“I love you.” He couldn’t stop now if he tried. “It’s been the best three months of my life and it seems like we’ve been together for longer than that. I never would’ve moved in with you if I didn’t love you. You have my heart in your hands. I trust you with my body, soul and life. I’m the best me because I have you.”
Len’s eyes shimmered. “Isaac?”
“I don’t blurt this kind of thing out. I have a reason for finally telling you how I feel. I care and I’m devoted to you.” He smoothed his hands over Len’s chest. “We’re together. That’s the best.”
“Love you, too.”
He had everything he needed.
Len kissed him. “I wish we hadn’t waited so long to get together.”
“It happened for a reason.” And he had no regrets.
Stan barked and Cissy joined in. Isaac tensed again. “Now what?”
“They’re at the front window. Ollie just bolted from the living room.” Len ventured into the front room. “We have a guest.” He opened the door, but left the screen door in place. “Hi.”
Isaac noted the person on the front porch. “Brandon.”Good God.Did everyone want to interrupt them?
“May I come in?” Brandon folded his arms.
“What’s wrong?” Isaac asked. He wasn’t in the mood to put up with Brandon or his attitude.
“Do you live here?” Brandon asked. “Did you move in?”
“I did,” Isaac said.
“There isn’t a mandate as to who can live here or with me,” Len said. He kept the screen door latched. “I own my own home and I have read the by-laws.”
There are issues in the by-laws?Isaac massaged his forehead. The ache intensified. The housing development could probably set rules as to who lived where, but if he and Len weren’t doing anything illegal, then what did him living there matter?
“I just thought we had something,” Brandon said. “You and me.”
Len sighed. “Isaac and I have been together since before I met you. We’re getting married, so I’m sorry. You and I can be friends, but nothing more.”
Isaac bit back his shock. They were getting married? News to him. Good, but still news. “Brandon, there is someone out there for you. I know it, but he isn’t either of us. Slow down, stop chasing everyone and that man will come to you.”
Brandon averted his gaze. “So that’s it?”
“Uh-huh,” Len said. “You’ll find that guy when you aren’t looking for him.”
“Well, okay.” Brandon straightened his spine. “Thank you. I hope it’s a long, happy marriage.”
“Thanks.” Isaac watched Brandon exit the porch and venture down the sidewalk.
“I think he finally got the hint.” Len closed the front door. The dogs quieted and he sighed again. “Well, hell.”
“Hint?” Isaac cocked his eyebrow. “Was that just to get him out of your hair or did you mean what you said? The marriage thing?”
“The marriage thing?” Mischief filled Len’s eyes.
“You said we were getting hitched.” He knew what he’d heard.
“I did?” The gleam intensified. “Me?”
“You did.” He threaded his arms around Len. “Do you want to get married?”
“I do.” Len dropped to one knee. “I meant to do this earlier, but we were interrupted.” He pulled a box from his pocket. “I never thought love could strike twice in my life. You showed me how to be me again. I love you and want you here as my husband. Will you marry me?” He tugged a thick gold band from the velvet. “Isaac?”