Page 31 of Healing Daddy

Leary nodded at July’s assessment. “A best friend was made.”

JJ wore a huge grin as he looked between them. “That’s awesome. I think that just goes to show how fate always finds a way.” He glanced toward the house. “I guess we’d better get inside. Beau’s waiting on me.”

July burst from the car like a kid on crack, singing, “I get to see Fle-etch. Let’s do this.” He led the charge to the door as if he had any clue where he was going. Fletch had never brought him here. His home had always been off-limits. July wondered if Fletch would be happy to see him or if he would see this as July crossing a boundary of their friendship. Surely he would be fine this one time. After all, he really hadn’t come here to see Fletch. He was here with JJ and Leary. JJ just had a quick meeting with Beau, and then they were headed for lunch.

JJ stepped ahead of him and opened the door. The three of them made their way inside. Again, July looked in every direction. More guards. Tons of security. The place was more secure than the White House.

JJ paused in front of a set of double doors. July had no idea where they led. They were only feet from the front door, so the location didn’t make sense. He couldn’t even begin to sketch a home layout where they were logical. Who could possibly need double doors right inside of double doors? He mentally shrugged. The ultra-wealthy were odd ones. Too much money led to rich-people decisions.

JJ focused on Leary and July. “Let’s stop in here real quick before I head to Beau’s office.”

No one questioned the decision. They were just along for the ride.

JJ opened both doors, exposing a room full of people mingling.

Confusion showed heavily on Leary’s face. His expression matched July’s thoughts. JJ was here for a quick meeting, and they were having a party?

The entire group turned their way. The room fell silent.

Leary leaned JJ’s way and lowered his voice to a stage whisper. “Are we interrupting something?”

JJ didn’t answer. He dug inside his pocket and pulled out a ring box.

July covered his mouth as JJ dropped to one knee, and he realized what was happening.

Leary stared down at him, wide-eyed with shock.

JJ looked nervous as hell as he opened the box. “You’re so fucking amazing. You choosing me was the best thing that’s ever happened in my life.”

“Yes.”

Everyone laughed.

A smile exploded across JJ’s face. “Do you plan to let me ask?”

Leary’s face turned beet red. “Oh, yeah. Sorry.”

JJ shot to his feet. “Fuck it. I’ll take any yes I can get.” He kissed Leary while everyone cheered, including July. Someone brought them champagne while JJ slid the ring onto Leary’s finger. July couldn’t look away from them. He kind of wanted to cry. Leary deserved all this and more.

“I can’t believe you did this.” Leary looked his way. “I can’t believe you were able to keep a secret.”

July chuckled. “Obviously, JJ knows me too well. I didn’t know either.”

All focus converged on the couple.

July’s cheeks ached from smiling, watching their happiness. He was thrilled beyond words. Ties to a crime family aside, JJ wasperfect for Leary. No one could look at them and deny their love. They made July’s chest ache with jealousy.

He spotted Fletch heading his way. July smiled as big as he could and waved. Fletch’s face was set in a hard line and didn’t soften at the sight of him.

July’s heart dropped. That was not the look of a man happy to see him. Damn. There was definitely an unspoken boundary he had crossed by being there. But for fuck’s sake, it was obviously Leary and JJ’s engagement party. Had he expected July not to come?

When Fletch reached his side, he leaned down and spoke closely against July’s ear for only him to hear. “Beau would like to speak to you in his office.” He grabbed July’s upper arm in a firm grip. It didn’t hurt. The hold was more like a warning that he wouldn’t be getting away.

Well, fuck. This was much worse than boundary crossing. July hadn’t planned to die today, but he had no doubts from only Fletch’s tone. That was exactly where he was headed.

Leary couldn’t believe his eyes and ears. Everything felt a little numb and dampened by shock. The only piece of him that stillfunctioned on full bars was his heart. He could easily explode from all the love that burst at the seams inside him.

JJ held his hand and sneaked peeks at Leary between well-wishers. Leary barely recognized any faces other than Banks’s.