Chapter 24 — Reed

Reed opened his eyes on Saturday morning, a smile immediately forming on his face. Since the other night in the barn with Logan, they’d been practically inseparable. Reed had never felt so happy in his life before and he was pretty sure that Logan felt the same. He was an old romantic at heart and always dreamed about meeting his one true love. However, after being burned a few times in the City, he almost gave up on that dream, instead choosing to focus on his career.

And then along came Logan, who was his true knight in shining armor. Or combat boots.

Reed stretched his arms over his head, wondering if Logan was already up. With their pact, they didn't do anything inappropriate in the house, though God knew it was tempting when he was only next door. Throwing the sheets off his bed, Reed got washed up and then headed downstairs. He spotted Logan already at the breakfast table with George and Susan, tucking into a hearty breakfast.

"Morning, sunshine." George winked at him and picked up his orange juice. “You know, you’re naturally rising earlier and earlier every day."

Reed rolled his eyes and dropped into the seat, reaching for the coffee pot. "I guess it's something to do with the fresh air out here, right, Dad?" He turned to Logan and gave him a kiss quick kiss on his lips. “Morning," he said softly.

“Back at ya.” Logan smiled and if weren’t for his parents watching, Reed would have gone in for a longer kiss.

After they finished breakfast, Reed and Logan played with Misty and Buddy for a while, knowing that their time together was coming to an end.

"I'm really gonna miss these guys,” Logan said, wistfully.

"You know, you could always get one once we’re back in the City."

"Yeah." Logan smiled, scratching Misty behind the ears. “I’ve always wanted my own dog, so maybe I will."

The dogs’ ears pricked up and they shot off towards the front door.

“Guess they’re here! Come on, let’s go.”

Reed jumped up and went to the door, swinging it open for the dogs to go out. They bounded off down the drive and trailing behind, Reed saw Marie’s car pulling up, Preston behind the wheel. Reed waved and rushed up as the car came to a halt. Marie's door flew open before Preston, and she dashed round, enveloping Reed in a big hug while Misty and Buddy barked, getting in between them, also vying for her attention.

"Oh my God, I have missed you so much." She pulled away, grinning and then bent down to give the dogs cuddles. “Oh my, look at you two all grown up.” She laughed as she tried to fend off their over-enthusiastic tongues. “Hey Logan, I’ll get you to in a sec, if I’m not covered in slobber.”

Logan laughed, holding up his hands. “No rush here.”

Reed laughed at the scene and turned to Preston, who was watching them from the side with an amused expression. He walked around to him and opened up his arms. Preston moved in and gave him a big hug, lifting Reed off the floor. “Man, it is not the same without you."

Reed pulled away, shaking his head and grinning. "You guys are gonna make me blush."

He turned around to Logan with a big smile on his face. "Logan, come over here."

Marie and Preston looked up as he came and stood next to him. Reed decided that he was going to be upfront with his friends about his relationship with Logan, straightaway. There was no way he could hide his feelings for the other man for the next forty-eight hours. Deliberately, Reed held out his hand and took Logan’s in his. Preston's eyes shot towards their entwined hands and he looked at them with confusion, lines appearing on his forehead. "What's going on, guys?"

Marie moved next to Preston and crossed her arms, a smile appearing across her face. Reed shot her a small wink and looked up at Logan, grinning.

"We've got something to tell you." He squeezed Logan's hand. "Despite everything that's been going on, Logan and I have found that we have some strong feelings for each other." Reed paused and took a breath. "We’re in love." He looked up at Logan, smiling.

Logan beamed back down at him, returning the squeeze. He looked at Reed’s friends and nodded his head. "I love this guy and I'm gonna do everything I can to make him happy."

Marie covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes immediately misting over. "Oh, you guys! You are just too cute.” She held open her arms and gave Logan a big hug. “I’m so happy for you both.”

Reed looked at Preston, who seemed to have a stiff smile on his face. He raised an eyebrow.

“Well, that was pretty quick, you guys.” He smirked. “Are you sure this is the best thing for the two of you?"

Reed found his question strange. "Of course, Pres. Why would you say that?"

Preston visibly relaxed and laughed off his comment, waving his hand. "Oh, don't mind me. You know I'm just overprotective of you." He looked up and smiled at Logan. "I'm really happy for you if that's what you both want."

Reed nodded, happy. "Well, let's go inside. Mom has prepared lunch.” He linked arms with Marie. “She’s really been looking forward to seeing you both.”

Reed immensely enjoyed spending the day with his friends and family. Susan was in top form as they sat around after lunch, discussing their lives and careers.

"Logan, I can't believe I've known these kids all my life." She nodded at Marie and Preston. "Look at them now, all grown up. Where does time go?"

Logan smiled. "Yeah, I can imagine it must be pretty amazing to see them all grow up before your eyes.”

Susan nodded and raised an eyebrow. "You think you want kids one day?"

Reed inwardly groaned. Trust Mom to put us on the spot like that. Still, he was keen to hear Logan’s answer because Reed definitely wanted kids one day. Logan looked at him, his mouth lifting up the corners. "I'd love to have kids someday, Susan. As you know, I didn’t have the best childhood so if I’m lucky enough to have my own kids one day, I’m gonna love and treasure them as best as I can."

Reed’s heart filled with love. Could this man be any more perfect for him?

Please don't say anything else, Mom. He tried to communicate with her telepathically, and thankfully, she got the hint. She merely nodded. “I think that sounds great.”

Logan turned to Preston. “So, Preston, anyone special in your life at the moment?"

Preston looked sad at the question. "There's not been anyone for quite some time. I'm still waiting for the right one to find me." He smiled at his answer. “Anyway, I’m just happy being single for the moment. I know the right person is out there for me."

They stayed in the house for the remainder of the day catching up and even playing some board games. Reed felt like he was transported back to his past but unlike all his old memories, which were mostly filled with pain when he thought about home, he realized that he was now making new and wonderful memories here. That was all due to Logan. Now Reed decided that even when he went back to the City, he would still make an effort to come out with Logan and visit every couple of months. All those painful memories from his childhood were erasing away and healing—this was the best therapy that he could have ever had.

After dinner, Preston was extremely eager to set a tent up outside as planned, so, armed with the bags Preston had packed, they headed out towards the stream.

“Think we can light a campfire like the old days?” Marie asked.

“Definitely. That's the whole point of camping, right?" Preston smiled.

They got to where they wanted to pitch their tents and Reed helped Preston remove the stuff.

He looked at the tent and noticed there was only one. “Pres, there's only one tent here. I thought we were all staying out here tonight?" Before he could answer, Marie interrupted.

"Guys, if you don't mind, I'm gonna take a bed inside." She shook her head. "I haven't camped since my teens and I’ve had a rough week so I'm looking forward to just sleeping in tomorrow if you don't mind."

"Sure," Reed answered but he frowned. “I don’t see how three of us can fit in this tent, though?"

Preston smiled apologetically at Logan. "Logan, would you mind if I spend the night with Reed out here? I’d just like some private time with my best friend and it's been ages since we've been able to do something like this together."

Reed looked at Logan, unsure if his feelings would be hurt.

Logan looked at Reed and back to Preston, as if torn. Finally, he nodded his head slowly. "Sure. I’ll stay in my room tonight.”

Preston smiled. "Thanks. I’ll finally get a chance to spend some quality time together with Reed.”

Soon after, they lit a fire and sat around, chatting and drinking beers from the cooler. Reed found himself relaxing against the warm glow and heat of the fire, but Reed noticed that Logan was unusually quiet. He wondered if he had hurt his feelings by not insisting he camp here for the night.

To be honest, Reed would have loved nothing more than to snuggle up with Logan in a tent but Preston had made it pretty clear that he wanted it to be just the two of them. Reed tried to see it from Preston’s point of view. They had just made an effort to come all the way here for the weekend and if he wanted to spend time with Reed, then that’s the least he could do.

When it got near midnight, Marie dropped her empty bottle into the cooler and stretched. "Guys, I'm wiped. If you don't mind, I’m gonna head back in."

Preston looked up at Marie. "Yeah, I feel that way, too—it’s been a long day.” He looked at Reed. “You tired?"

Reed nodded, smiling. “Yeah, I'm still getting used to the early starts out here."

“In that case, Logan, please feel free to head back into the house with Marie. Reed and I will be turning in here pretty soon.”

“Thanks, but I’ll go when I’m ready.” Logan’s lips were tight as he stared at Preston.

Reed looked at Preston glaring at Logan, thinking how rude he sounded. He glared at Preston and squeezed Logan’s hand reassuringly.

“Love you,” he whispered to Logan. “Sorry about that.”

“Love you too.” Logan closed his eyes, kissing Reed back and pretty soon it became quite heated.

“Eww, you guys," Marie said jokingly. "Get a room, but I guess you'll be doing that pretty soon anyway."

Reed pulled away, grinning. "Sorry, Marie. Can’t help getting a little carried away now and then."

“Don’t blame you.” Marie winked at Logan and Reed swore he could see Logan’s cheeks coloring. He threw his head back and laughed.

Preston slammed his bottle into the cooler, making Reed jump. He seemed a little touchy today and it was making him uncomfortable.

“You know what?” Reed said suddenly. "On second thought, I think I’ll head back in, too.” He looked at Preston, whose face had fallen. “I’m not really the camping type, dude, you all know me.” He smiled, trying to lighten the situation. Reed was suddenly overcome with the need to be with Logan tonight. Even for them to just hold each other while they slept.

Preston flattened his lips but nodded. "Fine, whatever. But stay here with me for just one more beer?” His smile was hopeful. “Please, I need to talk to you about something.”

Reed nodded. It was the least he could do to offer him a listening ear. “Sure, I can do that.”

He looked up at Logan. “Give me a little while, babe. I’ll be in shortly.”

Logan looked at Preston, his eyes narrowing and then smiled at Reed. “Sure. See you soon.”

Reed and Preston watched them walk away into the night, guided by their flashlights. Soon they were out of view, and Reed turned back to the fire, watching the flames crackle. "Well, you wanna tell me what’s on your mind? Also, you were pretty rude to Logan just now. What’s up with that?”

"I’m sorry.” Preston looked crestfallen. “Let me grab our drinks and I’ll tell you everything.”

Reed wasn't really the mood for another beer but he didn’t want to hurt Preston’s feelings. "Okay, just one more.” He laughed. "I haven't really been drinking out here so I need to take it easy—my tolerance isn’t as high as normal.”

Preston nodded and disappeared into the tent. A minute later, he was back and handing Reed the beer, raising his bottle. “To good friends.”

Reed clinked his bottle against Preston’s. “To good friends.”

The first few sips went down well, but then all of a sudden, Reed’s vision began to blur. He shook his head. “What the hell? Is this beer off or something?”

Preston put his bottle down. “No, mine’s fine.” He reached for Reed’s arm. “Come on, lightweight, let’s get you to bed.”

Reed didn’t feel well.

Something wasn’t right.

His eyes began to droop and he leaned heavily against Preston.

“Call Logan,” he told Preston. It was beginning to become an effort to even talk and Reed began to panic.

“Fuck Logan,” Preston spat. “You’re with me now.”

Reed felt himself drift off.