“That’s true, though there are examples of couples living in Destiny, too.”
“Yes, but they are few and far between, just like those who don’t practice BDSM.”
“No one judges here, Chance. That’s what is great about Destiny. Black or white, gay or straight, couple or poly, BDSM or traditional, it doesn’t matter here. All are welcome. But you’re skirting the issue.”
“I guess I am. Don’t get me wrong, Jaris. You’re like a brother to me. There isn’t another man alive who I care more for than you. It’s just that sharing Kaylyn was never something I ever dreamed of.”
“But you did have dreams of her, didn’t you? Lots of dreams. Before you even confessed your true feelings, I could sense them, no matter how silent you were on the topic. Kaylyn, too. She loves you.”
“And she loves you. That’s the crux of it, isn’t it? I talked to Dylan about this on the drive to the ranch this morning. You know he’s a card-carrying member of Phase Four, too.”
“I do.”
“He thinks this whole issue would be solved if you and I got trained as Doms. What do you think about that?”
“I think that’s a fantastic idea. Kaylyn and I talked some after you left. She mentioned having desires about the BDSM lifestyle.”
“You’re kidding?”
“Not at all. Listen, Chance. I know this is hard, but you and I both know Kaylyn is worth it. I don’t intend to give her up and I’m sure you don’t either. So we’ve got to work this out together.”
The door opened, and Kaylyn joined him and Chance on the porch.
“Hi, baby.” He pulled her in close and gave her a kiss.
“Hi, Chance,” Kaylyn said sheepishly.
“Come here, sweetheart.”
Listening to them embrace, Jaris knew everything was going to turn out just fine. Chance just needed a little more time. He thought about Dylan’s suggestion about Dom training. That would be a good first step.
Kaylyn asked, “Are you really okay, Chance?”
“Jaris is right. You’re definitely worth everything. This is all new to me. I have a ton of questions and concerns. I can understand how the short term of this kind of relationship works, but it’s the long haul that still has me questioning. I’m still not sure about this, but I’m willing to give it a try.”
“That’s all I need to hear.” Kaylyn’s tone of hopefulness filled Jaris with warmth. “Whatever questions you and Jaris have, we can figure them out together.”
“I know, sweetheart.” Chance sighed. “No matter all the answers we discover together, what if it’s just not in me for this kind of relationship? What if I am not enough for you? I know if we start down this path, there will be no turning back. And if I still can’t find a way to make this work?”
“You will find a way,” Kaylyn said. “I know it.”
“Sweetheart, you are everything I ever wanted. I don’t want to end up hurting you again.”
“You may not know it yet, Chance, but you aren’t going to hurt me.”
“She’s right, buddy. The three of us will be a family.”
“I hope you both are right.”
Jaris could hear the struggle in Chance’s tone. “But you will try, right?”
“Yes, buddy. I’ll try.”
Chapter Sixteen
Kaylyn hit the final high note of one of her favorite songs that Mitchell had written for the band.
The crowd jumped to their feet, applauding like crazy.