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“It’s…nothing. It’s a joke. I’m not funny. Ever.”
She rolled her eyes and kept asking the rest of the questions, eventually taking their sworn statements, having them sign the license, and turning it over to them. Then she robotically added, “Congratulations and best of luck to you both.”
“Thanks,” Hayes replied. “So, where do we take this to get the job done?”
“Second floor. Take the elevator down, make a left and then a right. Follow the signs.”
They got to the elevator and waited. “I can’t believe we’re gonna do this,” Ryan said as the door opened and he and Hayes stepped on. “I’m gonna be your husband. You’re gonna be my husband. Holy shit, Hayes.”
“I know. Crazy, right?” He leaned against the wall on one elbow, facing Ryan. “So, when did you know? That you wanted to marry me?”
Ryan smirked. “It was right after your birthday last year. We weren’t even dating yet, but Mar and I were talking about you, about my feelings for you. I was still actively denying the fact that I was gay and in love with you, and she was telling me how Mark was the first guy Nick ever dated and now they’re married. I said, ‘I’m not marrying Hayes.’ And like, when I said it? I don’t know how, but I knew it was bullshit.”
“Damn. Before we even started datin’ Rook? That’s some straight up stalker shit. Did you write my name with little fuckin’ hearts all over your sticks, too?”
“OK, you know what? I don’t know why I even…”
“Relax. I’m fuckin’ with you. Know when I knew?” he asked, as the door opened and they both stepped out.
“When?” Ryan asked, reaching for his hand as they walked toward their destination.
“First time we had sex. I knew I’d never feel anything even remotely close to what I felt for you in that moment for anyone else. It was…beautiful, you know? Kinda helped make up for what happened to me when I was a kid. Like, that’s the way losing my virginity should’ve been. It just…came a few years late.”
“Well, listen. I’m really glad that I could…” Ryan stopped talking, frozen in his tracks as they rounded the corner and he was unexpectedly met with some familiar faces.
His mom.
Luke and Shannon.
April.
Mar and Jake.
Osi and Nat.
TK and Joss.
“Hayes,” he choked out.
“Did you really think I’d let you get married without your mom and Luke here, Rook?”
“Well, shit,” Jake called out, motioning toward Ryan, who now had tears streaming down his face. “You knew that was gonna happen!”
They laughed, then made their way around and greeted each of them with a hug.
“Mom, I’m so glad you made it.” Hayes hugged her, then stepped back and looked her up and down. “You look…different. Really good, but somethin’ is different.”
“I wanted it to be a surprise when I completed my program, but I guess it still will be a surprise now. Tyler, I’m 37 days sober today. You inspired me to finally get my shit together and get some help.”
“Are you…are you fuckin’ serious right now?” he yelled, wrapping his arms around her and squeezing for dear life. “Oh, my God. I’m so proud of you, Mom.”
“And I’m so proud of you, baby. I love you.”
“Did you meet Ryan’s mom, Kathy? I can introduce…”
“Oh, yes. We met. Been chatting away while we were waiting for you guys. She’s real nice. Luke, too. And I met,” she sighed, shaking her head at him. “Amara.” She made a face at him before smiling. “She’s real nice, too.”
Hayes made his way over to where Ryan was talking with Joss and TK, who’d both been sitting on a bench away from everyone else. He gave a nod to TK. “You got it?”
