Page 78 of Need Him
Ben rolled his eyes and wandered over to the piles of presents. “I can’t believe you hid them from me.”
“That’s what a surprise is, sweetheart.” He settled onto the floor beside his boy, resting back against the sofa, and waved his hand. “Go for it.”
Ben squealed and grabbed a box, checking first that it was for him before ripping the paper. He inhaled when he saw it.
“It’s a milkshake maker. I know you like the thin milkshakes better than these, but it also makes smoothies and other stuff.”
“I do like the thin ones better, but the thick ones are good, too. Thank you.” Ben leaned forward and kissed him.
Gareth cupped his nape and held him when Ben would’ve pulled back. “Do I get a kiss for every present you open?” he murmured against his lips.
Ben snickered. “Maybe.”
Gareth pulled back. “Next one.”
“This one’s from Victor.” He tore off the paper. “Oh, my god!”
Gareth leaned forward. “What is it? He wouldn’t tell me what he got you.” He laughed when he saw it. “I shouldn’t be surprised.”
“I don’t know what half that stuff is,” Ben said, moving some of the sex toys around.
“I’d be happy to introduce you to some of them.” He bit Ben’s earlobe.
“That can be yours.” He passed the box over, and Gareth put it aside.
“You’ll like them. Trust me.”
Ben grinned. “I do trust you.” He kissed him.
They continued in the same vein until they’d opened all but one present. Gareth fidgeted and grabbed the last small box.
“This is something I’ve wanted to ask for a while, but I didn’t want to push too hard.” He swallowed hard and handed the box to Ben. Both their hands shook as Ben opened it to reveal a key nestled inside, along with a black ring. “First, I would like you to move back in. Permanently. And second, I would like you to consider the possibility of us getting married one day. I know it’s quick, but I really believe—”
His words cut off when Ben silenced him with his mouth. Gareth clutched him when he felt tears on his face. He had no idea who they were coming from. They rested their foreheads together while he waited for Ben’s answer.
“When I signed the tenancy on the apartment, I asked them to change something. Instead of signing up for a year, I only signed up for six months because I wanted to be back home. Here. This has felt more like home than anywhere else. I would love to move back in.” Gareth tightened his hold. “As for the second thing, what was the question?”
Gareth snorted and shook his head. “You are a menace. You know that?” He rose to his knees and grabbed the ring. “Ben, my darling boy, would you agree to marry me at some point in the future?”
Tears streamed down Ben’s face when he nodded. “Yes. Definitely, yes.”
Gareth swallowed to keep hold of his emotions as he slid the ring onto Ben’s finger. It fit perfectly, which uncurled another knot of uncertainty.
“How did you know it would fit?”
Gareth winked. “I measured your finger when you were sleeping one night.”
Ben laughed and touched the ring. “I love it.”
“Good. I have one more surprise.”
“What! You’ve done enough.”
“You’re only getting this because you agreed to move in.” He stood, pulling Ben up with him.
“Why wouldn’t you have given it to me if I didn’t move in?” Ben pouted. “That’s bribery.”
Gareth held up a finger. “No, it’s only bribery if I told you thatbeforeI asked you to move in. I told you after.” He tugged Ben towards the stairs. “Up we go.”
