Chapter Twenty-Two | Brody

I was thankful Noah didn't appear to have many belongings. My mind had worn me out, imagining what he might bring with him and where we would fit everything. Example. Putting his clothes in my closet meant mine were squished together. I typically liked spaces between things.

Noah had offered to put his clothes in the guest bedroom's closet instead but that didn't feel right. This was our bedroom. His clothes should be here. Thankfully, he travelled light in the bathroom item department. A simple toothbrush, moisturizer, deodorant, and hair gel.

And an assortment of equipment I assumed was for douching.

I couldn't watch as he put everything of his away in the kitchen even though there wasn't much. He'd taken most of his kitchen stuff to the thrift store to be sold. He'd done the same with all his furniture. Apparently, he didn't hold affection for any of it. Except for a hideous piece of art that made me cringe as I gave him permission to hang it in the living room.

Maybe it could be a conversation piece.

All the commotion had the animals nervous and running around under Noah's feet. He almost tripped over a cat or two while bringing in his clothes.

Doing my best to help, I fumbled with the awkward angles of cardboard as I sat on the couch and used an exacto knife to break down the boxes. When I was done, Noah took them to the garage to be stored until recycling day. By the time we finished, a food delivery service had arrived with our dinner from the pub. Noah hadn't gone to work today. Even though it had been busy, I'd enjoyed having him around all day. We were taking a huge step in starting our life together.

Watching him buzzing around our home, settling in, brought me incredible joy.

Tonight's menu choice was Sheppard's pie. A crowd favourite at the pub. We ordered it at least once a week. I'd balked at first, not wanting to eat lamb. But Noah had fed me a spoonful of his one night and I'd been hooked. He had an excellent chef, but after eating pub food for weeks, I was anxious to start cooking again. I was missing the recipes I'd grown up with.

The food Mom cooked.

I sighed and caught Noah's eye.

He smiled at me. "What's going on?"

"Sad."

His eyebrows dipped. "Because I moved in?"

I gripped his hand. "No. Never that. I love that you're finally here for good."

"Then what's bothering you?"

"Charlie phoned while you were in the kitchen putting stuff away." I tugged on Noah's hand until he moved closer to me on the couch. "He's decided to put Mom in care."

His eyebrows arched. "Oh, wow … that's a huge step. Why?"

"She's having trouble taking care of herself and that house. We could have community care workers come in more often for her personal care, but they don't do housework, laundry, or cook full meals. Those things would be left to Charlie and me to take care of. And we would, but—"

"But … that's a huge time commitment."

I gave Noah a quick nod. "We both have full-time jobs and partners we need to consider. Charlie and his wife are expecting another baby. Mom doesn't want us to fuss over her."

"So, what comes next?"

"Charlie has looked into some government places. Assisted living. She'd have her own one-bedroom apartment with a kitchenette. Lunch and dinner are provided in a dining room. And there's the option to have someone come in and clean the place and do her laundry weekly."

"Sounds like a good solution. Is there a nurse on staff?"

"Yes, there's an RN and care workers to help with personal care and medications and stuff like that. She'd have someone on hand 24/7."

"How does your mom feel about it?"

"She says she's ready. Ultimately, it's her decision."

Noah stroked my cheek. "I'm sorry you're having to go through this."

"It's what's best." If I kept telling myself that maybe I would start to believe it. Mom had been my rock my entire life; always there in my corner. Now, she needed us boys to care for her.

"Maybe she'll make some friends in the dining room."

The corner of my mouth lifted a little. I appreciated that Noah was trying to make me feel better about the decision my brother had made and I'd agreed to. He was her power of attorney. I didn't actually have a say. I was grateful Charlie had asked for my input.

"Maybe," I replied.

"Is there anything I can do?"

"She's on a waiting list. When a unit comes open, we'll need your muscle to move stuff."

"I can do that."

Noah pressed his lips to mine. A wave of calm coursed through me, slowing down the rampant thoughts ripping up my mind. Mainly, the logistics of going through an entire lifetime's accumulation of Mom's belongings. I couldn't stop my brain from always planning ahead.

"We'll work on her place together," Noah said, tapping into my thoughts. The man knew me so well. Moments like this made me fall in love with him over and over again.

The house was as majestic as I knew it would be. Corporate lawyers made a lot more money than Crown Counsel. Noah's parents lived in the north end of Oak Bay in the house he had grown up in. It was hard to imagine him here. My Noah was rough and wild compared to the uptight neighbourhood driveway we were currently parked in as I calmed myself.

"All right." I threw open the door, clambered out, and grabbed my crutch from the backseat of my car. We'd switched from using Noah's compact car, opting for the space and height offered by my SUV to accommodate my mobility issues. Of course, Noah drove.

As we made our way up the driveway, a sleek Jaguar pulled up beside us. Noah had decided to park at the bottom of the driveway so we wouldn't get boxed in by his siblings in case we needed a quick getaway. That necessity didn't make me feel any better about this dinner.

Of course, the opulent house was trimmed out with hundreds of lights. After jumping out of her expensive car, Frances and Henry joined us at the door. No one knocked or rang the bell.

"Getting my hugs in now," Frances said and wrapped her arms around me. I hugged her back. It felt good. She felt like family already. "I'm glad you're feeling better. Merry Christmas, Brody."

"You, too." I exchanged Frances' hug for a handshake and pleasantries with Henry.

Noah exhaled. "Are we waiting for Sean? "

"He's ten minutes out," Frances replied. "And it's cold out here."

Noah placed his hand on the doorknob. "Okay. Ready?" I clung to Noah's coat sleeve. It felt as if we were preparing to walk into battle. Was this level of apprehension normal for them?

Noah swung open the door. "We're here!"

Celine Waters hustled into the foyer, dressed in a red-sequined gown, a martini glass perched in one hand. "No need to shout, Noah."

"Wasn't sure where you'd be." Noah slipped off my coat and hung it in a closet with the rest. He turned back to his mom. "Season's greetings, Mother."

I wrinkled my nose as she gave Noah one of those fake kisses on the cheek. Noah had told me about the conversation he'd had with his parents weeks ago. At his apartment, where they'd told him they loved him and spoke to him in a way that might indicate they were indeed human.

That warmth seemed to have fallen by the wayside.

Greetings exchanged; Celine placed me in her sights. She sidled up to me, drink to her lips, and took my broken arm in hers, leaving me able to use the crutch with the other. She guided me toward where I knew the main sitting room was. Noah had drawn me a map of the house.

"Brody, darling, I was so sad to hear about your accident."

"I'm doing better."

"I'm glad. Noah says he's moved in with you. Is he telling the truth?"

"Yes, he is."

"He also said you haven't been working. Is that wise to take so much time off?"

"It'll be fine. I'm a small cog in a big wheel. "

"Tell me." Celine stopped our progression. I lost sight of Noah. "Are you happy working with Crown Counsel or would you be interested in doing something more dynamic?"

"I'm happy."

"Yes … well." She tugged me along until we arrived in the sitting room. Noah was at a bar at the back of the room, preparing us some drinks. "I was hoping that when you and Noah are married, you might consider joining the family firm before you start a family of your own."

I scowled at the floor and froze.

Marriage?

Family?

Noah came to my rescue. "Mother, leave him be. He's not joining the firm."

I gripped Noah's arm tightly as he led me over to one of the many couches to sit. Marriage and family. I knew how I felt, but I didn't know where Noah's head was at when it came to our future. The next assault arrived in the form of Noah's dad.

Noah rose and shook his hand. "Season's greetings, Father."

"Many happy returns," Frederick replied, giving his son a faint smile. He turned his attention to me. I stayed seated, not wanting to struggle to my feet again. Based on his stance, I suspected Frederick loved towering above me. After an awkward moment of him realizing he needed to use his left hand, we shook hands, followed by a curt exchange of greetings.

After an awkward moment … or ten.

"Noah's mother tells me you're living together now," Frederick said to me.

"Yes, we are."

"How has that been?"

I cleared my throat. "Wonderful. I love your son. "

"Glad to hear it." Frederick looked at Noah and then back at me. "Maybe you can talk Noah out of wasting his time at that pub. It's an endeavour for the common man. Not a Waters."

Noah coughed, nearly spitting his drink everywhere.

"Wow," he said, smiling. "That's a new one."

Frederick grabbed Noah's arm. "It's not funny. You have a family legacy to uphold. Instead, you're mucking about knee-deep in cheap beer and substandard food."

I gripped the arm of the couch, fingers digging in, livid, as raging heat rose from my chest to my neck, I'm certain, colouring it crimson. I surged to my feet as best as I could.

"Take that back!"

The volume of my voice surprised me.

Sean jogged into the room. "Whoa, what's going on in here?"

I took a wobbly step toward Frederick. "Your father was just about to apologize to Noah for his disparaging remarks about his chosen profession. A profession he loves. A pub he has poured his heart and soul into. A pub that is thriving and is a safe and warm hub for the community."

I pressed my index finger to Frederick's chest.

"I am extremely proud of Noah for working hard and following his dream. It makes him happy. Your son. Happy. If you can't see and respect the success of his dream, then you need to do some self-reflection. Why would you want to make one of your children miserable? He's not interested in joining your firm. Never has been. Never will be. Accept it and move on."

My gaze flitted from Frederick's face to Noah's.

Had I overstepped?

Noah shot me a smile and winked at me, tears in his eyes. What I read based on his face was appreciation, relief, pride, disbelief, and love .

If I had it right.

The room remained silent until Sean coughed out a laugh. "So glad I came for dinner."

"Good for you, but we're leaving." Noah strode over to me and gripped my arm, leading me from the room past Celine who was tsking at Noah. Or at me. I hadn't simply torched a bridge. I had burned down the entire damned town leading to it. I hadn't been able to control myself. The words from my heart had erupted unfettered. I loved Noah and no one talked about him that way.

In my car, Noah slammed the door—and started laughing. Hysterically. Gasping and sighing between each outburst. He finally slowed and pressed his forehead to the steering wheel.

"Did I fuck up?" I asked.

Noah swivelled his head and peered over at me. "No, my sweet man, you did not fuck up."

"Your parents are going to hate me."

"I don't care." Noah placed his hand on mine. "My siblings absolutely adore you now."

I'd store that statement for further investigation. I liked the idea that Noah's family could potentially exist without his parents. That Noah had a circle of family love and acceptance.

"More came out than I intended," I said.

"What you said was perfect. Don't apologize. My parents needed to hear what you said about me." He tightened his hand around mine. "I'm lucky you're in my corner. Wouldn't want to face off against you. No wonder you're so good at your job."

"I love you."

"And I'm yours. I love that you protected me." He hummed. "Makes me horny."

I scoffed out a laugh. "You're always horny."

"Mm … not like this." Noah licked his lips. "My man swooped in and let my father have it. Dressed him down. Spoke truths to him I wished I had the guts to express. "

My cock swelled and I swallowed—hard.

The look in his eyes was pure lust—and love.

"Drive," I said.

It took forty long minutes to get home. There was Christmas traffic. People getting to and from Christmas Eve celebrations. We were barely through the front door when Noah started stripping off his clothes. His boots and socks, followed by his coat and shirt.

Bentley was going to have to wait to go out.

I clung to the band of Noah's dress pants and tugged him toward me. I leaned back against the wall to steady myself. "God, you're sexy," I whispered once my lips were near his ear.

"And yours." Noah cupped my face and ran his hand into my hair. "I need you tonight."

"You can have me every night if you want. I'm yours too."

Noah released a hot breath. "I love you so much."

I kissed his pouty lips and slipped my tongue between them, savouring the taste that was Noah; the man I loved beyond any comprehension. I let our lips part, my forehead set on his, immersing myself in the moment of infinite connection. "Forever, Noah. I'll love you forever."

"Fuck …." Noah attacked my mouth, piercing the depths. He could have all of me. I'd turn over every last molecule to him. My heart, body, and mind were his.

I trusted him with my very soul.

Something I thought I'd never be able to do. I had spent most of my adult life not trusting anyone. Always being suspicious of everyone's motives. Misinterpreting signs and signals and leaning toward trusting people I shouldn't. Trusting Noah—it felt like freedom.

"Let's get you undressed," Noah said, removed my coat and boot, and guided me toward the stairs. Once in the bedroom, he sat me on the bed and began a slow strip tease to remove his pants .

The muscles of his body clenched and released, twisted, and undulated. Seductive turns about the room, dancing for me. My cock ached and throbbed, still behind far too many clothes.

Naked before me, his cock bobbing near my lips, Noah went through our nightly routine of removing my clothes. He was slow and deliberate, the way I liked. As he stripped off each piece of my clothing, he would fold it and drape it over the chair, prolonging our sexual tension.

Noah growled as he straddled my thighs and kissed me, his arms draped around my neck as I sat on the edge of the bed. I moved my good hand and the fingers of my casted arm onto his ass.

He held my chin in his teeth and growled again.

He was ravenous. I could play that game. "I want to fuck you, fill you all night until my cum is dripping down your thighs. I want to put my scent in you, so everyone knows you're mine."

Noah groaned. "Fuck, that's hot."

He was quick to remove himself from his position on my thighs. We'd been using a variety of positions to give me access to Noah's hole. My cock and my mouth. My new favourite was when Noah straddled my head, facing my body. I could get my face right up in his ass. Eat him out as he stroked himself. Digging right in until he came, spewing his warm seed all over my chest.

I loved the taste of his rim and the feeling of being almost smothered by him. It was erotic overload to have someone sit on your face like that. For them to use your tongue for their pleasure.

I stroked my cock, spreading the precum to reduce friction as I lazily watched the man I love prepare himself for me. Tonight, I was in control .

Noah collected the lube off the bedside table and lay on his back on the bed, his ass near the edge, his legs dangling his feet just above the floor. I limped toward him.

Noah shook the bottle of lube and dispensed a fair-sized dollop into my good hand. I warmed it up with my fingers as Noah lifted his legs and hooked them with his arms behind his knees.

I loved seeing him like this, displaying his hole for me.

I ran my index finger across it then slipped the tip inside. Noah released a string of yes as I plunged it to the last knuckle. I withdrew and pumped it back in. Then added a second and then a third finger until Noah was swearing at me to fuck him as I battered his hole.

My dick was weeping heavily and so ready.

But I wasn't finished with him yet.

I introduced a fourth finger and Noah nearly lost his mind. I wondered what it would feel like to fist him. To feel that warm embrace encasing my hand.

My cock jerked and jumped.

There were so many things I wanted to experience with him. Not just sexual. That was fun but it was the everyday stuff I looked forward to most. Mornings filled with laughter. Walks in the sunshine. Casual evenings of game shows and movies. Maybe the squeals of our children.

I leaned forward and kissed him.

I wanted all those things.

"Brody, please," Noah begged, panting. "I need you."

I slowly withdrew my fingers and held my hand out for more lube. I used this handful to slick up my shaft and my flushed head. I positioned it at Noah's loosened rim and ran my cock head over it before popping the thick cap of my cock into him.

Noah groaned and hauled his knees closer to his chest. I balanced myself, gripped the back of one of Noah's thighs, and fed my erection into him, slow but steady, filling him until my pubes met his ass. I loved to stay still for a moment and enjoy the feeling of his body accepting me. The tight warm embrace of him until Noah squirmed and writhed and whined the most beautiful sound.

Then I would move.

I drew back and snapped my hips forward, plunging into him. It jostled us both. Noah grunted as I came at him again, filling him far up into his gut. My cock was aching for more friction. I pounded into him, shaking the entire bed. Noah groaned and grunted along with me.

Pounding turned to thrashing. Noah liked to be fucked hard. Our bodies collided with slapping sounds that filled the room. Noah released his legs and placed them on my shoulders and took his cock in hand. He pumped hard until he came all over his chest. I felt compelled to claim some of the salty pungent mess. I wiped the fingers of my good hand through it and brought them to my mouth, sucking hard on them as I grunted and made Noah mine by filling him with my cum.

He liked when I kept fucking him until I was soft, then letting my cum drool out of him, running along the crease of his ass. Once I pulled out, I sank my fingers into his gaping hole and tapped on his prostate until he couldn't stop himself from hardening again.

His cock tight with me balanced against the bed, I awkwardly took his dick into my mouth and sucked him off hard, swallowing his gift to me. Taking his cum into where it belonged.

No other man would ever taste him again. He was mine to keep now. He hauled me down for a kiss, tasting himself on me.

When he pulled away, he looked up into my eyes as he held my face .

"I'm yours, forever, Brody. You'll never get rid of me now."

"I don't want to get rid of you, sweetness. I love you too much."

"Mm." Noah stroked my jawline. "I love you too."

Back to reality. "Bentley needs to go out."

Noah nudged me aside. "On it. Doggy bathroom patrol ready for service. I'll take him for a short walk. I expect you to be recovered so I can ride you. I want buckets of your cum inside me."

My cock perked up, swelling. I'd be ready for him. Noah's sexual appetite matched mine. Everything about him worked in tandem with me. We were as entwined as the knots of a Cowichan sweater. We were stronger together. More resilient. He was my partner for life.

"I don't want to be boyfriends anymore," I said.

Noah's eyebrows rose. "You're breaking up with me?" It wasn't a serious question. Noah knew I would never abandon him.

"I want to call you my partner."

Noah grinned at me. "I like that. It fits with what we are to each other. Especially now that we're living together. I'm going to be so proud to introduce you to people that way."

"Me too."

"God, I love you." He kissed me and then stepped away. "Okay. Dog duty. Then I'll make sure everyone is settled for the night."

"I'll get myself into bed and slick up my cock for you." I had every intention of fucking Noah tonight until I ran dry. Then we'd fall asleep in each other's arms.

My life had gone from lonely to pure bliss .

It was sad driving up to Mom's house. This would be the last Christmas we'd spend there together as a family. Charlie had been assured Mom would only be on a waiting list for a couple of months because her risk level of living independently was considered intolerable.

We were welcomed by the scent of turkey and the cinnamon in the homemade pumpkin pies. Charlie's wife, Julie, had taken on the task of cooking Christmas dinner. Mom's contribution being her amazing stuffing. I proudly brought Noah into the kitchen with me.

"We've decided to be partners." The first thing out of my mouth. They were the words most prominent in my mind that I wanted to share. Then, "Merry Christmas everyone."

"That's quite the Christmas news, Brody," Mom said. She ambled over to me, dragging her oxygen tank, and patted my face. "I've never seen you look so happy."

Noah leaned against me, wrapping my arm up with both of his. "Your son is amazing."

"Okay, lovebirds," Charlie said, motioning for us to follow him. "The tree isn't finished yet. Help me hang the rest of the ornaments and light it up."

"I'll mix you all some rum and eggnog and bring it to you," Julie said then looked at Brenda. "And you, Mom. You need to get out of the kitchen and supervise the tree decoration."

Julie would duck in on occasion as we hung ornaments from our childhood on the tree. They made the boughs look messy, but my heart soared regardless.

There was so much love in this room.

Noah jumped right in, talking, and laughing with my family. Our family. He was part of our family now. You could tell that Mom, Charlie, and Julie loved him already. My brother's two sons had even warmed up to him. Especially when Noah got down on the floor and played with them .

I felt at peace.

My mind was quiet as I soaked in the scene of pure love flowing. I couldn't wait to spend the rest of my life with Noah. He'd taught me to trust again. To see the good in people.

I looked at the presents under the tree, including the two we had bought one another. It didn't matter what was in them. Noah was the greatest gift I had ever received.

And I was going to let him know that every single day.

I snuck a kiss onto his lips, and he hummed against mine.

Perfection.

He was absolute perfection.