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Chapter One

Rowe Ward took a drink of the beer in front of him and cleared his throat for the second tie the lu to be a difficult day Not like he didn’t have a and ti, e it difficult to breathe

This should have been easier

Lucas Vallois stood, his muscular frame expertly wrapped in a black tux He slipped his free hand casually into one pocket, looking for all the world like he was gracing the cover of soazine The rooiving hienuine smile that held all the warmth of what he felt for the man Lucas loved him, just as they all did It was impossible not to love Ian

“When Ian caed for the better Not a day goes by where I don’t think about how lucky I aroup of friends and turned us into a real faroup of people you would do anything for The group of people you can’t live without Ian came into our world and rounded us out in e didn’t even knoe needed Our lives are blessed with his presence, and I truly enjoy all the tiave him a radiant smile

“One thing I cherish most is our weekly breakfasts As some of you know, Ian lived with h, I’ the amount of time they spent there”

“It’s the one place we could always find a free hter floated around the room, and Lucas shook his head with a smile

Rowe had to agree, but the four of thee was not the reason for their nearly constant appearances at the penthouse It was soabout

When the room was quiet, Lucas continued his story “Too soon, Ian wanted to et his own place Now, soain for the low laughter that filled the reception hall

Controlling was putting it lightly, but Roas pleased to see that Lucas’s husband, Andrei, had helped to mellow those instincts a bit

“Controlling or not, I thought it was too soon for Ian to leave To get me to be more reasonable, he promised to come over twice a week and cook breakfast at the penthouse He said it was his way toup on hi was, it was never about the food It was about touching base with those you love

“Years have passed since we first reement We both now have new families He still coinning And now he spoilsuy”

Hollis, looking fine in his black tux, raised his glass and nodded his head

“Finding true love is one of the greatest gifts we can receive,” Lucas continued “I couldn’t be happier that Ian and Hollis have found theirs and I wish theether”

Ian stood and hugged Lucas, joyful tears on his cheeks

A hand touched Rowe’s and he turned to find his partner, Noah Keegan, watching hiave a little excited patter Noah had left his wavy, brownish-blond hair loose, and he looked fantastic in his suit Rowe hiuin suit—neither of them was the suit type—but his dressed-up surfer ht He winked at hiether

The Ault Park Pavilion was the perfect spot for Ian’s wedding and reception The location was one of the ht after in all the city, a sarden and old trees providing a green wall against the city and residential neighborhoods

But for all the exquisitely landscaped gardens, the real jewel of the park was the white-pillared hall at the top of the hill Two sets of wide steps led up to it, and in the , lit by warhts