Page 62 of Starting Over in Cedarwood

“We’d like to make an offer,” Kevin said. “What we’re each paying in rent for our individual apartments is more than enough for a house payment.”

“Shaun?” Tony fiddled with his phone. “If this is what you want to do, I’ll contact their realtor.”

“Yes.” Shaun nodded. “That’s what we want to do.”

“I’ll be right back.” Tony grinned, then left them on the patio.

“He’s intense.” Shaun shrugged, then turned his attention to Kevin. “So we’re doing this?”

“Seems like.” He’d never been more sure of anything—except being with Shaun—in his life.

“Marry me.” Shaun held Kevin’s hands. “I mean it. Marry me. If we’re going in this far, we should go all the way. I love you and I want this.”

Kevin laughed. He should’ve seen this coming, and oddly enough, he wasn’t shocked by Shaun’s declaration. “Let’s buy the house first, then we can get married in the back yard when we’re ready.”

“You’re not saying no, are you?” Shaun grinned and held tighter to Kevin’s fingers. “You do want to marry me.”

“I do.”

“You saw the vision of us having our wedding back here, didn’t you?” Shaun asked. “You saw it.”

“I did. A silly archway of flowers, us tying the knot under the oak tree and lights ringing the back yard.” He’d seen a little bit more, but this was enough for now.

“Yes.”

“We need to run that race first, and get this house bought,” Kevin said. “Get through the summer and plan over Christmas.”

“Will you marry me?” Shaun held Kevin’s hand. “We’re buying this house, merging our stuff and getting Leo a friend.”

“Then we’ll get married.” Kevin kissed Shaun. “Here comes Tony.”

Shaun threaded his arm around Kevin. “Well?”

“The seller has twenty-four hours to accept the sale and to go over the details, but I talked to their realtor and they’re wanting to move things along, so you should hear tonight.” Tony held out his hand. “Unless something goes sideways, you’re about to be homeowners.”

“We are?” Shaun sagged into Kevin. “For real?”

“For real.” Tony opened his folder. “Let’s go inside and talk through the details, but I’m expecting to hear from them within the hour.”

Kevin squeezed Shaun’s hand. “Perfect.”

* * * *

Two months later

Kevin finished the last touches and arranged the blanket. The summer was over and fall breezes kissed the Cedarwood landscape. He checked the bucket and fiddled with the ice. He needed this moment to be exactly right. Sheet in place, strings of twinkle lights on the fence and in the oak tree, projector on the table, wine chilling…all he needed now was to retrieve the plate of cheese and fruit.

“Kev?” Shaun strode out to the patio. “Where are you?”

“Here.” Kevin stood. “You’re early.” He hadn’t expected to see Shaun for another fifteen minutes.

“I am.” Shaun held up the newspaper. “You have to see this. Kyle’s been arrested. We just printed the story today.”

“What?” Kevin abandoned the blanket. “He has?”

“For embezzlement. I guess the money trail at the stadium was longer than once thought. He stole more than a hundred grand.” Shaun pointed to the article in the paper. “Remy wrote it up himself.”

A photo of Kyle in handcuffs graced the front page of the paper. “Holy shit,” Kevin murmured.

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