Page 36 of 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Forty-Two

“Fine, fine,” Simon says, then turns to me with thatgorgeous smile. “Go ahead, baby. The press wants a story, right?”

The reporters all laugh, and more cameras snap as I flash mymost camera-ready smile.

“Fair enough. I know you’re all expecting an engagementannouncement. I’m sorry to tell you there won’t be one.”

I keep a straight face as I watch the reporterssquirm.

“But—” John begins.

“Instead, I’d like to officially introduce you all to myhusband, Simon Barré.”

There’s a moment of confused silence, then a burst ofapplause that rises even higher when Simon pulls me close and kisses me. Whenit finally dies down, he takes the mic. “We got married last weekend,” he says.“In Tahoe. And if you’d like a statement from me, you can tell the world thatI’m the luckiest man alive.”

“Yeah,” I say with a tease, “you really are.” Then I tug onhis tie to pull him back to me and kiss him hard as cameras snap, video rolls,and applause thunders around us.

Because honestly, how perfect is that?

Pretty damn perfect, at least asfar as I’m concerned. And considering the congrats after we step off theplatform, I think the rest of the crowd agrees with us.

Zelda Clayton is the first to give me a hug. Her brown hairhangs in waves around her face, and she looks younger than her twenty-fouryears. We met a few weeks ago at her birthday party, thrown by our mutualfriend Jamie Archer Hunter, who’s not only Ryan’s wife but is starring in theadaptation of one of Zelda’s books.

“I’m so excited for you. Huge congratulations.”

“You, too,” I say. “When are you and Jasper tying the knot?”

She glances down at her engagement ring, then smiles up atme. “A few more months. We’re planning the wedding around the honeymoon. Parisfirst, then Rome.”

“Good for you,” I say, and we both laugh.

I’m about to ask where Jasper is, but I see him walking withDamien and Trevor. He peels off, then steps up and hooks his arm around Zelda’swaist. She leans against him, looking for all the world like the two of themhave been together always.

“What’s up with Trevor and Mr. Stark?” she asks her fiancé.“They look so serious.”

“I overheard something earlier,” Jasper tells us. “The FBIwants Trevor to come on board for one of their operations.”

“Really?” Simon’s brow rises. “Will he be working with OllieMcKee?”

Jasper nods. “Apparently, it’s his project, and he askedspecifically for Trevor.”

“Interesting,” Simon says, sharing a knowing look withJasper.

“What?” I ask. “Why?”

Zelda rolls her eyes. “Because Trevor’s gay, and Ollie’snot. That we know of. But Trevor has a crush. Plus, I’ve heard from Jamie thatshe’s started to speculate that Ollie might be bi. Andsince Jamie’s one of Ollie’s oldest friends…” She trails off with a shrug.

“Hey, they’re solid friends,” Jasper says. “If they end upbeing more than that, then good for them.”

I look at Simon. “Whatever happens, I hope they’re as happyas we are.”

“Amen to that,” he says, then seals the words with a kiss.

The End

* * * *