Something Like Rain (Something Like... Book 8) (66 page)

“This is all your doing,” William said, leaning forward to address Michelle. “Isn’t it?”

“I like to think it would have happened without me,” she responded, eyes wet. “Just like Ben and Tim getting married, sometimes people need a gentle push. I’m determined to make a family of them. Of all of you.”

William grinned. “Just leave the rest to me.”

She looked surprised, then pleased when he nodded in confirmation. The day had been full of happy occurrences. Why not go whole hog? Their attention was drawn to the front again, Ben and Tim standing to either side of Jason, holding his hands in the air.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Tim said, addressing them all. “May I present to you, our son, Jason Grant!”

William leapt to his feet. He wasn’t the only one. Tim’s grandmother was already rushing forward. She was surprisingly spry for her age. Others had risen as well, moving forward to offer their congratulations, to hug Jason or each other or just to blow their noses. So much love was in the air that it was ridiculous. William called on all of his patience because getting to Jason took a long time. When they reached each other, Jason’s chin trembled. “I’ve got parents,” he managed to say. Then he started crying.

William took him in his arms, the tears flowing again. “You’re so loved,” he murmured. “By everyone here. You deserve all of this.”

Jason squeezed him back, not letting go as the crowd slowly dispersed. Except for two figures. William felt a strong hand on his shoulder. He looked over to see Tim smiling at him. Ben was rubbing Jason’s back and trying to calm him.

“You okay?” he asked.

Jason mumbled a response into William’s chest that none of them understood.

“I think he wants a group hug,” William suggested as casually as possible.

Tim laughed. “We thought you’d never ask.”

A second later there was plenty of squeezing, more laughter, and a lot more tears.

* * * * *

Choosing the right time to propose wasn’t easy. Today was about Ben and Tim. William didn’t want to steal the limelight, and he felt they all needed time to take a deep breath. Eating helped, as did dancing. Ben seemed to enjoy that more than his new husband did, shaking his hips or twirling, lost in the music. Tim could only try to keep up. William was out there as well, the grass an unlikely dance floor, although he didn’t have a partner. Jason was busy playing his guitar, accompanying the music, head bobbing to the rhythm. William watched him while dancing, occasionally turning his attention to the happy couple.

Tim noticed him looking, his panicked expression becoming one of hope. “Mind if I cut in?” he said. “That’s your line, not mine.”

William shook his head, not understanding. “Huh?”

“Say it!”

“Oh! Mind if I cut in?”

Tim stopped moving and gestured for William to take his place. Then he fled. Ben laughed, not missing a beat as his feet kept moving. William joined him. Could this day get any better? Seriously. He needed some random tragedy to balance things out, because this was one dream come true after another.

“You’ve got some moves!” Ben said appreciatively.

“All part of rescue swimmer training,” William joked. “Helps calm survivors when they see you dancing on the deck of a ship.”

“Please tell me that’s true!” Ben turned his head, seeking out Jason. Or—considering what he said next—making sure that he was outside of hearing range. “I’m told there might be another big announcement soon.”

William rolled his eyes. “Michelle is
terrible
at keeping secrets.”

Ben grinned. “She’s got her own agenda. I’m with her on this one. I’ve got a son. Now I want a son-in-law.”

William lost the rhythm for a second, then caught up, more energy in each step. “I was thinking of asking today, but I don’t want to take away from—”

“Do it!” Ben said. “I’ll consider it a wedding present. The best one I could ask for!”

The song came to an end, replaced by a ballad. Was he seriously about to slow dance with Ben? For real? Ben shrugged, as if not averse to the idea, and opened his arms. Then a black tuxedo came between them.

“Mind if I cut in?” Tim said.

“Actually, I do,” William tried, but he was already ancient history. Ben and Tim were in each other’s arms. All he could do was enjoy an up-close view for as long as he dared—without seeming too creepy—before he retreated to the sidelines. He wasn’t alone. Almost everyone there had stopped to witness a slowly spinning embrace of tender perfection.

* * * * *

The sun grew orange and heavy as the day wore on, many of the guests leaving. That was fine. He and Jason had spent most of the time mingling with other people, but now they could be together. They picked at the food, drank a glass of champagne, and went inside to escape the heat and enjoy the quiet.

“I still can’t believe it,” Jason said, leaning against the kitchen counter and shaking his head. “Who adopts a twenty-four-year-old?”

“Awesome people, that’s who. You’ve been their son longer than that. Don’t you think?”

Jason nodded. “I had hoped. And there were times when they said as much, but… This is for real. I know it sounds cheesy, but now I feel safe.”

William shook his head. “What do you mean?”

“Like the future is secure. I never had that growing up. I didn’t know where I would be the next month, or with who. Maybe nobody does.”

William thought about the way his parents’ divorce had turned his world upside down, how upset he had been, even though his family remained the same despite being divided. “It’s not normal what you went through,” William said. “I’m glad you don’t have to feel that way anymore.”

Speaking of the future…
now might be the time, but this wasn’t the place. William was determined to do this right. He looked around for inspiration, wanting better than a mundane environment like the kitchen. He noticed the window and how dark it had grown outside, the stage where Ben and Tim had married now illuminated.

“Come look at the lights with me,” William said. “Please.”

They left the house and entered into a serene environment. The DJ had gone home, a playlist of soft music streaming from Jason’s phone. Marcello was slow dancing with Tim’s grandmother. As for the two grooms, they had pulled up chairs to the buffet and were sitting in front of the spread like kings, goofing around with each other. Off to the side, Kelly was taking photos of Allison with her baby. William nodded at him as they passed, hoping it was enough of a signal. Kelly nodded back, but then gave new directions to Allison. Had he not understood? It was about to happen! Wasn’t it?

They reached the stage, his boyfriend sitting on the top step and holding out his hand. William took it, sitting next to him. Jason seemed lost in their surroundings. He became William’s sole focus as he searched his heart for infallible words.

Jason sighed wistfully. “I hate when a party is over.”

“Really?” William asked, slipping his free hand into his pocket. “Why?”

“Because endings are sad. They always make me cry.”

“Even when they’re happy?” His fingers touched the ring box. As casually as possible, he slowly slid it free and placed it next to him.

“Especially when they’re happy because then I don’t want it to be over.”

There were some things he didn’t want to end either. Ever. William removed his hand from Jason’s and pulled him closer. “I don’t think of it that way. To me it’s more like when a war is over. The chaos has finally ceased.” They had been through so much. The struggle at the beginning when Kelly was still there, the years apart, and all that had happened since they had gotten back together. For once, their future seemed clear of obstacles. “Everything is calm and peaceful again.”

“And kind of sad,” Jason said.

“Hm.” Sounded like he needed cheering up. “Hey, remember when I asked you for four years?”

Jason’s eyes darted to meet his. “Now I’m getting sadder.”

“I know, I know. What if I asked you for four more?”

Jason’s brow furrowed. “That’s not funny.”

“I’m dead serious,” William replied. “Except this time, I want you to come with me. On a journey. Of sorts.”

He looked down at the black box beside him, his hand shaking a little as he reached for it. Then he held it up so Jason could see. Except he wasn’t looking. Jason’s attention was somewhere across the yard. William cleared his throat. No luck. “Uh, I sort of need you to look at me.”

That got Jason’s attention. He turned his head toward him, noticing the box right away. Instead of elation or surprise, he seemed confused, peering at the box as if trying to see the contents.

“Okay,” William said with a chuckle. “Not the reaction I was hoping for.”

Jason blinked and shook his head. “Sorry, but is that from my old room?”

“I needed a box,” he said hurriedly.

“Yeah, but it was in my underwear drawer.”

William’s nerves were frazzled. “Just take it, okay?”

Jason still seemed apprehensive, so William his arm free and opened the box for him. The puzzlement only increased when the contents were revealed. William reached in, took hold of the ribbon, and held up the medal. He hoped Jason would recognize it. Then again, those books he was reading didn’t have many photos in them. At least his eyes had lit up, fixated now on the gold disc. William was tempted to start swinging it back and forth and hypnotize his way into a successful proposal.

When Jason looked to him for clarification, William explained. “It’s a Lifesaving Medal. This is the life you helped me save. I figured it’s a nice symbol for what I’m asking for. A life. Together. Just give me four years. We can stay right here in Austin, if you want. And at the end of that time, when I’ve done my best to prove myself, I’d like to be standing right here with you.”

“And what?” Jason asked, a smile appearing.

It matched his own. “And then we’ll give Ben and Tim some serious competition.”

Jason’s eyes were searching as he reached out, fingers warm on the back of William’s neck. Jason pulled him close, their lips meeting. Somewhere in the distance, he was vaguely aware of clapping, but the rest of him was lost in that kiss, which felt like a promise of its own. Then he pulled away to hear the answer to his question.

“What do you say? Is that a yes? It didn’t feel like a no.”

Jason seemed to weigh his response carefully before he spoke, tone warm when he did. “Four years.”

“I’m supposed to wait four years to get your answer?” William said, not sure if he understood. “Is this some sort of punishment?”

Jason shrugged enigmatically. “Take it or leave it.”

“Okay,” William said. They would take it slow, but judging from the way Jason’s hand gripped his own, the outcome was hopeful. “I suppose that’s only fair. It’s my turn to wait, and when the four years are up, I’ll stand on this stage with you and ask my question again. I’ll say ‘Jason Grant, will you spend the rest of your life with me?’ And you’ll say… Come on! Give me a hint! What will you say?”

Jason grinned. Finished with words, he kissed William again. Contained within it was all the reassurance he needed. They felt the same way. Of course they would be together!

“I love you,” Jason murmured against his lips.

“I love you too,” William said, pulling back to consider him.

“I hate to interrupt,” a voice said. Tim was there, holding two champagne glasses.

“He loves to interrupt,” Ben said, standing at his side. “I begged him not to.”

“I wanted to be the first to congratulate them,” Tim whined. Then he winked, leaned forward, and offered the glasses. “Congratulations. Unless he said no. Either way, I figured booze was called for.”

Jason laughed happily, taking a glass and passing it to William before accepting one of his own. Ben had two flutes too. Handing one to Tim, he came up with the perfect toast. “Here’s to our ever-growing family.”

“We might have to buy a bigger house,” Tim joked.

They clinked glasses and drank.

“Thank you both,” Ben said. “I’m not sure this day would have happened if not for you.”

“We would have gotten around to it
eventually
,” Tim said. “Seriously though, thanks for forcing us to do this while we’re still photogenic. You forgot one tiny detail though.”

“What?” Jason asked, sounding concerned.

“The honeymoon. No one has told us where we’re going.”

William locked eyes with Jason. Then they groaned in unison. “The bed and breakfast you came from,” Jason said, improvising. “That was your honeymoon. You just did it in reverse order.”

Tim glowered. “Doesn’t count.”

“We could drive you somewhere tomorrow,” William tried. “San Antonio? There’s stuff to do there. Um…”

Ben shook his head ruefully. “Stop being mean and tell them.”

“We planned our own honeymoon,” Tim said. “And we want you guys to come along.”

“That’s not how it’s supposed to work,” Jason said. “Don’t you want to be alone?”

William felt like clamping his mouth shut! “But if you’ve already booked the flights…”