Chapter 77

Of course Jack had more in mind than simply hanging up their suits, and once they finished putting the rest of their clothes away, and after the kids were finally gone, he tackled Tom to the bed, rolling so Tom landed on top of him.

“God, I love you.”

“I know. Why don’t you show me all the ways?”

“Works for me, buddy.”

And that was how they spent the rest of the afternoon. 30

Tom checked his watch. “It’s almost time to leave for the church.” He and Jack were waiting for the kids in the living area of the suite.

“Tad! Becca! Rush! Jan! Ragg Mopp! Get a wiggle on!” Jack had a voice that could carry over an entire job site, and reaching the second level of their suite was no problem. In fact, Tom was pretty sure the guests on the other side of the hotel could hear him. “We’re going to be late!”

“And ask me if I care,” Tom muttered.

“Whoa. Someone’s not in the mood for a wedding.”

“I tell you, Jack, considering the way Rush’s family treats him—”

“I know. I’d like to…Never mind. Here comes Billy Bob.”

The young man trotted down the stairs. “The others will be right down,” he told them. “This suit isn’t too snug, is it? I know Rush thinks we’re pretty much the same size, but he’s not as chunky as I am.”

“You’re not chunky. Your muscles have been acquired through hard work.”

He blushed but looked pleased. “Thank you, JT.”

Tom was pleased the boy was comfortable enough to call him by the nickname the kids used. It had taken Billy Bob a while to do so.

“He’s right, Mopp. You’re looking very good,” Jack agreed.

“Like someone it wouldn’t pay to cross?” Mopp looked at Jack hopefully.

“Definitely.”

They all chuckled, and then Tom glanced up and said, “Ah, here comes Rush and Thaddeus.”

“Do…do I look all right?” Rush looked as if he were battling nerves and not quite winning. Thaddeus came up beside him and rested one hand on his boyfriend’s back.

Tom pretended not to notice that his lips were puffy, as were Rush’s.

“Oh, Rushboy, you look more than okay.” Thaddeus’s heart was in his eyes.

Ah. So that’s the way the wind blows. Tom had wondered if Thaddeus was just enjoying the proximity of a live-in lover, but it seemed his feelings had grown over time. Tom glanced at Rush to see if he’d noticed, but Rush was making sure his cummerbund fit smoothly and apparently hadn’t. Oh, well. Did the course of true love ever run smoothly?

Thaddeus grinned, all trace of longing gone from his expression, and stepped away from his boyfriend. He held his arms out, turning slowly. “What about me?” He had put in temporary coloring—both Tom and Jack had drawn the line at dyeing their hair—and slicked back his now-dark hair.

“You? I just got used to dating the blond you. I feel like I’m cheating on you. With you!”

Thaddeus’s grin became smug, and he slipped on a pair of mirrored aviator sunglasses. “Do I look suitably threatening?” Surprisingly, he did look dangerous.

Rush’s gaze shot up at that, and he started to laugh. “Everyone’s going to take one look at you and JT and Mr. Jack and swear you’re all Mafia.”

“Well, that’s the point. Becca’s supposed to be the daughter of someone who’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse.”

“How did we let ourselves get talked into this?” Jack murmured into Tom’s ear.

“Don’t look at me, buddy. You were all for it. I’m just the voice of reason.”

“Right.” Jack’s smile was so loving and indulgent, Tom thought for a moment he was going to melt.

Rush, meanwhile, was shaking his head. “They’ll never believe it.”

“Sure they will.”

“How would a grad student meet someone like that?”

“College guys meet all kinds of fascinating people.” Rebecca made her way down the spiral staircase.

“Oh, honey.” Jack stared up at her.

Tom smiled at Jack’s reaction to his daughter’s appearance, although he was suddenly a little misty himself. She looked stunning in the dress that highlighted her striking blonde beauty.

Rush looked at her in wonder. “Mother is…Well, to say she’s going to be surprised is putting it mildly. Never in a million years would it cross her mind that such a beautiful girl would want to date me.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips.

“Thank you, kind sir.” Rebecca gave a brief curtsy. “But why wouldn’t I? You’re very handsome.”

“Well…”

She laughed and kissed his cheek. “Aside from the fact that you’re my brother’s boyfriend?”

“What about us?” Thaddeus demanded.