Page 69 of Learning to Trust

“As the judge said, this claim was unjust, and you should never have been here so the outcome was as it should have been.”

Allison gathered the folders and her purse, and we made our way toward the door. I was excited to tell everyone waiting outside about the verdict. Before we stepped through the door, my father hurried toward us and snarled, "This isn't over, faggot."

“Mr. Quinn took my father’s arm. “Joe, it’s over. Let it go, we have bigger troubles.”

I didn't respond but one thing that clarified my father's harsh treatment of me over the years was the way he had started referring to me as a 'faggot.' It showed, beyond doubt, that he'd never accepted my being gay. He was a homophobe, and my being gay was the reason for his hatred.

The clerk held the courtroom door open and congratulated me on my success as I followed Allison out and rushed into the waiting arms of the man I loved.

“It’s over, Sir,” I whispered close to Andrew’s ear before we kissed deeply.

"Okay lover boys, keep it for when you get home. David, what happened?" Janice asked.

Andrew kept an arm around me as I turned to face her and our friends. I gave them a short version of the verdict and received hugs from everyone along with their congratulations.

Andrew shook Allison's hand and thanked her for everything. Justine took my lawyer into a bear hug gushing about how grateful she was that the woman had taken care of her little brother.

When the excitement of my win settled, Allison excused herself, saying she had other business to attend to and would keep me updated on the progress of the company hearing. I thanked her again and after she'd gone, Andrew insisted on treating everyone to a celebratory lunch at Bailey's restaurant.

Andrew and I left the courthouse hand in hand, me with a smile on my face. I hoped it would be the last I saw or heard from my father but suspected once the mess was sorted at the company, I'd be called to testify against the asshole. One thing that would go against him in a big way was my win today. When it came out in court about how he'd tried to extort money from his son, the jury would see him as the hateful man I knew he was and always had been.

Chapter Nineteen

ANDREW

Sitting at a table with Janice and Steve, I looked up at David on the raised dais as he spoke confidently about his vision for Eyely and the benefits it promised to those with disabilities, punctuating each point with slides on a screen off to his side.

Pride and love for the man burst from my chest and when I glanced at Janice, the tears welling in her eyes was a giveaway that she was feeling the same about the brother she openly adored.

"Thank you all for coming and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. This program's development would not have been possible had it not been for the two people I love more than anything else on earth." David indicated our table. "Thanks go to my boyfriend, Andrew Whyte, the man who has completely changed my life, and my big sister, Janice Hart. Thank you both from the bottom of my heart. Please enjoy your canapes and cocktails, we have the room for another hour, and I'll be available for questions."

David left the dais to thunderous applause, and I stood, opening my arms as he drew closer. He stepped into them, and we kissed before I whispered in his ear that I had plans for him once we were home. His skin pinked as he blushed, and he lowered his head to my chest.

Janice smiled and winked. She'd obviously heard what I'd said and knew what I had planned. David's sister had played a big part in helping organize everything.

“Come on, Baby, let’s do the rounds so we can leave.”

Janice nodded. "Yes, you have the room for less than an hour now, so you better get to answering questions."

I stayed by David’s side, one arm around his waist as he talked confidently with new and prospective clients. It warmed my heart the way he leaned into my side, making sure I wasn’t going anywhere.

Forty-five minutes passed, the last guest left, and after saying goodnight to Janice and Steve, we climbed into my Camaro and made our way home.

After parking in the garage and switching off the motor, David and I climbed from the car. The garage door bounced when it hit the floor at the same time as I unlocked the door to our home.

The lights were dimmed and rose petals in shades of pink and red were scattered on the floor. Following the trail led us to the living room. Unlit candles were positioned on the coffee table, and a bottle of Moet and Chandon sat in an ice bucket with two champagne glasses nearby. David took in the scene before turning to face me.

“What’s this?”

After taking David’s hand, I leaned over and lit the candles before straightening and turning to face him. Taking both hands, I dropped to one knee.

David pulled a hand free and slapped it across his mouth when he gasped.

I gazed into his eyes. "David, you plowed into my life at a time when it was in turmoil. At the time, I had no interest in taking on a new sub, let alone becoming involved in a relationship. The need in you was strong and your natural tendency to submit attracted me so, when you asked to be my sub, I couldn't, or more accurately, didn't want to refuse. I was confident that like in the past, I would be able to keep my feelings out of our arrangement. I have never been happier to be so wrong. I love you, Baby, like I've never loved before. You are the half that completes me. Will you please agree to be my husband? Oof!"

There was no answer from David, he dropped to his knees and threw himself into my arms and was peppering my face with kisses.

I held him back, holding the tops of his arms.