Burden Page 20

  Jesse laughed. “What you really mean is, I have to find us a place so Mitch and Nikko can get their house back.”

  Randy coughed. “And while we’re still under their roof, it might be a good idea if we were a little… quieter?”

  Jesse stared at him, aghast. “Oh God. They said something, didn’t they?”

  “Possibly.” Randy’s eyes twinkled in the light. “But you have other stuff to occupy your mind. You need to put the wheels in motion to see about transferring here too. Transcripts, documentation, letters, whatever you need…. Can you lay your hands on all that?”

  “Yeah, I think so.”

  “What about your parents? Do you think they might come around?”

  Jesse huffed. “Who knows? I’ll tell them what my plans are. If they wanna make a move, that’s up to them. I’m not gonna get my hopes up.” He took Randy’s hand. “As long as I got you in my corner, I’m good.” He tried not to think about them. It only got him upset.

  “You have a lot of people in your corner, sweetheart. Mitch and Nikko. Mitch’s family. And when they meet you, my folks are gonna love ya.”

  “Your….”

  Randy grinned. “Have you ever been to Florida? Because you’re gonna get to see it. I’ll take you to meet them as soon as we can fix a time.”

  “Florida might have to wait a while.” Jesse’s mind was already working. “We’re gonna be strapped for cash. I don’t imagine a police officer makes all that much.”

  “Not at first, but I’m aiming for the Criminal Investigation and Forensics Division. From there, I’ll have lots of options.” He smiled. “And you’ll still be earning more than me.”

  Randy’s words were finally sinking in, and with that a whole new window opened up in Jesse’s mind. It really was a fresh start, for both of them. Randy’s excitement about his future was almost palpable.

  Jesse took Randy’s face between his hands and kissed him softly. “I love you,” he whispered. “And I want this.”

  A long sigh shuddered out of Randy. “Thank God.” He returned the kiss. “Love you too.” The light had faded, and the sky had darkened. Randy glanced around them. “Wanna go back to the house and snuggle?”

  Jesse laughed. “Nope. I wanna go back to the house and start looking at rental properties.”

  Randy was on his feet in an instant, brushing sand from his jeans. “Then what are we waiting for?” He held out a hand and hoisted Jesse up. “We also get to give Mitch and Nikko the good news.” When Jesse snickered, Randy smacked his butt. “I was talking about our change in plans.”

  “Oh, sure,” Jesse replied, his eyes wide. “But they’ll be thinking about something else entirely. And while we’re on the subject… I think you telling me we need to be a little quieter was a bit self-righteous. After all,” he added with a grin, “I’m not the one who—”

  Randy covered Jesse’s mouth with his hand. “Not. Another. Word.”

  Jesse was still grinning when he removed it and they walked back to the house.

  Epilogue

  December 23, 2016

  “WELL? HOW do I look?”

  Jesse cast a critical eye over Nikko. His dark blue suit fit his slim figure, and the blue silk tie against the white shirt complemented it. “You look wonderful.” He cleared his throat. “For the fourth time.”

  Nikko stared at his reflection. “My hands are shaking.”

  Jesse got up out of the armchair beside the window and took hold of Nikko’s hands. “I don’t know why. You look amazing, and you’re about to marry the man you love. Sounds perfect to me.” He smiled. “I’d give you a hug, but I’m too scared of wrinkling your suit. Now come away from that mirror. You have a wedding to go to.” His phone vibrated in his jacket pocket. Jesse removed it and glanced at the screen.

  Good to go. Where are you?

  He grinned. “Looks like they’re ready for you.”

  Nikko drew in a deep breath, then nodded. “I’m ready, best man. Have you heard from Randy yet? It’s a hell of a day to be running errands.”

  “Oh, I’m sure he’ll get here on time.” Jesse smiled to himself.

  “As long as he’s not this late for his own wedding.” Nikko’s eyes sparkled.

  Jesse coughed. “Neither of us has even considered marriage yet—unless you know something I don’t.” Hell, they’d only been living together for two months. Randy had finally moved into the little house Jesse had found them, at the beginning of November. Jesse had been living there since early September. It wasn’t huge, and it was a winter lease until early June, but it was comfortable and, more importantly, within their budget.

  Nikko laughed. “Don’t look so panic-struck. Anyone would think you didn’t want to marry him.”

  Jesse chuckled. “Listen, Mr. I’m-Getting-Married-Any-Second-Now, we have other priorities. If you could see the list of things Randy has to do….”

  Nikko laughed. “I know exactly what he’s had to do, remember? I have this neighbor who keeps coming to my house and updating me on everything Randy is doing.” He counted off on his fingers. “Like when he got his Maine driver’s license, when he passed the background check, the written test, the medical exam, the psychological exam, and even the lie detector test. Surely there can’t be all that much left to do.”

  Jesse arched his eyebrows. “Are you complaining about the fact that we live a few blocks from you? Because that can be changed, y’know. We can move.”

  Nikko chuckled.

  “But he’s still got his physical fitness test to do, plus his oral board exam, and the oral interview with the chief of the Maine State Police.”

  “He shouldn’t have any difficulties with the last two, surely.” Nikko bit his lip. “He’s good at oral, isn’t he?”

  Jesse gasped. “Whatever happened to that sweet, quiet guy who sat reading in a brothel?”

  Nikko grinned. “He met Mitch.”

  Jesse shook his head. “Does he know what a handful you are?”

  “Maybe that’s why he’s marrying me.”

  There was a soft knock at the door. “Guys? Mitch wants to know where you are.”

  “We’re coming, Gareth. Tell him to chill.”

  From the other side of the door came a muffled snort. “Yeah, right. Only if I want to wear my balls as earrings.”

  Nikko sighed. “And I thought I was nervous. We’d better get out there.”

  Jesse rolled his eyes. “What have I been saying for the last ten minutes?” He walked with Nikko to the door, then along the carpeted hallway to the elevator. As they descended, Jesse laced his fingers through Nikko’s. “Breathe, babe.”

  Nikko laughed. “Good advice.”

  The doors slid open and they walked through the lobby of the Cliff House Hotel to the Cape Neddick Salon. Jesse paused at the doors, where Cal and Dale stood, looking very smart in their suits.

  “Uncle Mitch said I was to let him know when you arrived,” Cal said quietly. He opened the door slightly and looked around it. Seconds later Mitch was there, and Nikko let out a gasp.

  “You sneaky man.”

  Jesse had to admit, Mitch looked awesome in a kilt. He wore a white shirt with a ruffled front under a black jacket with lapels that swooped down to his waist where it fastened. His kilt was green check with lines of black and white, on top of which sat a gilt sporran, adorned with tassels. His almost-knee-high thick socks had tassels, too, and his black boots shone.

  “D’ya like it?”

  Nikko snickered. “Please. Do not attempt a Sean Connery impersonation during our wedding.” He stroked the sporran. “I didn’t know you could wear tartan.”

  “There’s Scottish blood on my grandfather’s side,” Mitch explained. “This is the family tartan.”

  “And are you wearing it like a true Scotsman?” Nikko’s eyes twinkled.

  Mitch leaned in and whispered, “You’ll find that out tonight.” He straightened and held out his hand. “Ready?”

  “I will be, once Jesse goes
in and stands with Gareth.”

  Jesse kissed his cheek. “See you in there.” He stepped into the Salon and quickly made his way to the window, where the justice of the peace stood. To one side was a gleaming black piano, its pianist seated on a bench. In front of the justice stood Gareth.

  Jesse stood to the left of the assembled guests, peering along the front row. Randy gave him the thumbs-up, grinning.

  The air was suddenly filled with soft chords as the pianist began playing Debussy’s Clair de Lune, and the doors opened to admit Mitch and Nikko. They walked solemnly toward the wall of windows, outside which lay a white landscape, the coastline obscured by a thick covering of snow. Inside the room, Christmas trees stood at regular intervals, covered with tiny white lights and deep red garlands. About fifty people sat on either side of the aisle, marked by red ribbons and small white flowers.

  Mitch and Nikko reached the front and stood side by side before the justice of the peace. Mitch nudged Nikko, who turned to look at the front row where Randy sat, next to Valerie and Malcolm. Suddenly Nikko’s eyes filled with tears, and he left Mitch’s side, heading for the man seated on Randy’s other side, who lunged to his feet. The two men embraced, both crying, and Jesse had to fight hard to hold his own tears in check.

  Mitch held up his hands. “Sorry, everyone, but this is the first time Nikko has seen his brother in a long while.”

  There were murmurs from the guests, and a few people wiped away tears.

  Nikko and Ichy said nothing, just held each other, as if they were afraid to let go. After a minute, Mitch gently rubbed Nikko’s back. “He’ll still be here when we’re done. And in case you missed them, there’s a room full of people here who came to watch us get married.”

  Nikko laughed and wiped his eyes. Ichy squeezed his arm and sat down again next to Randy. Then Mitch took Nikko’s hand, and they faced the justice together.

  Jesse watched the proceedings, his heart full of joy for his friends. Now and again he glanced over and caught Randy staring at him. Jesse couldn’t help staring back. Randy in a formal dark suit was a sight to behold. His smooth-shaven jawline had Jesse yearning to kiss and stroke it. Then a lovely thought crossed his mind.

  There’ll be dancing later. I get to dance with Randy for the first time.

  Now that was something to look forward to.

  RANDY TOOK two glasses of champagne from the waiter, then made his way across the floor of the Atlantic Ballroom to where Jesse stood talking with Nikko and Ichy. He smiled as he passed members of Mitch’s family, who greeted him with a wave or a raised glass. As he drew nearer, Nikko’s eyes lit up.

  “And here’s the man I have to thank. So this was your errand?” He gestured to Ichy.

  Randy smiled. “When I was here in August, Mitch mentioned how badly he wanted Ichy to attend the wedding. All I did was talk to the right people.” He nodded to the bar, where a tall man dressed in black was watching them, smiling. “And that is Ichy’s personal detective. He’s the one responsible for making sure Ichy stays safe, as a favor to me.”

  “I was telling Nikko, I’m doing all right. He doesn’t have to worry about me. I have this whole new life, and it’s working out.” Ichy chuckled. “I thought having a cop bring me was a bit too much.”

  “Hey, the trial only finished in June,” Randy said quickly. “We couldn’t be sure you weren’t being watched by friends of Richards. You know what they told you at the start—absolutely no contact with old friends or family.”

  Ichy nodded. “Doug—the cop who came with me—made it clear the authorities weren’t happy about me coming here. I knew it was a risk, but hell, it’s your wedding. And if I can’t even come to my brother’s wedding, see the only family I’ve got left, then I’m not really living, am I? So yeah, it’s a risk, but like I said to Doug—fuck it.” He grinned when Nikko gasped. “Oh, don’t give me that. I’m sure you’ve heard worse.”

  Randy chuckled at Nikko’s horrified expression as he handed a glass to Jesse. “I knew I had to try to get him here, if only because it was the best wedding present I could think of.”

  Nikko nodded. “The best.” He turned to Ichy. “I think it’s time we had some champagne.” He led his brother toward the waiter, who was still carrying his tray of glasses.

  “There was only one thing we didn’t see coming,” Jesse murmured, his gaze focused on Nikko.

  “Their grandmother, you mean?”

  Jesse nodded. “Nikko hoped she’d be well enough to be here.”

  It wasn’t to be. His grandmother had passed away at the end of November.

  “I’ll see what I can do about bringing Ichy here again. Maybe I can persuade Doug that he can stay with us for the holidays. I mean, who better to keep him safe than me? And Christmas is only two days away.” Randy hated the thought of the brothers being apart.

  “Better with us than with Mitch and Nikko,” Jesse said with a grin. “I mean, they may be family, but this is their honeymoon, right?”

  Randy laughed. “And they’ll be spending two days with Mitch’s family. I’m sure Valerie could find room for Ichy.”

  “What’s this about Valerie finding room?” Mitch appeared behind them, his hands on their shoulders. Randy repeated his idea, and Mitch nodded. “I’m sure she wouldn’t mind, as long as you can square it with Doug. And, er, thanks for volunteering to put Ichy up for the holidays. Ordinarily I wouldn’t hesitate to offer him our guest room, but….” He gave them a sheepish grin. “A little alone time right now would be appreciated.”

  “Can’t think why,” Jesse said with an innocent expression.

  Randy skewered him with a look.

  “Anyway, why aren’t you two lovebirds dancing?”

  Randy narrowed his gaze. “Because there’s no music? We’d look a little strange, don’t you think?”

  Mitch sighed. “I suppose even a band has to take a break. Well, the break’s over.” He strode across the room in search of the musicians.

  Jesse chuckled. “You know, earlier, I was asking Nikko if Mitch was aware of the handful he was about to marry. I take it all back. They’re as bad as each other.”

  Soft music filtered through the air, and Randy smiled. “Don’t you think it’s time you danced with me?”

  Jesse took Randy’s glass and placed it, along with his own, on a nearby table. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  Randy put his hands on Jesse’s waist and pressed his cheek to Jesse’s. “Having a good time?”

  Jesse sighed. “I like weddings. Such happy, romantic occasions.”

  “I’m glad to hear that, because there’ll be another along shortly.” When Jesse pulled back and gave him an inquiring glance, Randy smiled. “My cousin Donna is getting married next year. You get to meet all my family.”

  Jesse chuckled. “Can I at least meet your parents first?”

  “I think that can be arranged.” Randy held him close as they moved slowly together to the music. He shook his head, smiling.

  “What’s amusing you?”

  “I was just thinking, that’s all. Little did I imagine, this time last year, that by Christmas I’d be head over heels in love—with a guy—living with him, and training to be a state trooper.”

  “No regrets, then?”

  Randy laughed softly. “What is there to regret? I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time. I get to wake up every morning next to you. Our friends live a few blocks away from us.”

  Jesse snickered. “Mitch still can’t believe we found a house in Old Orchard Beach.”

  They’d spent a lot of time going through lists of properties, but their hands were tied by the available budget. The little house on Evergreen Avenue was perfect for them. Jesse had a solid job in Portland, and his prospects were good once he finished the MBA.

  “I knew there was something I’d forgotten to tell you. Owen called.”

  “Don’t tell me. He’s moving to Maine, too, to start up a new practice,” Jesse said with a grin. “He’s missi
ng your Friday night drinks and gossip.”

  Randy laughed. “Possibly, but no, he’s staying put. His job is working out well. But he was hinting heavily about paying us a visit in the new year.”

  Jesse shrugged. “I don’t see why not.” He glanced around the room and sighed. “I love the holidays. I was looking forward to my first Christmas alone with you, but you’re right. Letting Ichy stay with us is the nice thing to do. And we’ll have other Christmases.”

  “That’s what I love about you,” Randy said quietly. “Your generous nature.” He brushed his lips against Jesse’s ear. “And what about you? No regrets either?”

  Jesse pulled back to look him in the eye. “I don’t miss my old life. Let’s face it, you nailed it. I got into escorting because I figured getting paid to do what I love had to be a dream job, right? Well, now I go to bed every night with a gorgeous man who loves sex as much as I do.” He grinned. “Maybe more.”

  “What about your parents?”

  Jesse’s face darkened a little. “They know the score. It’s up to them now.” He lowered his gaze, but Randy lifted his chin with a couple of fingers.

  “At least your mom called, right? That’s gotta be a good sign.”

  “Yeah, you’re right. Who knows? They might come around, now I’m working in a job they can actually tell people about.” Jesse smiled, the light returning to his eyes. “All right, so the life of a product manager is a hell of a lot less glamorous than the life of a hooker, but you know what? I can live without the glamor, because it had its darker moments too. I feel safer than I did back then. There’s food in our cabinets and refrigerator. I don’t have to worry about money. It might only be our home until June, but who knows where we’ll end up living? I can walk a few blocks and there’s the Atlantic Ocean.” He stroked Randy’s cheek. “And okay, so your career involves a certain amount of risk. At least you’re doing what you want to do.” Jesse sighed. “Nothing’s perfect in this life, but you know what? We’ve got each other. I’ll help you carry your burdens because you’re there to carry mine.”