Page 65 of Ancient Obsession

"Don't." Dave's voice cracked. "Don't apologize. We're getting through this together."

Oliver pulled back enough to meet his eyes. "Together."

"Always."

Dave pulled him in again. He heard a muttered “Faggots,” from someone going inside. Dave’s jaw clenched and he tightened the hug.

After a moment, Dave held him at arm's length, gripping his shoulders. He couldn’t seem to let go of him. “I need you to hear me. You're not alone in this. Not for one second. Okay?"

Oliver's eyes glistened. "Okay."

"We figure this out together. We deal with whatever supernatural bullshit comes next as a team. We are absolutely still getting married.”

Oliver squinted. "Did you practice that speech?"

Dave laughed harder than he had in days, and tears blurred his vision. Oliver laughed with him and moved in close. Once their frantic humor had settled, Dave tipped his head toward the car.

“Ready to go back home?”

“So ready.”

Once they were in the car, Dave gripped the steering wheel but didn't start the engine.

"You okay?" he asked quietly.

Oliver stared out the windshield. "No. But I will be." He turned to Dave. "What happened at the arraignment?"

“Not much after they took you out. I posted bail and now here you are.”

“Ten thousand?”

“Yeah.”

“Did my grandma give it to you?”

Dave took his hand. “She offered, but I had it in savings. The only important part is you’re out and we’re going home.”

“Yeah.”

Dave started the car and exited the lot. Oliver watched the town move by, gripping his phone. “What day of the week is it?”

It took him a couple of seconds to figure it out himself. “Friday.”

“Eight days until our wedding.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” Dave glanced over. “Sure you’re okay?”

Oliver’s smile looked tight. “I’d like to check on Robin. They were brought in for questioning because of me. Do you mind?”

His first instinct was to say yes, I mind. I want to get you home where you’ll be safe. But when he saw Oliver’s expression, he softened. “No, I don’t. But we’re both exhausted, so it has to be a quick stop.”

“Oh my God, absolutely. I do not have the battery life for a long sit-down with that over-caffeinated kid. I just want to make sure they’re doing okay.”

Oliver sent Robin a text asking if it was okay for them to stop by. Robin replied immediately with the address for their sister’s house.

Thorndale was on the way to Parson’s Hollow, and Oliver navigated using the app on his phone until Dave pulled up in front of a brick colonial that reminded him of Judge Harper’s office. Robin sat on the porch steps and bounced to their feet, hurrying to the car as Dave and Oliver got out.

“Hi!” Robin grabbed Oliver in a hug before stepping back with a blush. “Sorry, I got carried away. I should have asked before hugging you.”