of flag football. Or, more particularly,
at one particular man playing with the others. Carl stood in huddle
with a couple other men as they discussed the play. Sweat gleamed
on his bare skin, accentuating the strong muscles of his back and
shoulders. The view made Vincent s mouth water, and he couldn t
wait to get home and implement his plans.
Mmmm, anyone in particular catch your eye? Patrick teased,
plopping down onto the chair next to him.
As if you don t have eyes for only one man yourself, he
quipped back, laughing. Vincent was impressed that Trace had
stayed with one guy this long, as his friend wasn t known for
sticking with one man for more than a week or two. He hoped it
meant his friend was feeling something a bit more this time
around. Patrick certainly seemed to be a good guy.
Patrick chuckled, watching the men continue to play. Yeah.
Vincent jumped to his feet, ignoring the tiny twinge in his
shoulder, and cheered loudly as Carl caught the ball Trace had
thrown and scored a touchdown.
Did you have fun at the picnic? Carl asked from his position
in the bedroom doorway.
Vincent wondered if he refused to come closer because he was
still wet from his shower and only had a towel wrapped around his
waist while using another to dry his hair. He smiled and nodded.
It was nice to get out. It had been over a month and a half since
the incident with Lonnie. His ex was in prison. The trial had been
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