Chapter Ten

Murphy tugged at the collar of his tux. It was hot, and he hated penguin clothes. He cared about Booker and Dash, though. So, here he was, wearing a black tuxedo in the New Orleans heat, waiting to walk Booker down the aisle. Honestly, he had never been more honored. Unfortunately, doubling his discomfort, Lev was Booker's best man. That meant they were all sequestered together in a tiny room, waiting for the music to start.

As always, they avoided each other's stare. Murphy forced his attention to stay locked on Booker. The boy was nervous as hell and Murphy didn't understand it.

"Stop fidgeting. You're marrying the man you've obsessed over for years. Why are you nervous?"

Booker's light brown gaze locked onto him. He truly looked panicked. "He still has time to change his mind."

As badly as Murphy wanted to roll his eyes, he held up one finger instead. He poked his head out the door and eyed the waiting altar. In a black tux, matching the wedding party, Dash sat looking completely calm.

Murphy dipped back inside the room. "Yeah. You've got nothing to worry about. Dash is already waiting for you."

Booker took a deep breath. "Okay."

A smile exploded across Murphy's lips. Without thinking, his gaze slid Lev's way, looking for some commiseration. Sexy green eyes stared back at him, blasting Murphy with heat—the way they always did.

The music began. Murphy tore his gaze away to focus on Booker. "It's time."

Lev headed out while Murphy held his arm out to Booker. Booker accepted. The nervousness had left his features. He looked serene now that the time had finally come.

"Let's go."

Murphy took a breath. For some reason, he was the one who suddenly felt nervous. That wasn't like him. Murphy was used to being in the limelight, so that couldn't be it. He didn't truly understand why he felt so fucking on edge until they made their way down the aisle. His gaze automatically sought Lev. Lev stared back at him without looking away. Murphy's heart sped. He was so fucked. Murphy didn't know where to start. This boy was ten years younger than him. No one would understand. The temptation was gut wrenching. He recognized the determination in Lev's expression. There was no escape.

Booker didn't even remember the ceremony. All he recalled was Dash's gorgeous eyes focused on him. He felt to his soul how seriously Dash took their vows with every word he repeated. Booker didn't know what he had done to deserve this amazing man and future, but he would kill to keep it. No one had wished harder for it than him.

As they fed each other cake, Booker's gaze slid toward the edge of the room. Leaned against the wall, and dressed in his best, his dad stuck to the sidelines. He was alone. Booker had secretly sent him an invitation, purposely excluding Jenny's name from the invite, but he never expected him to show. It was oddly the kindest thing his dad had ever done. His dad nodded when their gazes met. That was it. Just a subtle nod, but it felt like acceptance. Booker went back to focusing on his new husband. He had stayed seated through the cake cutting so he wouldn't hover over Dash. They both had cake on their laps from their messy exchange.

Dash leaned his way and touched his lips to Booker's ear. "I'll lick that clean when we're done here." He ran his hand up Booker's thigh, leaving no doubt what he meant.

Booker kissed the tip of his nose, leaving frosting behind. To everyone's delight, Dash pulled him in and claimed his mouth for a deep kiss. Happiness roared through Booker. That was all he could think. He was just so damn happy.

He clung to Dash's jacket as he pulled away. "I love you."

Dash pressed his forehead against Booker's. "I love you too. Let's send everyone else dancing so I can take you to bed."

A smile exploded across Booker's face. "Surely you don't think you're getting out of dancing?" Without giving Dash time to respond, Booker stood. He motioned toward Dash's best man, Gustav, who was in charge of picking the music. With a nod, Gustav started the first slow song. The gift and cake table sat at the edge of the hotel's ballroom. Some people grabbed their cake while others visibly waited to join Dash and Booker on the dance floor.

Together, they moved to the center of the floor. Booker fully intended to make this night special. He took Dash's hand and before he saw it coming, he was across Dash's lap, with Dash spinning them in his wheelchair. Laughter burst from Booker as people joined them. Dash's smile was everything.

Booker couldn't wait to spend the rest of his life with this fun, wonderful, amazing man. Too many times to count, he hadn't thought this dream would come true. Now, here they were. Booker would never let go.

The moment everyone was distracted by drinks and dancing, and it didn't feel too rude to leave, Dash stole Booker. He wheeled toward the elevator with Booker still across his lap. Booker was so tall, they probably made a hilarious sight. He didn't care. This was love. Dash felt like he had waited his entire life for this moment. Nothing he had achieved compared to marrying Booker.

When they reached their room, Booker unlocked it with his phone. Dash wheeled him inside. "Carried over the threshold, as you should be."

Booker's huge grin melted Dash's heart. It couldn't have been more obvious Booker was every bit as happy as Dash. They were creating beautiful memories together. "Damn. I can't believe it's finally real."

Dash stole a kiss. "Not only is it real, I have a promise to keep about licking that cake away."

Booker laughed. "I'm pretty sure that cake is on the floor in the ballroom."

Dash kept moving until he reached the edge of the bed. "You can use your imagin—" A present sat on the bed, distracting Dash.

Booker followed his gaze. "How did someone get into our room?" He climbed from Dash's lap and snagged the card on top. As he pulled a letter from the envelope, another paper floated to the floor. Booker blindly passed the letter to Dash as he bent to scoop up whatever fell.

Dash read the letter aloud.

"Booker, I didn't want to give this to you in person and risk ruining your big day. When your mom passed, I put her life insurance policy in a savings account for your college fund. Jenny refused to let me give it to you, since she was afraid we would be supporting your lifestyle. After Dash came to see me, I realized how much I let Jenny steal from me." Dash nearly stumbled over the words since he hadn't told Booker about that trip. He kept reading, hoping whatever Mike said overshadowed his secret.

"It's my fault. I know that. I recognize I lost my son on my own. Anyhow, for what it's worth, I filed for divorce and this should be yours. It's what your mom wanted. Congratulations on a great catch and your big day. I hope you have the best life with Dash. If you ever want to try again, I'm here. If not, I completely understand. I willingly became Jenny's puppet at the expense of my son. That's a shame I have to live with, but I miss you and I'm proud of you. Most of all, I love you, Dad."

Dash looked up from the letter. Booker stared at a slip of paper in his hands like he had completely checked out. Dash dropped the letter. "Are you okay?"

Booker's gaze lifted. His expression screamed shocked. He turned the item in his hand Dash's way. "It's a check for a hundred and fifty thousand dollars."

Personally, Dash didn't think it was enough to make up for the years of abuse. Still, it wasn't his dad. It wasn't his call. "Do you want to go back downstairs and talk to him?"

Booker shook his head and set the check aside. He sat on the edge of the bed and focused on Dash. "I want you to tell me about going to see my dad."

Dash winced. He probably should have told Booker about that. "I just needed him to know I've got you. He might not want you, but I do. I need you to be safe and happy." Dash's throat swelled. "You're not the only one of us who's alone. We're each other's family. He doesn't get to hurt my husband and walk away without a thought." Dash moved closer and ran his hands up Booker's thighs. "You deserve to be loved unconditionally. I do. You're loved here."

Booker swallowed. "I know." He leaned forward and swiped his lips across Dash's mouth. "And you're loved here."

Even though Dash knew that, for some reason, his throat still tightened. There was something in Booker's tone. Something deep—like the words came from his soul. "I love you so goddamn much. You have no idea how much I wish I had gotten out of my own head and stopped thinking that being with you would be too fucking complicated because of the team. I feel like we missed so much time."

A beautiful smile exploded across Booker's face. "Exactly how long have you been thinking about me?"

Dash smirked. "Longer than you think."

Booker shook his head, as if he didn't believe.

Dash's fingers found Booker's bow tie. He loosened it before moving to the buttons on his shirt. Dash slowly stripped Booker while holding his stare. "You probably don't remember this, but I was still learning sled and struggling hard. I went spilling from the sled. Each time I did was such a blow, and I was ready to give up the whole idea of being able to play hockey. That night, you slid out on a sled and took my hands. You closed your eyes and described every sensation of sitting and steering. God, I couldn't stop staring at you. You looked so passionate about every detail. I felt how much you loved the sport. Because of what you taught me that night, I made it. The way you spoke and looked at me that night made me want to stay wherever you are. When you opened your eyes, I thought, ‘Goddamn. What I wouldn't give to find out he's gay, and to have that passion directed at me.'"

A bright smile pulled at Dash's lips. He couldn't help the love and happiness bursting from him. He never stopped undressing Booker while he reminisced. "So, if you weren't into guys before that night, it was me. I wished it into existence." Dash laughed as he made the claim.

Booker didn't. He closed the final distance between them and claimed Dash's mouth. The air changed. Heat burst between them. Dash quickly locked his tires, and between the two of them, he was on the bed. They were down to just the right amount of clothes and lube required before Booker sat on his dick. They went hard and fast. Booker used his body for his pleasure, and Dash loved it. He loved him. Booker made him feel treasured and sexy. The way he acted as if he couldn't wait to tear off Dash's clothes and have his cock was such a mind fuck. With Booker, he knew he was the only man for him. He didn't fear the future. He knew Booker wouldn't choose anyone else. They were it for each other.

Dash swore Booker brought his dick back to life. Every time they had sex, Dash was positive he felt more than the last time. Back when he had nothing but his hand, it took him forever to blow. With Booker, Dash had to grit his back teeth and pray he lasted until Booker finished.

The pressure was right there. He wanted to come so badly. Dash worried his mind might snap. There was an itch in his brain and his body shook with need. Then a cry rent the air. Cum hit Dash's chest. Dash sucked in a sharp breath as his body exploded into waves of ecstasy.

Booker kept bouncing. "That's it, beautiful. Give me everything. Fuck, I love watching you come. I love knowing I'm the reason you look like your soul has been taken."

Dash grabbed the back of Booker's neck and hauled him down for a kiss. "That's because you did. You stole everything from me and I love it." Their tongues fought while they still tried catching their breath. Dash had fully intended to take his time and savor his wedding night. He had no complaints, and they had all night. Hell, they had the rest of their lives.

Their kisses turned slow. Booker settled into his arms. The room cooled. Dash relished every moment of stroking Booker every place he could reach. He never got enough of simply touching Booker. Dash had gone too many years without human touch. He still felt starved for affection sometimes. Booker never complained or acted as if Dash's neediness bothered him.

Booker shifted. "Hold on. Something is poking me in the back." He reached behind him and pulled out the present from his dad he still hadn't unwrapped. Booker stared at it as if he couldn't decide if he wanted to open it. Dash ripped the paper, saving him the mental debate. It was a large leather book. Together, they finished tearing away the paper. The distinct smell of motor oil wafted over them.

Booker brought it closer to his nose. "Dad must've kept this at the shop. It smells exactly like it." He flipped open the cover. It was a scrapbook. Together, they flipped through the pages inside. It was page after page of carefully placed pictures of Booker, along with awards he had received. There were newspaper articles about the Chuckers where Booker could be seen in the background of each picture.

"I didn't know Dad even went to half these events." He stroked a photo of him walking across the stage at his high school graduation. "I drove myself there with the understanding no one celebrated mediocrity. No one cheered and then I drove myself home afterward. I didn't think he went."

This book didn't matter. Dash hated Mike even more with every word Booker spoke.

He flipped through a few more pages. Mike had printed online articles about their upcoming wedding. Finally, they came to a part in the book where empty pages began. There was a note that simply read: The rest is for you to fill with happiness.

Booker closed the book. He set it aside and snuggled deeper into Dash's hold.

Dash kissed his forehead. "Are you okay?"

He felt Booker shrug. "It doesn't matter. Nothing has changed until it changes. All that matters right now is us. Maybe he'll try or maybe he won't. Either way, I'll be fine. Like you said, we're each other's family. If he never changes his ways, then nothing has changed. I'm still the happiest and luckiest man in the world because I have you."

"Damn right you do."

Dash held Booker as tightly as he could. They would always be fine, no matter what. If Mike wanted to be part of Booker's life, he would have to work hard to meet Dash's standards. Dash had vowed to love, honor, and cherish this man. He took that job seriously. Booker would have a perfect life if it was the last thing he did. They had earned it. Dash would ensure it.

Keep an eye out for the next Thin Ice, Pucking Insane.