Page 109 of Body Rocks
“Andy wears a fourteen.”
Trey snort-laughed. “God, I’ve missed you.”
“Me too. Funny how everything has changed since the start of summer.”
“Never would have happened if you hadn’t told me to get off my ass and go get laid already.”
“This is true. You remember that when you and Dom are celebrating your golden wedding anniversary. I put you on your path toward destiny.”
In so many ways, Danielle had done just that—sent Trey on a collision course with Dominic that had led them to this day, with a house full of friends and family celebrating the holidays together. Even if only for a few hours, since Percell shipped out at six, and their flight back to Atlanta left at nine the next morning.
Mom called everyone to the dining room at ten o’clock. The table wasn’t big enough for all of them, so a few card tables and folding chairs had been set up in the attached living room. By the time the clan was situated in a standing circle around the spreadof food—which included a huge platter of bacon that had Trey’s name on it—Dominic and Lincoln appeared in the archway, Dominic’s arm around Lincoln’s waist.
The sight didn’t stir a single pang of envy in Trey. Only sadness, because that arm was for necessary support. Lincoln was pale and looked exhausted, but he had a bright smile for the room. “Merry Christmas,” he said.
A soft chorus of replies preceded Dad asking everyone to bow their heads for the blessing. “Father God, we humbly thank You for Your mercy in allowing our children to come together today in fellowship, and for Your protection of them during these last few trying months. We ask that You continue to bless this family and this meal, that it may nourish our bodies and spirits. In Your name, amen.”
Trey swore he heard Dad’s voice crack a few times during that prayer. So much could have been lost thanks to an unknown driver, and instead there they all were, alive and mostly well.
He ended up eating at the dining table sandwiched between Roxy on his right and Dominic on his left. Lincoln had been installed on Dominic’s left, and he picked at the food on his plate with all the enthusiasm of an inmate faced with his final meal.
“Did I tell you about the club I started at school?” Roxy asked. The college freshman’s entire face lit up and she sped on before Trey could reply. “I guess it’s not really a club, exactly, but a bunch of us get together once a week and talk about consent and date rape and how to promote awareness on campus. We got some backlash from some of the fraternities, but screw them, you know?”
“That’s awesome,” Trey said. And a resource very much needed on college campuses.
Dominic must have already known about it, because he was smiling proudly at his sister. They’d both gone through awful experiences and come out all the stronger for them, thanks totheir support network and two loving parents. Parents who’d adopted Trey into the fold and insisted he call them Mom and Dad.
They’d only had to ask once. He loved them, he loved their son, and he’d do anything for the family he’d cobbled together after leaving home three years ago.
Dominic was a beautiful man with a beautiful heart, and a soul full of music. Trey was the lucky guy who’d earned his love. He got to wake up with him every morning, fall asleep with him every night, and kiss him whenever the mood struck. He’d never imagined falling so madly in love with someone ever, much less at twenty-one, but Trey wouldn’t change a thing.
He and Dominic had joined voices to create a perfect harmony of love and respect, and that music would carry them anywhere they wanted to go.
Together.
