“Sorry,” Dex said with a sniff through his tears. “Forgot about the whole strength thing.”
“We’ll work on it,” Sloane said with a smile. They sat down, several people walking by to congratulate them. Dex played with the ring on his finger, still unable to believe it. It was a simple band made of titanium with a tiny, barely there heart etched on it. Dex couldn’t stop staring at it.
“I had no idea he had this,” Dex said, brushing a finger over the smooth surface. Sloane covered his hand with his larger one.
“May it bring us as much love and happiness as it brought your parents. I love you, Dex. We’ll talk to Sparks. If we’re going to do this, there are conditions, and I want certain assurances put into place. I also want to be married first.”
Dex’s head shot up. “Are you sure? This isn’t all moving too quickly for you?”
“Dex.” Sloane pulled his chair closer to Dex. “When you died, I didn’t know what I was going to do with myse
lf. I kept thinking about all the things we wouldn’t get to do, and the first thought I had was about marrying you. Tony and Cael are your family, our family, but I want to be your husband. I want to be the one who takes care of you and be the one who gets to decide what to do if something happens to you. Someday, I want to start a family with you.” Sloane cupped Dex’s face and looked into his eyes. There was nothing but adoration and certainty behind those pools of amber. “With everything that’s happened over the last two years, hell, over the last few months, I don’t want to waste any more time.”
Dex couldn’t stop the stupid tears from falling. Man, he’d cried more in the last few weeks than he had most of his life. Something in the water. Had to be.
“Okay,” Dex said with a nod and a smile stretching from ear to ear. “Let’s do it.”
As Sloane pulled him into his embrace and kissed him, Dex couldn’t think of anywhere he’d rather be than right here in Sloane’s arms. If they became TIN, they’d likely be sent all over the world, but with Sloane at his side, he would always be home.
Epilogue
IT WAS time.
Dex turned his face up to the sky, his eyes closed as he enjoyed the sun’s warm rays against his skin. It was such a beautiful day. In the distance birds chirped, the sounds of the city so far away. It was peaceful, and for the first time in a long time, peace was what he felt. His senses were sharp, his body thrumming with new sensations, but he was okay with it. For now at least. With a smile, he opened his eyes. He sat on the stone bench surrounded by lush greens, beautiful flowers, and a quiet breeze. Tears pooled in his eyes, but it was different this time.
“Hey. I know it’s been a while,” Dex said softly. The flowers he brought were vibrant with color. They were displayed proudly in front of gleaming white marble. “So much has happened.” He stood, took a couple of steps forward, then crouched down. Placing his fingers to his lips, he kissed them before placing them on his mother’s headstone.
“God, I miss you.” He blinked back the tears, his smile never faltering. Not wanting his dad to feel left out, he did the same to his dad’s headstone. “Of course I miss you too, you troublemaker.”
A tear rolled down his cheek, and he wiped it away. “I just wanted to let you guys know I’m not mad anymore. I know why you did what you did. Why you risked everything. I’m proud of you, and I hope that wherever you are, you’re proud of me too.” He looked down at his hands, and his heart swelled at the sight of the silver band on his finger. “Guess what?” He showed them his hand. “Look familiar?” He chuckled and shook his head. “I know, right? Someone’s finally going to make an honest man out of your boy.”
It had taken a hell of a lot for Dex to be where he was. He’d never really believed in fate. He believed everyone was responsible for forging their own path. Whether changing his course would have altered the path he was on or ultimately led him back to where he was supposed to be was something he would never know. What he did know was who he was now, at this point in time. His parents had given their lives in a war against the likes of Shultzon and Moros. Humans and Therians whose prejudice, greed, and desire for power was so unhinged they’d let the world and its people burn to attain it. Not while Dex had breath in his body.
Dex stood, his expression softening. “I promise I’ll visit more often.” A breeze ruffled his hair, and the sound of muffled footsteps made his heart swell. He smiled up at Sloane when he stopped beside Dex. Sloane didn’t say a word. He just smiled warmly at Dex, little creases forming at the corners of his amber eyes. How was it possible to love one man this much? Dex laced their fingers together before turning back to his mom’s grave, his heart filled with pride and adoration.
“I found him, Mom. I found him.”