Page 69 of Finding Michael

“She’s pushy, mean and hates anyone who can’t help her advance.” Jean blew out a ragged breath. “Wow. I’ve held that in for too long.”

Tristan clapped his hands. “If you feel better, then that’s what matters.” His pride in his cousin swelled. She deserved the best. “I worked out the lease situation with the building supervisor. Since it’s technically my penthouse and I bought it, all we have to do is transfer it to your names. I just rent the mailbox or something like that.” He shrugged, then handed her an envelope. “I put the information in the card plus a little something to help out.” He draped his arm around Michael. “Count us in for the wedding.”

“Both of you.” Jean beamed. “Thank you.”

Tristan glanced over his shoulder, then groaned. “Your mother is incoming and she’s not fond of Michael, so we’ll go. Enjoy the evening.”

Antonin shook hands with Michael, then Tristan. “Thank you and I’m sorry, Michael. At least you’re not marrying into that side of the family.”

Jean blushed again. “She’s a handful.”

“True.” Michael waggled his head and started away.

Tristan winked, then followed Michael through the crowd. He waited until he and Michael were in the limo before he spoke. “You survived.” He massaged Michael’s thigh. “I apologize for my aunt. My father would’ve laughed at her and my mother would’ve encouraged her behavior.”

“Is that a good thing? Me not meeting her approval?” Michael rubbed his forehead. “She seemed a little more than annoyed.”

“She, like my mother, had her moments, but neither is bad.” He settled in his seat and tucked Michael to his side. “Jean has become more of her own person, which is good.”

“Yeah,” Michael murmured.

“Are you okay? Is the collar too tight?” He faced Michael. “Hey.”

“Marriage,” Michael said.

“Okay…what about it?” He wasn’t following.

“Did you catch what Antonin said? Marrying into that side of the family?” The creases at the corners of Michael’s eyes deepened. “If I’m not good enough…”

Tristan laughed, cutting Michael off. “Don’t let Auntie Salina rattle you, but it’s just as well she’s not going to be your mother-in-law.”

Michael’s eyes widened. “Are we even in a position to look that far ahead? Are we thinking of marriage? You kept calling me your partner, but are you sure?”

So that was what had Michael freaked out… “Eventually I’d like to get married. When I take that step, you’re the one I want to marry. No questions or having to think about it. Why? Don’t you want me that way?”

Michael shifted in his seat and faced Tristan. “Idowant to marry you and it scares me. I’ve never been this far in over my head. I thought I loved one other guy and he decided to leave. I’m worried. I trust you, but I know me. I’m worried you’ll realize I’m not enough.”

“No.” He kissed Michael and palmed the back of Michael’s neck. “Things happen for a reason and we came together when we were supposed to. I’ve never felt this much for anyone outside of my family and I’ve never craved anyone the way I do you. We’ll be ready and we’ll figure it out together. I’m not going anywhere.”

Michael rested his head on Tristan’s shoulder and his hand on his thigh. “One of these days my self-esteem won’t reside in the basement. I just needed the reassurance.”

“I’ll give it whenever you want.” He kissed the top of Michael’s head. “Although running off and making you an honest man does sound like fun.”

“It does,” Michael said. “But we’ve done so many things at breakneck speed. We need to live with what we’ve done and make sure before we jump into something so permanent.”

“You might be right, but I like our pace.”

“I do, too.”

“Do you love me?” Tristan asked. He didn’t doubt Michael’s affection for him, but hearing the words pleased him.

“Yes.”

“I love you, too.” He tipped Michael’s chin and met his gaze. “I’m not changing my mind. You’re the one for me—whether we’re living together in the farmhouse or married and locked in…I’m happy because I’m with you.”

The corner of Michael’s mouth kinked.

“I know you believe me. You wouldn’t have flown off to New York if you hadn’t.” He kissed Michael. “I love my librarian. The best part of Sullavan is in my arms.”

“I love you, too.” Michael brushed his nose along Tristan’s. “But being an honest man does sound good.”

“Yeah.”

Michael laughed. “An author and a librarian meet in the center of town… Sounds like the start of a bad joke.”

“Or our forever story. I’ve got an idea for the ending. How’s this? They lived happy ever after in the farmhouse, having sex each night and most days while spending time with their animals and books. Good?” Tristan asked.

“Sounds perfect.”

Tristan nodded. Sullavan was supposed to be a side trip, not forever, but he couldn’t think of anywhere else he belonged. Michael was the one man he could live without, but didn’t want to. He’d found his missing piece in Michael. Thank God Al had had a plan when Tristan hadn’t a clue.

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