Epilogue The Bridge

Ayear flew by since their first meetup in Los Angeles, and each day that Hunter woke up next to Logan felt like a dream. No matter how stressful life or parenting became, he felt secure with Logan by his side.

“Mhh, morning already? We just went to sleep,” Logan grumbled into his pillow.

Hunter placed a small kiss on Logan’s shoulder, dressed in athletic shorts and a sleeveless shirt. “It’s almost noon. I’m going for a run.”

Logan turned onto his back with an exaggerated stretch and uncovered his lower half, his dick standing at full attention. “Hurry back,” he said and traced his lips with his tongue.

It took Hunter another hour before he left his place that afternoon.

Another perfect Saturday. Hunter jogged his way down the busy Hermosa Beach streets, passing people who were getting their weekend off to a sunny start. He made his way up the street and stopped in front of a small shop. After stepping inside, a well-dressed man he’d never seen before eyed him up and down and gave him a warm greeting from behind the counter. Still lacking in charisma, Hunter nodded in acknowledgment.

“Pick up … Richardson.” Hunter reached into his pocket and pulled out a receipt.

The man studied the receipt and soon handed Hunter a black paper bag stuffed with white tissue paper. “Congratulations. She must be a lucky girl.”

“He,” Hunter said, before thanking the man and heading out the door.

When Hunter returned home, Logan shuffled from one room to the next with his phone in his hand.

“Great. I’ll see you soon,” Logan said before hanging up. He turned around with a jolt. “Oh, hey. I didn’t hear you come in. How was your run?”

Hunter removed his sweaty T-shirt. “Who was that?”

“I gotta drop off some prints at the office.”

“Okay. Will you be back?”

Logan glanced at his watch, “Probably not? I’m sorry.”

“Are we still on for dinner tonight?”

“Yes, of course.” Logan hurried over and jotted a quick peck on Hunter’s lips. “I’ll send you the address.”

Hunter paced the pristine lobby of the twenty-six-story high-rise, watching as patrons lined up in front of a receptionist. A hostess popped out of a nearby elevator to greet and escort them up to the restaurant. He pulled in a sharp breath through his teeth and quickly released it, puffing his cheeks. Fiddling with the small, velvet box in his pocket made his fingertips chafe.

Logan, where are you?

Hunter read the last text message he’d sent. Staring down at the scuff on his Italian leather shoe, and rubbed the skin between his brows. He had stepped on himself as he exited the car in the parking lot.

I’m such an idiot … Stop fidgeting.

Debating if he should sit at the expense of wrinkling his suit, he decided that one more trip to the bathroom to fix his hair would kill time. Turning the golden handle to wash the hair product residue off his fingers, the faucet blasted open, splashing his white shirt and below his belt. “Fuck!”

As he stepped out the bathroom door, a feminine voice echoed through the lobby. “Parker?” Hunter hurried toward the receptionist. “Parker?” she called out again as she looked around. He raised his hand to get her attention.

“Are you Mr. Parker?”

“Uh, he’s my uh … yes.” Hunter nodded. “I’m still waiting for uh—”

“Your party is waiting on you.”

The knot in his throat grew larger with each ding of a passing floor. Beads of sweat dripping down his sides, he gripped the elevator railing as if it would suddenly drop. Finally, the elevator stopped, and the doors flew open.

“Enjoy your dinner,” the young woman said.

Once out of the elevator, he straightened his jacket. The roof was windier than expected.

Logan stood at the other end, in front of polarized glass doors that led to the restaurant, looking as handsome as ever. The fresh haircut and trimmed dark beard became Hunter’s new favorite look on Logan. Shoulders squared, with his hands resting in his pockets, a smile soon dominated his face. Hunter heard the beginning of an apology before his lips touched Logan’s.

Logan brought a hand up to Hunter’s cheek. “You look incredible.” His emerald eyes had never sparkled so brightly.

Hunter couldn’t imagine a more perfect man, turning toward the glass doors. “Let’s head in, we’re late.”

“Wait.” Logan tugged at his hand. A worried expression spread on his face, and he huffed out a sigh. “I have to tell you something.”

Hunter swallowed. Please, not today.

“What is it?” Hunter made out with a clearing of his throat.

“Remember the last time we were in New York together? You asked me a question.”

Hunter covered his mouth. “No,” he said in disbelief, his voice barely a whisper. Logan took both of Hunter’s hands in his and dropped to one knee. Tears formed in Hunter’s eyes and his lips trembled. It’s a dream.

“Not saying ‘yes’ has been my biggest regret. I can’t imagine my life without you. You’re my best friend. My soulmate.” Logan reached into his pocket, pulled out a small box, and opened it. A black tungsten wedding band with a gold interior sleeve embedded in the inner ring. “I love you, Hunter.”

Hunter reached for his cheeks, drying them with his palms. He couldn’t keep the smile off his face. The tears in Logan’s eyes made them even more radiant.

Logan smiled up at him expectantly, as the hope slowly left his face. “Well?”

Hunter dropped to his knee to meet Logan and pulled the black velvet box out of his pocket. Logan threw his head back in a laugh, tears now streaming down his face. Hunter wiped the corner of Logan’s eyes with his thumb.

Logan chuckled. “You can never just let me have anything, can you?” A kiss, an exchange of rings, and a warm embrace later, Hunter and Logan got to their feet again—wiping away the last few tears. “So, did you just piss yourself or what?”

Hunter looked down at his pants and erupted into laughter. “I was in the bathroom and—”

Logan raised a hand to stop him and then gripped Hunter’s hand in his. “I don’t want to know. Ready to eat?”

“Starving,” Hunter said. Logan opened the glass doors, and a crowd of people cheered back at them. Hunter’s cheeks turned bright red. Everywhere he looked stood a familiar face. He caught his mother wiping tears from her eyes, Erin gave him a small wave, and Neil whistled loudly with a finger in his mouth. Cameron and Maxine, Mrs. Parker—Stacy, and even Amber and her husband were there. Chad waved with one hand while carrying his two-year old son in the other. His father raised a drink to the two of them. His father.

The cheering, the clapping, it was more than he could handle, everyone there, all at once—watching him, watching them. Hunter’s throat swelled, gasping for air but none made it to his lungs. In a panic, he released Logan’s hand and turned back toward the door—his only way out. A gentle but strong hand slipped into his and clasped it tight.

The steady, rhythmic strokes of Logan’s hand against his back helped steady his heart. “It’s okay. Take your time. I’m right here. I love you … It’s just us, okay? It will always be just us. We said forever.”

Hunter cried even harder, unsure why. “I love you.”

“You better. Planning this almost killed me.” The two shared a quick laugh. “Forever?” Logan extended his hand.

Hunter took it in his and nodded. “Forever.”