Page 53 of To Have and To Hold
“Cal,” Brantley, Reese, and Baz said at the same time.
“The guy’s crazy,” JJ said with a laugh. “I cannotbelievehe managed to get a condom from a stranger at IHOP.”
That he did. He also managed to get a group photo in the women’s restroom. Granted, it was at the shooting range while there were no women in the building, but, as he said, it still counted.
“He deserved it,” Brantley said.
“What did he win?” Jules asked, leaning forward to look at JJ.
“An all-expense paid trip to the Double R Bed and Breakfast,” JJ said in her best radio-announcer voice.
“He can use it for his honeymoon,” Brantley stated. If the guy ever had one. His little brother had been engaged to April for over two years, and they had yet to set a date. His excuse was that they were still young, although that was debatable. April, yes. She was twenty-nine, but Cal would be thirty-six in March. He wasn’t a spring chicken anymore.
“Thank you again for makin’ it happen,” Reese told JJ.
“You’re very welcome.”
Brantley looked at Wes. He knew better than to call the man out in front of everyone, so he waited until the conversation died down and then followed Baz’s father into the kitchen.
“I just want to thank you for your generosity,” he said, holding out his hand.
“No thanks necessary. My boy considers you family,” Wes said, shaking his hand.
“Heisfamily,” Brantley assured him. “I would do anything for him.”
“I know. I’m glad he has people like you in his life. I’ve never seen him happier.”
Brantley took a step back. “I’m probably overstepping, but I’m gonna ask anyway.”
They were obviously keeping a secret, and Brantley wanted to know what it was. Before he could get the question out, Wes held up a hand.
“Don’t bother. I’ve been sworn to secrecy,” Wes said with a chuckle. “And I’m scared of JJ more than I’m scared of you.”
Brantley barked a laugh.
“But it’s all good. Everything’s fine, I swear it. I’d never keep anything from him if I felt he needed to know.”
Brantley believed him. He saw how much Baz’s parents cared for their son. It was evident in everything they did. Like Brantley, he was lucky that way. And he knew that Wes and Jules were good for JJ. Her parents had abandoned her long ago, too caught up in their grief and pain to realize they still had one child who needed them.
“Duly noted,” Brantley told him. “And thanks again. If you ever need anything…”
He left the sentence dangling but knew he didn’t need to complete it. If and when Wes ever came to him for a favor, Brantley would be there to help. After all, they were as much family as JJ and Baz were.
“Well, I think we’ll get outta your hair. It’s been a long weekend, and I’m ready for a good night’s sleep. We’ll see you on Wednesday, right?”
“At Moonshiners?” Wes nodded. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
Brantley didn’t understand the need for another bachelor party, but he’d given the reins to JJ, and he wasn’t in a position to argue with her. And really, why would he? His best friend seemed to know exactly what was needed to make him and Reese happy. Who could argue with that?
Chapter Fourteen
Monday, September 12, 2022
Five days until the wedding…
“Jesus fuck!” Brantley groaned, gripping Reese’s headas the man deep-throated him. “That feels good.”
Reese had surprised him, joining him in the shower a few minutes ago. Brantley had expected a little teasing, maybe, but he hadn’t anticipated Reese dropping to his knees and worshipping his cock the way he had been for the past five minutes.
