Page 26 of Getting Hitched

He let them go, and it was Mason’s turn. Gray had begged to go last.

Mason took a breath and let it out slowly. “I… I’m here…”

When his voice cracked, Gray reached out and took his hand, squeezing it. “You can do this,” he said, even though he wasn’t sure he’d be able to speak when his turn came.

“I love you, both of you.” He looked from Gray to Jack. “I never imagined caring so much for anyone, much less two people, but from the moment you came into my life, I knew I could count on you. You’ve helped me grow. You’ve given me courage. And you’ve loved me unconditionally. Thank you for that.”

His eyes shone with unshed tears, and Jack sniffled. Gray didn’t dare look over at him. He was barely holding back his own tears.

Mason reached into his pocket. “Jack, this ring is for you.”

Jack held out his hand, and Mason slipped the ring on. Then, as Jack had done, Mason squeezed both their hands and said, “I vow to honor and love you both always.”

It was Gray’s turn. His mind went blank. What was he supposed to say? “Um… I…”

Mason and Jack each took his hands.

“I love you.” The words came out in a rush.

Bryce grinned at him, and Gray glared back. “You can do this,” Bryce mouthed.

“I know I have a reputation as the strong, silent one, the one who doesn’t know how to say what he feels, and I don’t. But I’m here, and I’m trying, because I love the two of you more than I ever thought possible. I can’t imagine what it would be like not to have you in my life. I’m thankful for the ways you love and take care of me, and the fact that you are always there, even when I’m an ass.”

That got some giggles from their audience as Mason and Jack both swiped at their eyes.

Gray pulled out Mason’s ring, and Mason held out his hand so Gray could slip it on.

“I vow—” His voice broke, and he had to stop.

Deep breath. Good. Now just a few more words.

“To honor and love you both always.”

He kissed Mason and then Jack before pulling them both into a tight hug. Someone in the audience clapped, and then a roar of applause and cheers echoed in the barn.

“Look,” Bryce said. The three of them turned, and Gray saw that everyone was on their feet, cheering for them, for love. A year ago, Gray would never have imagined any of this happening. He might have turned into a fucking sap, but he was happy, and he appreciated how lucky he was.

The reception was still going strong after nearly two hours; people were eating, drinking, and enjoying the grounds of the farm despite the heat. The weather had turned out better than expected; it was just above eighty. Though Gray might not admit it to Jack and Mason, he was glad so many of their friends had come. But at this point, he’d done all the talking he wanted to. Hell, as far as he was concerned, if he didn’t speak to anyone other than Jack or Mason for the next few weeks, that would be fine with him.

He leaned against a stone wall that separated the lawn by the barn from the flower gardens. It was a good vantage point from which to survey the crowd.

Henry, Jenna, and someone he recognized as a friend of Henry’s were sitting on the grass, talking and laughing. He couldn’t help but smile at them. Seeing Jenna relaxed like that was enough to make the whole damn party worth it.

Jack was talking with Huck, and they were both grinning. They needed to have Huck over for dinner soon.

Gray scanned the people milling around on the garden paths, looking for Mason. There he was, talking to Lieutenant Marsh, Gray and Jack’s former boss.

When Gray turned away, he realized Jack was headed toward him.

“You had enough of the party?”

“I’m just taking a break,” Gray said, pulling Jack to him.

Jack grinned. “I could use one too.”

“Really?”

Usually Jack was happy to chat with people for far longer than Gray.

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