Chapter Nine

Dash drove around the block three times, questioning his sanity. Even though he knew he should stay out of things and hold his tongue, he couldn't. He equally couldn't afford to lose everything twice in his life, especially when he needed to support Booker. That meant Dash had to keep this civil, even though he didn't know how. He certainly didn't want to be the bigger man.

On the fourth pass, Dash pulled into the parking lot of Mike's Mechanics Shop. A guy who looked exactly like an older version of Booker stepped outside, wiping his hands on a shop towel. Some days, Dash resented how long it took for him to get in and out of his vehicle. He was glad Mike had stepped outside to him, though. This way, they didn't make a scene inside. Unfortunately, Dash had been completely unprepared for how similar they looked. Still, this guy had hurt his man. Dash couldn't let it stand.

Mike met him halfway. "I take it you're here about Booker."

"Good. You recognize me." Dash didn't want to make time for pleasantries. "Actually, I'm here to talk about you."

"Me?"

Dash nodded. "I'm marrying Booker, so we need to set some boundaries."

Mike smirked. "You're setting boundaries for me?"

"I am." Dash knew a thing or two about manipulative people. He had spent years around people who would do anything for his money. Dash had learned all the mind games. "You see, I don't like the way you treat my man. He deserves better than a father who berates him, even though he's doing absolutely amazing in life. Booker damn sure deserves a father who doesn't let his wife treat his son the way yours does. So, I know you've already told Booker to stay away, but now I'm telling you. Don't ever come near my husband again. He has a new family now. A better one."

A bark of laughter burst from Mike as Dash wheeled back toward his truck and hit the button on his keys to lower the ramp. "You think a cripple is better than his blood."

It hadn't been a question, but Dash still looked Mike's way and answered. "Absolutely. Now what does that say about you? You're a piece of shit dad, Mike. Booker should've had a real man as a father. Instead, he got a man who treated him like he was no more than an obligation left by a dead wife. Now, you've lost the best thing you ever did, and you can grow old with the hate you care so much about." Dash rolled onto the ramp and lifted the chair inside. He locked the chair in place as the door closed, taking his time. If Mike wanted to argue some more, Dash had a minute. He almost hoped for it.

To his delight, Mike made his way to the truck.

Dash rolled down the window. He truly hoped Mike tried to punch him. Mike would learn today who was the cripple.

Instead, Mike tried for a parting shot. "Booker is no son of mine. You're welcome to keep him."

Dash snorted. "Thank God for all of that." He rolled up the window and started the truck. Despite knowing he had done the right thing, since Booker deserved to have someone speak up for him, Dash's chest hurt. Booker had lived his entire life with that piece of shit. Yet, by some miracle, he had turned out to be the best of men. Mike definitely shouldn't get to claim that. Booker had raised himself.

Now Dash would take over from here. He savored the fact that Mike would have to see his face on TV, in several commercials and games. Mike would have to live knowing that Dash gave Booker everything he hadn't and his life would never be even half as good as the son he hated. Booker had been at his side through the worst in Dash's life, pushing him to be the best. He deserved to enjoy the benefits right alongside Dash too. Dash planned to spoil the fuck out of him now that he was back on top, and he planned to start today.

Booker was a nervous wreck. Dash had left to run some errands two hours earlier. Booker didn't know how long he had before Dash returned. They had hired movers to move Booker's things to his home. It had been three weeks since Booker came to live under Dash's roof. He had expected it to take time for the place to feel like home. It hadn't. Booker had spent so many nights in Dash's bed that this place felt more like home than his house had.

In the past three weeks, they had barely spent five minutes apart. That made today a lot harder to pull off, and Booker needed everything to be perfect. He heard Dash's truck pull into the driveway. Booker rushed around, putting the last touches on everything. He thought he might be sick. When Dash wheeled into the kitchen from the garage, Booker tried to look calm. Dash had roses and a bag of takeout on his lap. His gaze skated over the candlelight dinner Booker had prepared.

"Oh, no."

Booker chuckled at his reaction.

Dash's gaze moved his way. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know you were doing all this."

"It's called a surprise. You're not supposed to know." He took the food from Dash and set it aside. "We can heat this up tomorrow. No harm done."

Dash still looked defeated. He held out the flowers. "I planned to surprise you."

Booker couldn't stop smiling. Dash made him so damn happy. He took the flowers from Dash. "I am surprised." He brought the roses to his nose. "Thank you. These are beautiful." He motioned toward the table. "Funny story. We ordered food from the same place."

A bark of laughter burst from Dash as he wheeled to the table. He took his usual spot. "Great minds."

"I'll grab a vase for these." Booker turned away and set the flowers on the counter. He took a deep breath and reached into his pocket. In one smooth move, before Booker lost his courage, he tuned back Dash's way and went down on one knee. As he held out the ring to ask Dash to marry him, he realized Dash held out a ring too. Their gazes met. They burst into laughter.

Booker tried getting his under control. "I'm doing this, damnit. Will you marry me?"

Dash wore a huge grin. "Only if you agree to marry me."

"Of course."

A happy-sounding laugh burst from Dash. "Yes. Of course."

Booker shifted back to his feet and claimed Dash's mouth. He had never been happier in his life. While he wasn't sure how the team would react, he knew they were already catching on. Dash and Booker rode together to work and left together. They didn't hide as they shared a room on the road.

Booker pulled away a hair. "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

Dash held his throat and pulled him back in for another quick kiss. "Same." Dash sounded breathless.

Booker wanted to make him even more winded. "Eat. You'll need your energy."

"Try your ring on first."

Booker laughed. He had forgotten he was holding a ring. They exchanged boxes. Booker's was beautiful. No doubt Dash could afford a much more expensive ring, but Booker hadn't cheaped out, so he hoped Dash still loved it.

He slipped the ring of gold and diamonds onto his finger. It was a little loose, but perfect. He glanced up to find Dash staring at his hand and the intricate gold band Booker had picked out for him. He wore an expression Booker couldn't read.

"Are you okay, baby?"

Dash glanced up. His eyes were red rimmed. "I love you. You have no idea how much you've saved me."

Booker dropped to his knees again. "We saved each other. You've given me a family. You mean everything to me."

Dash leaned forward and touched his forehead against Booker's. For a long moment, they just savored each other's love. They would have the best life. Their love wouldn't let things be any other way.