Chapter 5

Gray wished he could stop his hands from shaking. He'd faced down armed criminals and TV cameras with far less jitters than he had right now. He, Jack, and Mason stood in front of Bryce, who was acting as their officiant. Since marriages with three partners weren't legal, and all the paperwork associated with their formal commitment—wills, power of attorney, etc.—had been handled at their lawyer's office, anyone could perform this service for them. Bryce had become one of Gray's closest friends, and, as far as Gray was concerned, he'd been the obvious choice. Bryce's partners, Toby and Matt, stood beside them, serving as their best men.

Their friends were seated behind them in rows of white folding chairs that nearly filled the renovated barn. He couldn't believe how many people had turned up. Huck and others from the DPD, including Lieutenant Thornton.

Why had Gray invited him?

Because he's a good guy who has never cared about you being gay, or being with two men, or anything but that you're a damn good cop.

Right. That was why.

The rest of the guests included firefighters, paramedics, Andy, Henry, Jenna—a girl Gray had rescued last winter—and others from the youth shelter, as well as Elizabeth, who owned the bar where Mason worked, and Jack's brother and parents, the only members of their families who fully accepted their relationship. When Andy had arrived, he'd told Gray that Jeremiah was doing well, but he needed to stay at the shelter for his own protection.

All the people gathered in that barn accepted Gray, Jack, and Mason for who they were and supported what they were doing, which was making themselves as close to married as they could get. Looking out over all of them, Gray couldn't help feeling overwhelmed. His eyes stung, and he squeezed them shut for a second. He would not cry. Not with so many people here.

"Are you ready to get started?" Bryce asked.

Gray, Jack, and Mason all nodded.

Mason was unusually pale, and his hand was sweaty as he clasped Gray's. Jack stood on Gray's other side. He looked more at ease than Mason, but he was bouncing on his feet, a sure sign he was nervous.

"Welcome, everyone," Bryce said.

Slowly, the buzz of conversation faded. Gray glanced back at the audience. They were startlingly attentive. He'd been more comfortable when they were all conversing.

"As you know," Bryce continued, "we are here today to celebrate the love of Jack, Gray, and Mason and be witnesses as they formally commit their lives to each other."

Wow, that sounded really serious. Gray's heart thumped against his ribs.

Bryce continued, giving a short speech about how commitment, marriage, and love come in many unique forms, but Gray didn't hear much of it. The whooshing in his ears was too loud. Why had they decided to get all mushy in public like this?

It was your idea.

It… Shit, it was. What was I thinking?

"Jack," Bryce said, turning to face him.

Oh, God. This was it, the part where they would say their vows. Would Gray remember anything he'd intended to say?

"I believe you have some words you'd like to say." Bryce was still addressing Jack. At least it wasn't Gray's turn yet.

Jack pulled a piece of paper from his pocket.

Wait. Jack was reading his? Gray thought they were supposed to memorize their words for each other. He hadn't brought his cheat sheet.

Jack cleared his throat. When he looked from Gray to Mason, all thoughts fled Gray's mind. The emotion in Jack's eyes, his love for the two of them, it was too much; Gray's chest was so tight he could barely breathe.

"I love you both," Jack said. "Without you I wouldn't have had the courage to get to where I am today. I wouldn't have pushed myself to become an advocate for homeless youth or applied to be on a task force. You give me strength every day." He glanced down at the paper, and a tear dropped, wetting one corner.

Shit!No way was Gray going to keep it together if Jack started crying.

"I want to spend every day of the rest of my life with the two of you."

He reached in his pocket and pulled out a ring. They'd agreed to each give one of the rings, and Gray would receive his first.

"Gray, this ring is for you." Jack reached for his hand, and Gray realized he was supposed to hold it out.

His hand shook so badly, Jack had trouble sliding the ring on. When he had it in place, Gray leaned down and gave Jack a kiss, a quick brush of lips, but he still felt the heat of Jack's mouth all the way to his toes.

Jack took Mason's hand too. "I vow to honor and love you both always."

He let them go, and it was Mason's turn. Gray had begged to go last.

Mason took a breath and let it out slowly. "I… I'm here…"

When his voice cracked, Gray reached out and took his hand, squeezing it. "You can do this," he said, even though he wasn't sure he'd be able to speak when his turn came.

"I love you, both of you." He looked from Gray to Jack. "I never imagined caring so much for anyone, much less two people, but from the moment you came into my life, I knew I could count on you. You've helped me grow. You've given me courage. And you've loved me unconditionally. Thank you for that."

His eyes shone with unshed tears, and Jack sniffled. Gray didn't dare look over at him. He was barely holding back his own tears.

Mason reached into his pocket. "Jack, this ring is for you."

Jack held out his hand, and Mason slipped the ring on. Then, as Jack had done, Mason squeezed both their hands and said, "I vow to honor and love you both always."

It was Gray's turn. His mind went blank. What was he supposed to say? "Um… I…"

Mason and Jack each took his hands.

"I love you." The words came out in a rush.

Bryce grinned at him, and Gray glared back. "You can do this," Bryce mouthed.

"I know I have a reputation as the strong, silent one, the one who doesn't know how to say what he feels, and I don't. But I'm here, and I'm trying, because I love the two of you more than I ever thought possible. I can't imagine what it would be like not to have you in my life. I'm thankful for the ways you love and take care of me, and the fact that you are always there, even when I'm an ass."

That got some giggles from their audience as Mason and Jack both swiped at their eyes.

Gray pulled out Mason's ring, and Mason held out his hand so Gray could slip it on.

"I vow—" His voice broke, and he had to stop.

Deep breath. Good. Now just a few more words.

"To honor and love you both always."

He kissed Mason and then Jack before pulling them both into a tight hug. Someone in the audience clapped, and then a roar of applause and cheers echoed in the barn.

"Look," Bryce said. The three of them turned, and Gray saw that everyone was on their feet, cheering for them, for love. A year ago, Gray would never have imagined any of this happening. He might have turned into a fucking sap, but he was happy, and he appreciated how lucky he was.

The reception was still going strong after nearly two hours; people were eating, drinking, and enjoying the grounds of the farm despite the heat. The weather had turned out better than expected; it was just above eighty. Though Gray might not admit it to Jack and Mason, he was glad so many of their friends had come. But at this point, he'd done all the talking he wanted to. Hell, as far as he was concerned, if he didn't speak to anyone other than Jack or Mason for the next few weeks, that would be fine with him.

He leaned against a stone wall that separated the lawn by the barn from the flower gardens. It was a good vantage point from which to survey the crowd.

Henry, Jenna, and someone he recognized as a friend of Henry's were sitting on the grass, talking and laughing. He couldn't help but smile at them. Seeing Jenna relaxed like that was enough to make the whole damn party worth it.

Jack was talking with Huck, and they were both grinning. They needed to have Huck over for dinner soon.

Gray scanned the people milling around on the garden paths, looking for Mason. There he was, talking to Lieutenant Marsh, Gray and Jack's former boss.

When Gray turned away, he realized Jack was headed toward him.

"You had enough of the party?"

"I'm just taking a break," Gray said, pulling Jack to him.

Jack grinned. "I could use one too."

"Really?"

Usually Jack was happy to chat with people for far longer than Gray.

Jack took his arm and pulled him to the far side of a massive oak tree. "Yes, really."

"Oh, that kind of break."

Jack reached for him, and Gray cupped the back of his head, holding him in place and kissing him until he had to come up for air.

"How much longer until we can get out of here?" Gray asked.

Jack looked around the tree and pointed. "Mason's heading our way. We must've sent out some kind of silent call."

Gray rolled his eyes.

"What are you two up to back here?" Mason asked when he reached them.

Jack winked at him. "I needed a break."

"Riiiight."

Gray took them both by the hand. "I want to take you home and do unspeakable things to you."

Jack shook his head. "I like it better when you speak them too."

His teasing made Gray growl. "You're already causing trouble, after I promised to love you always not two hours ago."

"You love me because I'm trouble."

Gray snorted.

"You know he's right," Mason said.

"I want you two naked and at my mercy, and I want it now."

Mason shivered. "That does sound good."

"Should we really leave this early?"

"Yes," Gray said. "It is our wedding night after all."

"Right." Jack laughed. "Gray's going to take our innocence."

Gray flipped him off.

"Bryce, Toby, and Matt will see that everything is taken care of," Mason said.

Jack seemed to consider that, then smiled. "All right. Let me tell my family goodbye. I think I might have to agree to breakfast with them tomorrow."

Gray groaned.

"Would it really be that bad?"

"Anything that involves you not in my bed tomorrow morning is bad."

"Nothing's stopping us from getting back in bed after breakfast, and I'll make it brunch, a late one."

"Go." Gray waved toward an area of tables where Jack's brother sat. "Do what you must."

"Should I meet you at the car?" Jack asked.

"Yes, but I should probably say goodbye to Thornton."

"And I haven't found Elizabeth yet," Mason said.

Gray frowned. "We're never going to get out of here."

"It's simple," Jack explained. "Find your target. Speak to them. Find the car."

Mason laughed. "I don't think Gray believes we can make it that simple."

"How about this?" Gray said. "First one to the car is the first one to come."

Jack's lips curled into an evil grin, and he nodded to Mason. "Let's go."

They took off, holding hands as they ran, their laughter echoing across the lawn.

Gray watched as people turned and smiled. Some gave him sympathetic looks; others, looks of envy. He had his hands full, that was for sure, but he wouldn't have it any other way.

He found Thornton quickly and held out his hand to shake. "I wanted to thank you for coming, sir."

"I wouldn't have missed it."

"Your support has meant a lot to me, to all three of us."

Thornton smiled. "You're a damn fine cop, and anyone with a brain can see you love those two."

Heat crept up Gray's neck. He didn't know what else to say, but Thornton saved him by speaking first.

"I probably shouldn't bring up work here, but I have to tell you that with Jeremiah's testimony and the evidence from the Ark Ministries shelter, we're ready to charge Williams."

"That's great news." Gray was thrilled to hear that Jeremiah had been able to give them something useful.

"Of course we don't know if it'll stick."

Gray doubted it would. "At least we finally have something concrete on him."

Thornton nodded.

"I'm about to take off," Gray said. "I'll see you in a few days."

"Enjoy your weekend." Thornton's grin said he knew exactly why Gray was ready to go.

"I will."

Gray glanced around. Mason and Jack were still involved in conversations. He was easily going to make it to the car first, just as he'd known he would.