On Point (Out of Uniform 3)

Maddox snorted. “That simple, huh?”

Ben shrugged, a motion that still hurt more than he’d like. “It’s a wedding. Not rocket science. And really, it’s more about the party. Pretty sure that’s why they’re doing this now. No other reason to rock the status quo—everyone knows they’re together already.”

The way he figured it, this was about wanting a big, showy party and also getting Camilla rights if something happened to his dad. Neither of which was worth getting nervous over. Paperwork and party favors.

“Nerves aren’t logical,” Maddox said patiently, stretching in his chair. His arm muscles rippled under his T-shirt, making Ben’s pulse thrum. Man, it was nice to be able to look appreciatively at Maddox and not have to feel guilty about it. And nicer still was looking forward to being alone after this day with his dad—the past few weeks had been a pleasant blur of sex and hanging out and Maddox’s amazing recipes.

He wanted to give Maddox a sly look and hint about what he wanted to do to him that night, but they’d both agreed to keep it low key around his dad. Or more accurately, Maddox had suggested, and Ben had nodded. Maddox was still being weird about their friends knowing, and Ben knew part of that was how complicated it would be if their teammates found out, but it still rankled, more than he’d thought it would. He wasn’t oblivious to the fraternization rules—he knew Maddox thought he was being too flip, but it wouldn’t be such a big deal if Maddox would sit for his chief’s exam too.

As for the rest of it—well, he hated thinking too far ahead, thinking of all the ramifications of them being together, not when them together right now was so damn good and the future so fucking tenuous.

“I’m serious,” Maddox continued, interrupting Ben’s brooding. “He hasn’t been eating, and he called three times to make sure we hadn’t forgotten about today. You need to say something to him. Something reassuring.”

Ben made a scoffing noise. He was the world’s worst person for reassuring someone, especially about this. What did he know about marriage? He knew to not drunkenly elope, to not trust one person with his future, and to not trust people not to leave.

Right as he was about to remind Maddox of this, his dad emerged from his dressing room. “What do you think?”

“Excellent. The gray really suits you.” Maddox was always good for the enthusiasm Ben lacked. “And did Camilla pick the lavender and silver ties?”

“Yes. And the flowers to match.” His dad turned this way and that in front of the mirror, tugging the coat down. “Still not sure about these pinstripes though...”

Oh, hell. His dad was nervous. Ben could see it now. The man was never anything other than confident in his appearance.

“She’ll love it,” Ben said firmly, hoping that might be enough to calm his father down.

“I just want the perfect day for her. She deserves that.” A funny, almost tender look passed across his father’s face. “She’s waited long enough.”

Aha. Ben made a shit detective, but he was trying. “Think you should have done this sooner?”

“Yes.” His father shot him a grateful smile. Maybe this empathy business wasn’t so hard after all. “Years ago. I feel so guilty...”

“Well, don’t.” To Ben it was that simple—guilt was a pointless emotion.

“Everyone has their own timeline.” Maddox’s eyes met Ben’s. Okay, maybe Ben’s brain was lying about guilt being pointless because he couldn’t keep it from creeping in around the edges of his convictions. Why hadn’t they tried being together sooner? Had he kept Maddox waiting?

The store owner returned with a pair of pants for Maddox and a measuring tape around his neck. He ushered Maddox to one of the dressing rooms, and Ben waited until the door closed to speak again, voice lowered. “What’s really going on?”

His father sighed and adjusted his jacket for the tenth time. “I made Camilla sign a pre-nup.”

“That was smart.” Ben was nothing if not pragmatic. He genuinely loved Camilla—they all did—but he knew firsthand that love wasn’t enough to keep people from doing stupid stuff.

“No. It was awful.” His father loosened his tie. “I should trust her. And she didn’t say it, but I know she was hurt.”

Okay. This was where Ben needed to say something, but he knew shit-all about not hurting people. “She loves you,” he said lamely. “She’ll get over it.”

His father made a harrumph noise. “She shouldn’t have to. It was my own fear talking, having the lawyer draw that up...”

“So? Tear it up if you feel that strongly. There’s nothing you’ve done that can’t be undone.” Ben gave his father an awkward pat on the shoulder. They weren’t really big huggers or touchers, but he tried to channel what Maddox would do in this situation.