Page 49 of Thinking It Over

My heart constricted, and a nervous flutter took flight in my stomach. “He’s incredible. And I know we’ve haven’t been together long but….” I swallowed, feeling more like a teenager than a grown man.

“You’re falling in love with him,” my brother said. His tone was serious, almost full of reverence.

“Yeah, I really am.”

“It’s not too soon, you know.”

“For what?”

“To tell him how you feel.”

My heart tripped over itself. Putting myself out there again made me uneasy.

When I didn’t say anything, he turned to face me. “What’s wrong? I know you overanalyze things to death, but I’ve never known you to mull over a good thing.”

I sighed. “I know, and honestly, I’m pissed off with myself. Rupert—”

“Isn’t half the man that Jasper is.” He shook his head. “Is it the age difference?”

His question took me by surprise. “No,” I answered immediately. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m very aware of the difference, but we’re on the same level, you know? And I think we want the same things.”

“Think?” Understanding registered in my brother’s gaze. “Kids.”

I nodded. My whole family knew I wanted a family, wanted children. “He’s twenty-four,” I said.

“The same age Dad was when you were born,” he pointed out, his brow quirked high.

There was nothing to say to challenge that. “I know.”

“Just be honest with him.”

I huffed out a breath. “What if it scares him off?” The question was an admission to myself and to him. I realized it was fear of Jasper leaving and not being ready for more that held me back. A few weeks was no time at all, and while it wasn’t like I was suggesting filling in adoption papers next week, I did want to do just that at some point in the future.

“Austin.” A sigh followed. “Do you honestly think he’ll run?”

“No,” I admitted.

“So don’t waste time. Step up and be honest. Don’t let someone so amazing go. Regret will only seep into your pores and poison you.” Sorrow etched on his face, and I no longer thought he was talking about me. Clearing his throat, he looked away and closed the dishwasher door. “I’m heading to bed. Night.”

Without another word, he exited the room. And I was left with the desire to pick up the phone right now and talk to Jasper, as well as increased worry for my brother and what could possibly be heartache.

It had beena while since I’d last attended a wedding, and even longer since one where I only knew a couple of people. But despite not knowing the grooms, it was easy to get swept up in the emotion and the love.

A small group of about thirty of us sat on mismatched chairs in the garden I hadn’t realized existed in one of the bars in Kirkby. The whole time from the moment we’d walked here from Jasper’s house, my hand had clasped his. And sitting together, his palm against mine as it rested on my thigh while a little girl swung around on the spot wearing a princess dress as she said, “And I mawy you too, Daddy,” I gushed along with everyone else.

My heart constricted as Scott, a tall guy just a few years younger than me, scooted down to her level and scooped her up in his arms.

Once standing, he reached out to Davis, whose smile was wide, his eyes watery when he said, “You’re both my world, my loves. You have my heart. Scott, I didn’t know my heart was big enough for more than Libby, but then you came along and showed me how wrong I was. You’ve taught me to trust in us, in love, and I want nothing more than to spend the rest of our lives with you by my side, loving you.”

Jasper sniffed beside me, and I raised our joined hands and kissed his. He flicked his gaze at me, eyesglistening with happiness. There was no chance I could resist pressing my lips to his, so I didn’t. I relaxed into him before pulling away and returning my attention to Scott, with his daughter in his arms.

“Davis, I was living blind, in the dark until you pulled me into the light and showed me just how wonderful life could be.” There was a small quaver in his voice as he continued, looking at Libby. “Not only did you give me your love, you made me a dad. You held my hand and taught me how to be brave and how to find peace. Davis, you and Libby are my world, my everything. I promise to spend the rest of our lives cherishing you both and reminding you why kisses in the darkness are always worth the risk.”

The officiant announced that they were married, and immediately the men kissed as the small gathering of guests exploded into cheers and applause. We all stood. Loosening my grip on Jasper’s hand, I instead pulled him to my side, stealing another kiss.

“That was so beautiful.” Jasper grinned at me, and I smiled back, wiping the few tears from his eyes.

“It really was.”

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