Chapter Thirty-Five

Gage

" H ere you go, muffin; soda and lime to warm up them vocals for karaoke night." I give Ash a wink. He smiles as I slide the drink over to him.

"What time did the guys say they were coming?" Ash takes a sip of his drink, perched on a bar stool. He looks adorable in his hoodie, which proudly declares, ‘ The Sexy Barman is Mine .'

I'm, of course, wearing the matching hoodie that proclaims, equally proud, ‘ I'm The Sexy Barman .' I love the way he's claimed me as his own.

"They should be here any minute. Max said they have some news to share. I swear, if Jaxon's pregnant, I'll eat my boot."

The sound of laughter reaches our ears as Max and Jaxon enter through the kitchen door, approaching us at the bar.

I walk around from the other side, quietly approaching Ash, and lovingly wrap my arms around him. I plant a gentle kiss on the top of his head. "Finally," I remark with a hint of sarcasm.

"Hey," Jaxon retorts. "We had some important business to take care of."

"Don't wanna hear about your lame fumbles, thanks," I smirk.

Rolling his eyes in exasperation, Jax joins Ash on the neighboring stool as Max mirrors my stance by standing behind his man. Look at us, being all domestic and shit with our men.

"So... What's the news?" Ash says, super excited.

"You wanna tell them, babe?" Jax asks, turning to look at Max.

"Nah, this is all on you, sunshine. You tell ‘em."

Spinning back around to face us, Jax wears a big, cheesy grin that stretches from ear to ear. "Well, you know that old coffee shop by the library that's just been sitting there, its windows all boarded up and covered in cobwebs? We own it now."

"What! That's incredible!" Ash exclaims, leaning in and giving Jax a warm hug to celebrate their success. "Congratulations to both of you! So, you're gonna open a coffee shop?"

"No way," Jax says. "We're gonna gut the place and split the shop. Max's gonna have his wood creations on one side, and I'll have my photography on the other."

Glancing over at Max, he looks as happy as a pig in shit, and I don't blame him. He'd had a difficult few years before Jaxon came into his life. Jax has clearly been the best thing to ever happen to Max, and I'm glad he's finally happy.

"Well, there's me thinking Jax was pregnant! Just for a minute, I thought I was going to become an uncle." I shake my head, like I'm truly upset, wiping an invisible tear from my eye. They all groan at me. I have no idea what lies in the cards for our friends, but I find myself strangely open to the idea of them having kids one day. A lot of things have changed in a short amount of time, and things I used to consider unimportant or out of my grasp are suddenly possible. So, who knows? Anything's possible. "Let's have a shot to mark the occasion," I say, walking behind the bar and placing four shot glasses down for everyone.

"It was Jaxon's brilliant idea, as he always seems to have good ones. I guess that's why he kept me around," Max jokes.

"Stop," Jax says, his hand slapping Max's arm fondly. "But I won't lie. My mind is buzzing with countless ideas."

"Max already has his name for his shop, Carving Out Hope, so I thought it would be fitting for my half to be called ‘Photographing Hope.' Is it a little cheesy? Sure, but who the fuck cares? I'm now a firm believer in everything cheesy and romantic."

Filling the shot glasses with Fireball, I nudge them over, so we all have one. Picking up my glass, I raise a toast. "Here's to Jaxon and Max. Ash and I hope you find success and happiness with your new adventure. Cheers."

The sound of glasses clinking soon drowns in a symphony of moans, as we all brave the fiery burn of alcohol coursing through our veins.

"So, I guess this means I'll have to find new bartenders," I joke.

"Hey, you still have me," Ash complains. I take his hand and press a soft kiss to the top of it, reassuring him, "I know, sweetheart, I'm just joking."

"We only signed all the legal stuff today," Jax says with a smile, "but we have the keys. It'll take some time for it to be up and running, though. In the meantime, we can still lend a hand here. But yeah, I think it's time you got some additional help."

I agree with him; we definitely need more help. Especially because I want to have some days off to spend quality time with Ash. This bar means a lot to me, but Ash is my everything, and I want to continue showering him with all my love and energy, instead of feeling burned out and empty. He's my top priority now.

"Since you're all here and we're sharing things, I have something special to give you all. Let me go get it."

Walking toward the door leading to the back stairs, I pick up the box I left there and walk back out the door. Looking at them, I can't help but smile myself. Their laughter fills the room, and at that moment, I realize that this is the happiest I've been in a long time. Hell, maybe even ever. With a successful bar, a thriving personal life, and the recent addition of Ash, everything is falling into place for me. I really am a lucky son of a bitch.

With a fond smile, I reach out and kiss my fingers before lightly touching Aunt P's stool, a gesture of remembrance and love. She's the reason—even with all the ups and downs—why I have everything I've ever wished for right in front of me.

"Here he is," Max declares with a bow, "the man of the hour."

"Fuck you, asshole. I'm considering retracting my gift now."

Jaxon, with an eye roll, retorts, "Don't be a baby."

Ash's hand, warm and comforting, clasps mine, urging me forward. "Come on," he says. "Show us what you've got in the box."

"If it's a pregnancy test," Max says, "I'm outta here. You may be ready to become an uncle, but I am definitely not !"

"Max," Jaxon says firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. Max raises his hands and says, "Sorry, go ahead."

Placing the box on the bar, I turn toward Max. "Remember I got you to make me that frame?" He nods.

"Ash, can you open it?" He lifts the lid and puts it to the side, then takes out the wrapped frame. He tears off the tissue paper and stands the frame up for everyone to see.

"No way. Is that really what I think it is?" His mouth gapes as he turns toward me with glassy green eyes. Shit, I think my cheeks are red.

Clearing my throat, which now feels like sandpaper, I rasp, "Yeah, it's the fifty bucks you gave me all those months ago, and I've been meaning to return it. But then I remembered it was your kind gesture during my darkest days that sparked the beginning of ‘ Fix up Gage's Life .' You all played a big role in me getting my shit together and getting this place back up and running." Turning to Jax, I say, "The financial support you've provided for this place is beyond measure, and I'm forever grateful." I look to Max. "Your help with the renovations has made all the difference, and I can't thank you enough." Last, I turn back to Ash. "I'll never understand why I'm so lucky to have you, but I promise to make it my lifelong mission to always love you!"

Tears fill Ash's eyes, mirroring Jax, who also tries to wipe his own away. Jeez, I didn't mean to make everyone so emotional.

"This fifty-dollar bill represents more than just money; it symbolizes the transformation of a small act of kindness into something greater," I continue.

"Family," Max says, his voice filled with affection. "It transformed into a sense of family."

Family. It's been a while since I've had a family, but I really like the idea. I think it would be good for Ash to have one as well.

Jaxon's cheerful voice rings out, exclaiming, "Group hug!" We gather together, feeling the strength and love in our tight-knit circle.

When we break apart, Max wastes no time refilling the shot glasses, a smile playing on his lips as he proposes a toast, "To family." We clink our glasses together before downing the liquid, its warmth settling in my belly.

"Wait," I say, grabbing the bottle to refill our glasses. "One last shot for luck."

"To Gash!"

"Hold up, what?" Jax asks, his brows furrowing in confusion.

"Gash. Gage and Ash. It's a thing now."

"Gage, that's so not a thing." Max rolls his eyes at me.

"You do realize that ‘ Gash ' is a British term for vagina?" Jax says, his voice filled with amusement as he bursts into laughter.

"Really?" A frown creases my forehead. With a shrug, I admit, "I suppose I don't really have a problem being the side vag for my man."

There's a collective groan from everyone. They love me, really!

Checking my watch, I see it's time to open. "Right, let's get these doors open."

Karaoke night is still a big draw. People love hump day, as it provides a much-needed serotonin boost to get through the rest of the week.

"I'll go hang this now," Max declares as he takes the frame.

Jaxon picks up our glasses and carries them to the dishwasher, while Ash jumps off the stool and takes a moment to give me a kiss. He whispers, "I love you" before walking over to the stage. I approach the doors and unlock them, releasing the bolts and flicking the latch before finally opening them. People start trickling in, their voices filled with anticipation, ready to sing away their troubles for a few hours.

It's near the end of the night, and the crowd is in high spirits, thoroughly enjoying themselves. Doc Green took the spotlight to perform an Elvis Presley song, but his unique rendition sounded like a chorus of birds fucking. We're all still recovering from it.

Max confidently strides over to the microphone, exchanging a few words with Ash, who acknowledges with a nod. As the music starts, he serenades Jax with a heartfelt rendition of ‘ At Your Worst ' by Callum Scott, causing Jax to melt into a puddle in front of the stage. Clean-up in the front row.

Ash lifts the side of the bar, walking over to me. "Aww, he's adorable singing to Jax like that." He moves closer to stand beside me, his arm wrapping around my waist while his head finds a resting place on my shoulder. As we listen to Max, Ash's hand comes to rest tenderly on my chest.

Fucking dick's showing me up. Everyone is practically drooling in here. Screw that, if he can serenade his man, I'm damn well gonna do the same.

"Come with me," I say, taking Ash's hand and guiding him away from the bar. We make our way toward the stage where Max has just finished performing. I grab a chair from an empty table and position it right in the center of the floor, facing the stage. "Park it here, sweetheart."

"What are you doing?" He laughs and sits down.

Leaving a lingering kiss on his lips, I teasingly remark, "You're about to witness a masterclass in serenading your boyfriend."

There's a distinct "Oh God," that reaches my ears as I make my way over to Max. "How do you use this thing?"

"Click the search icon, type in your song, then press play, and you're all set. Didn't know you could sing." Max smirks.

"I can't." With a smile, I press play and confidently walk over to the waiting microphone. "Not all love songs have to be sappy," I say with a smirk, glancing over at Max.

"Ash, this one's for you, tater tot," I say with a playful wink.

The awesome song ‘ Good lookin '' by Dixon Dallas comes on, and I serenade my man.

I can't sing for shit, but I'm still better than the doc. Everyone gets up to dance, but all I care about is Ash, who's laughing and smiling. When I'm finished, he comes rushing over and jumps into my arms. Thankfully, I'm strong enough to catch his full weight and spin him around on the stage, earning cheers from the crowd.

"I freaking love you, Gage," he utters between showering my face with kisses. "You're such a goofball."

"Yeah, but I'm your goofball."

"Damn straight," he laughs in that uninhibited way of his that's now a daily occurrence.

This... This is everything I ever wanted—my man, happy and loving on me. Put that in your pipe and smoke it, Max.

"Let's get rid of everyone so you can take me to bed and make me come my brains out," Ash says, sliding down from my grasp till his feet are back on solid ground.

"Fuck yeah." With one last kiss, we make our way offstage, so I can keep to my word.

An hour later, the bar is empty except for Ash and me. As we're about to head upstairs, a loud banging on the front doors startles us. Who the hell is knocking at this hour? Opening the door, I say, "Sorry, we're clo—" but my words trail off when I come face to face with a sheepish-looking Jace, who is standing there with a duffel over his shoulder.

"Who is it, babe?" Ash asks, yawning. I step aside so he can check out our late-night guest. I give Jace a scowl and a slight shake of my head that basically says, ‘ Don't mess with him, or you'll have to deal with me .'

He nods in understanding and tries to force a weak smile, his gaze fixed on the door as Ash looks out.

"Jace?" he gasps, his breath hitching in his throat. "What are you doing here?"

Automatically, he steps forward like he's about to reach out and hug his friend. However, he must recall Jace's previous departure and instinctively retreats. My arm goes around his waist.

Jace nervously rubs the back of his neck as he gazes down at the cracked sidewalk. "I was wondering if I could crash here for a few days."

My gut reaction is to say no, you hurt Ash, and you're not welcome here. But I know Ash is different; he's always been a kind soul, so I already know what his answer will be.

"Of course you can."

As we step aside to let him through, we glimpse a cut above his eyebrow.

"You're bleeding." Ash, in his typical caring fashion, walks up to his friend, forgetting the way they'd left things, and brushes back his bangs. As far as I'm concerned, Jace is not worthy of Ash's sympathy. I can feel my irritation building, but I'll keep quiet to avoid causing any distress for Ash.

After locking the door, I make my way to the back of the bar. "You coming then?"

Ash and Jace walk right by me and go up to the apartment. Turning off the lights, I follow them. Since Ash has taken Jace to the bathroom to clean him up, I decide to go to our room and wait.

After a short while, Ash walks into the bedroom and shuts the door. I immediately get out of bed and go over to him, pulling him into my arms. "Everything okay?"

His body releases a long sigh, and he holds on to me as if he never wants to let go.

"I don't know. He didn't say much. Sorry I didn't ask if he could stay. I just saw my friend, who looked like he needed help."

"That's why I love you, baby. You're kind-hearted even toward people who don't deserve it."

Jace better have a damn good reason for being here, and a whole lot of apologies for Ash. If not, he's outta here by tomorrow, even if Ash is pissed at me.

We walk over to the bed and undress. Nestled under the covers, his head finds comfort in my chest.

"I'm sorry our night is ruined," he says while absentmindedly playing with the strands of my chest hair.

Planting a gentle kiss on his head, I reassure him, "It's not ruined. Whenever I'm with you, it's perfect."

"You might think I'm crazy for helping him, and I know he treated me like crap, but he's been there for me when I needed him, and now it seems like he needs me."

Ash's selfless actions stem from his pure intentions, and he wears his heart on his sleeve. Unfortunately, this makes him an easy target for those seeking to exploit his kindness. Regardless of the circumstances, I'll do whatever it takes to support him, even if I don't agree with it. That's what a true partnership is all about. Being there for each other.

"I know, sweetheart. We'll do our best to help him, but I won't stand for him treating you badly. If he says something I don't like, he's out of here, okay?"

"Okay. Thank you. I love you, Gage."

Hearing him say those words never gets old.

"Love you too, Ash."

For all the troubles I've had in my life that have led me to this moment, I'm indebted to them. Ash is my home now, with his heart of gold. He's made it so that I'll forever search him out in a room full of people. I know now why I never felt this connection with anyone else; because I was meant to wait for him. His beautiful soul has finally found its place with mine. We've crafted our own melody, combining the finest elements of our beings to produce a pure and distinct sound that belongs solely to us.

After all, beauty came out of the ashes… because after the flames, there was him.