Love Life & Circumstance (26 page)

“I think someone is getting impatient.” Seth popped the nipple into Hope’s mouth, and they both smiled as she drank greedily, her large blue eyes shifting between their faces. They sat in silence for several minutes with only the sounds of the bubbly water and Hope’s sucking filling the air.

Seth swallowed hard. “Eli, I need to tell you something.” Keeping his gaze fixed on Hope, Seth rushed on. “I spoke to the realtor and took this house off the market.” Elijah stiffened, but Seth continued anyway. “I think you need to have it for when you come home to visit. You should make enough off the sale of the business and your parents’ house to live comfortably and support Hope.”

“Seth, I don’t want this house…” Elijah interrupted.

“But, I do.” Seth finally lifted his head and met Elijah’s stare. “I want this house because you built it.” The light in Elijah’s eyes dimmed, and his mouth firmed. He twisted his head away.

“I see.” The words emerged clipped and concise. Seth bristled at the tone until he realized Elijah didn’t understand.

“Elijah. Eli, look at me.” Seth’s demand was ineffective, and those strong hands returned to his hips and started to lift. “Elijah Deacon, I love you.”

Electric blue eyes drilled into him. “Come again?”

“I said, you big lunkhead…I love you.” With Elijah’s full attention returned to him, he took a deep breath and gave his lover a wobbly smile. “I’ve told you before, seems you weren’t listening. Anyway, I put my house up for sale instead. I want to move to Maine with you and Hope. I want to have this house to come back to when we visit our friends, your parents’ graves and Bethany’s as well.” The lump in his throat swelled. “You asked me a question a while back, and I don’t think I gave you a final answer. Elijah Deacon, yes.” Seth inhaled shakily and blinked to clear the tears from his eyes. “Yes, I will marry you, if you still want me.”

“If I still want you?” Elijah growled and brought one hand up to slide around Seth’s neck. The other cupped Hope’s red curls. “Marrying you will make me the happiest man on this planet.” His kiss literally curled Seth’s toes, and he moaned into Eli’s mouth.  Between them, Hope released the nipple of her bottle and let out a soft coo.

Elijah pulled back and glanced down. “I think our daughter approves.” The ‘our’ did not go unnoticed and drew the damnable tears Seth couldn’t seem to control.

“Well what do you know; she’s a smart girl already.” Seth teased as one slipped free and slid down his cheek. Elijah smiled and reached up to wipe the moisture from Seth’s cheek. The words came again, Seth couldn’t say them enough. “I love you, Eli.” His heart swelled when Elijah answered.

“I love you, too, Seth.”

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EPILOGUE

SIX MONTHS LATER…

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A smile broader than the horizon split the beautifully chiseled features of the man Eli loved. And, in his arms, wearing a similar smile as bright as the morning sun, Hope bounced in excitement. Elijah’s heart swelled with love as Seth gently handed Hope over to the minister.

“Do you accept and promise to uphold your oath to this child before the eyes of God, the Father Almighty. Do you swear on all that is righteous and holy to accept the responsibility that comes with being Godparents to Bonnie Hope Bethany Deacon? To guide her and offer this child your love and loyalty in all that she faces in her life.” In the minister’s arms, Hope squirmed and two huge blue eyes peered out from under her unruly mop of flame red, curly hair.

“We do.” The replies came as Rhett, Kris and Carrie each stepped forward to light their own candle. The flame of each one confirmed their station and signified their everlasting promise to Hope in the eyes of God. Elijah couldn’t help the surge of emotion that welled inside of him. If his father hadn’t been so intent on keeping Hope a secret, he’d be the one to baptize Hope. The significance of his absence bore down on Elijah.

But, as much as his heart grieved for the loss of his father’s life, it was also full of the love and elation; a joy that consumed him every day. Hope was his. She was healthy and growing every day, and if that wasn’t enough to complete him, Elijah also had Seth. The love that had ignited following the fatal wreck had only grown stronger in the months since they’d moved to Maine. As if sensing the overwhelming surge of his emotions, Seth’s hand slipped into Eli’s and squeezed gently. And, that was all it took. A simple gesture of awareness, and Eli’s world was safely set back on its axis.

Amidst the chaos of their move north, settling into their amazing new home and the constant round of medical appointments with Hope’s new pediatrician, Seth had been there every step of the way. His love, strength and the power of his positive attitude kept Elijah strong and helped him to face the daunting times ahead.  They’d even kept in touch with Carrie Floyd, Bethany’s best friend and the driver of the SUV that had killed Eli’s father and Seth’s sister. Eli glanced over to where she stood wiping tears between Kris and Rhett.

Even though the circumstances were at best strange, the events that occurred after the crash had led to Elijah and Seth being where they were today, watching their daughter wail as the minister sprinkled water over her head to finish the baptism.

Ironic
.  The gay son of a preacher man, and he still had more morals than most of the bigots that despised the likes of him and Seth. Yet, here they were, baptizing their little girl and giving her the future she’d so vehemently fought for. Elijah’s eyes brimmed with tears of heartfelt pride and adoration for his sweet little girl and proudly he received her back into his awaiting arms. Innocent eyes stared back at him. Hope opened her mouth.

“Da, da, da, da,” she burbled and outstretched both her hands to place them against Elijah’s and Seth’s faces. Being so close to Seth and bursting with happiness, Elijah couldn’t help himself. He cared not of their surroundings, or their present company. Seth was his and he belonged to Seth, and if he wanted to kiss him, then God help any bastard that tried to stand in his way. The kiss was a sweet one, chaste for him, but one Elijah desperately wanted to deepen.

“I think that concludes the first part of today’s ceremonies. Would the grooms and their guests please follow me out to the gardens where the second part of this union will now take place?” Elijah’s throat was suddenly dry, and a solid lump threatened to stop him from drawing air as the minister led them out to where a small tree lined pathway sparkled with freshly fallen snow.

Hundreds, if not thousands of twinkling blue lights shimmered along the white coated branches. Their glow matched the azure blue of his and Seth’s matching ties and handkerchiefs. Elijah was speechless at the beauty of their surroundings. Even Hope, in her sweet little azure taffeta dress, hushed to take in the dazzling display. Elijah looked at Seth and all but melted at the smile adorning his man’s gorgeously handsome face.

“Are you ready, Mr. Jacobs? You still have time to run, before I hunt you down and drag that sweet Southern ass of yours up this aisle kicking and screaming.”

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Seth squeezed Elijah's hand and gazed up into those beautiful blue eyes. "The only way I'm running, Elijah Deacon, is straight up that aisle to the minister, and I’m dragging you with me." The smile on Elijah's face spread wider. "I love you so much. Today, right this minute, I have everything I'll ever need."  He turned to face the minister and squared his shoulders, his eyes drinking in the beauty of their wedding day. Tears pooled in his eyes, and he blinked hastily. His dreams were coming true because of the man at his side. A man that loved him beyond all others. Briefly, he rested his head against Elijah's shoulder as the magnitude of the moment washed over him. "I love you, Eli," he murmured again for their ears only.

He took a deep breath and straightened so he stood tall beside Elijah. The minister nodded once, and as the wedding march started to play, both men laughed and glanced over to see dual grins on the faces of their best friends and best men. With great pride, Seth turned back to face the minister and holding tight to Elijah's hand, he took the first step down the short aisle. When they reached the waiting minister, Elijah passed Hope to Carrie as they joined hands facing each other. For Seth, everything faded except the man in front of him.

The vows passed in a blur, both men answering when prompted. With each word, the euphoria inside Seth grew. Elijah was so steady, his responses strong and sure.  His grip on Seth's hands never lessened, and his eyes never left Seth's face until the time for the ring exchange. Seth turned and took the ring he'd bought for Elijah from Kris. His fingers shook as he grasped Eli's hand and slid the band of platinum along Eli's finger. Softly, he murmured the inscription on the inside, "My forever love, My Elijah, Always."

Elijah accepted Seth's ring from Rhett and turned back, his face solemn. Tears shimmered in the glittering blue depths as he repeated the words. "My forever love, My Seth, Always."  The matching platinum ring slid smoothly onto Seth's finger and the weight of it was perfect.

"I now pronounce you husband and husband; you may kiss your groom." Seth found himself engulfed in Elijah's embrace before the pastor finished his sentence. Firm warm lips captured his own as he was pulled tight against Elijah's strong body. He whimpered. He couldn't help it. Elijah overwhelmed him. A demanding tongue sought entrance and Seth parted his lips, his mind slowly fragmenting as sensations rocketed through him. When Elijah finally pulled back, Seth stumbled forward seeking more, and then blushed furiously as their friends laughed. He buried his face against Elijah's chest and hung on as he regained his equilibrium.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I give you, Mr. and Mr. Deacon. What God has shown fit to unite, let no man put asunder."

Kris and Rhett let loose with cheers while Carrie brought their daughter to them. Hope's bright blue eyes shone with happiness as she bounced into Elijah's waiting arms. After taking her, Elijah slid a free arm around Seth's waist and anchored Seth against his side.

"How soon do we get to the wedding night?" Elijah's near silent question sent a flush of need through Seth. As he smiled for the camera pointed in their direction, Seth let the hand resting on Elijah's hip slip down to caress his ass.

"Soon, my Eli. Very, very soon."

THE END

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Author V.L. Moon started writing in 2011. She is a genre-crosser who writes paranormal, romance, and erotica in both the male/male and male/female genres. She encourages feedback and would love to hear what you thought of Love Life & Circumstance. You can contact her at
[email protected]
For more information on future works check out the website at
www.lazandlachi.com
.

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#1 Best-Selling author of Grand Slam, J.T. Cheyanne also started writing in 2011. She is a genre-crosser who writes paranormal, romance, and erotica in both the male/male and male/female genres. She encourages feedback and would love to hear what you thought of Love Life & Circumstance. You can contact her at
[email protected]
. For m
ore information on future works check out the website at
www.lazandlachi.com
.

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DISCOVER OTHER TITLES BY
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Will Eros succeed in winning the love and trust of cynical beauty, or will he wind up in servitude to Hades, for the remainder of eternity?

Reviews:

“
If you love true romance like I do then this is a keeper for all time. The play on mythology was absolutely perfect. The story idea was so original and written in such a poetic way I loved it.
” – Sue

“
I was excited to read this story, and I’d recommend it
.” – Love in a Book Reviews

“The writing in this story completely blew me away. The team of writers is some of the best I’ve ever read.” – Kindle Alexander, Author

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Tyrian’s Mist

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Jaral, loyal Guardian and warrior of his race, accepts the duty of Tyrian's protection. Only, he crosses the forbidden barrier and falls in love with his ward. Although he fights his attraction and love for his charge, Jaral is unable to withstand the desire Tyrian stirs within him. Desperate to ensure Tyrian remains untainted, he faces his Elders and the punishment he is sure to receive.