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The minister cleared his throat. "Do you have the
rings?"

"Yes," Kip dug both rings out of his pocket and
handed them to the minister.

"The ring is a symbol of unity, it is unbroken and never
ends. This is your marriage. Jamie, repeat after me. Because this ring is
perfectly symmetrical."

Jamie smiled and repeated, "Because this ring is
perfectly symmetrical."

"It signifies the perfection of true love," the minister
continued.

Jamie's stomach flipped and his knees went weak. "It
signifies the perfection of true love."

"As I place it on your finger, I give you all that I am
and ever hope to be."

Kip squeezed Jamie's fingers as he repeated the last line.
Then Kip said his ring vows, the emotions so thick both of them had tears in
their eyes before he finished.

"
Jamie Lincoln Bartel
, do you
take Kipling Scott Fitzhugh to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

Jamie nodded, his throat so tight he didn't know if he could
speak. "I do," came out in a squeak. Kip's eyes were bright with
moisture and he stepped closer.

"
Kipling Scott Fitzhugh
, do you take Jamie Lincoln
Bartel to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do."

"Then by the powers vested in my by the great state of
New York, I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss the
groom."

Kip beamed and Jamie knew he looked just as happy. They were
married and there was nothing anyone could do or say that would make him
believe differently. Kip wrapped one arm around Jamie's shoulder and the other
around his waist. "Husband, I like the sound of that." Their kiss
lasted until both of them were out of breath. When they came up to breathe, Kip
still held him close, resting his forehead on Jamie's hair. "I love
you."

Jamie had high hopes that their marriage would soon be
recognized by the US government. He wanted the safety and security of knowing
that he was Kip's and Kip was his. It was enough to have the piece of paper,
even if the state of Texas didn't consider them wed.

They thanked the minister then headed back to their hotel.
They were leaving in the morning. Four days away from the ranch was long
enough. Gresh was doing better, but they were needed. Kip held his hand the
entire way. When they entered their hotel room Jamie stopped, shocked by what
he saw.

"How?" he turned to Kip, amazed by his man. "They're
beautiful." Dozens of flower arrangements were scattered around the room.
Rose petals made a path to the bed. Kip stepped past him and lit six candles
then shut off the lights. He'd felt special before, but this made him feel
amazing.

Kip approached him, stopping only inches away. Their gazes
were locked and it seemed as if their breathing was in unison. Kip slowly
started undressing Jamie, not saying anything as he worked at the buttons of
Jamie's shirt. Kip undid Jamie's tie and pushed Jamie's shirt off his
shoulders. Next came Jamie's undershirt. He shivered as Kip ran his hand over his
torso. Neither one of them spoke as Kip unbuttoned Jamie's pants and pushed
them over his hips. He shoved Jamie's underwear out of the way and Jamie kicked
off his shoes, pushing his socks off too.

Jamie stood totally naked in front of a fully clothed Kip. He
looked between their bodies, turned on by Kip in a suit and him totally naked.
Kip didn't seem to be in a hurry to get undressed.

"I have this fantasy that I take you while I'm fully
clothed," Kip whispered in Jamie's ear. Jamie dropped his head back,
moaning as Kip licked his neck. "I want to tie your hands behind your back
and make you helpless as I suck and then fuck you."

"Yes," Jamie hissed.

Kip spun Jamie around, pressing him up against the wall face
first. "Spread your legs." He wrapped his fingers gently around
Jamie's shaft and stroked him slowly as he fingered Jamie's hole with his other
hand. "Tonight is about pleasure. Only pleasure."

"Mmmm."

"Can I blindfold you?"

"Yes." Jamie's stomach pitched but he trusted Kip
to play fair so he didn't raise any objections.

"Good, now stay here and don't move." Kip took
Jamie's hands and placed them on the wall. "Don't move your hands and
don't even think of touching that beautiful cock of yours."

Jamie closed his eyes and thought about stroking his dick. He
wanted relief and Kip had basically told him he couldn’t have any. Then Kip was
back, his hand smoothing over Jamie's ass, his fingers brushing over his hole.
Jamie jerked with anticipation and Kip laughed.

"You are so fucking gorgeous. I can't wait to sink
between these sweet cheeks. You know, I was going to blindfold you but I want
you to see me sucking you." Kip took one of Jamie's wrists and pulled it
behind his back then he took the other one and did the same thing. "If
this is too tight, tell me."

Jamie felt cloth wrap around his wrists. He was bound and it
felt so wonderful to be at Kip's mercy. Kip turned Jamie to face him. The
moment was intense, leaving Jamie gasping for breath. Kip lowered to his knees,
his breath hot on Jamie's skin. Kip slid his tongue between his lips and licked
at Jamie's slit. Jamie shuddered and groaned.

"Fuck, that's good."

Kip smiled up at him, a wicked gleam shining in his eyes.
"I'm going to make you hotter than ever."

True to his word, Kip tortured Jamie with slow licks, and
nips, bringing Jamie to the edge before backing off, making Jamie wish he had
use of his hands to force Kip to finish the job.

"Please, let me come," Jamie begged.

Kip shook his head, slowly licking then blowing on Jamie's
cock. "You can give more."

"Fuck." His knees were growing weak and Kip still
tortured him. "Oh God, I'm going to—"

Kip wrapped his lips around Jamie's dick and slid down then
almost all the way off. Jamie moaned as he shot his load, filling Kip's mouth
with his seed. Kip swallowed down everything, sucking on Jamie's dick long past
his last jolt of come.

Kip stood, a smug smile on his lips. "Did you like
that?"

"Yeah. You're amazing."

Kip kissed him, tweaking Jamie's sensitive nipples. "Now
I get to take that hole of yours. I think I'm going to tie you to the
bed."

Kip led Jamie to the bed, untying his hands. "Do you
need to use the bathroom or get a drink?"

Jamie snuggled close, rubbing his body up against Kip's.
"You are too nice. I love you."

"I take that as a no and you're okay if I tie you to the
bed."

"Tie me up, I'm ready for you."

With Jamie's arms bound and him spread eagle on the bed, Kip
stared down at him, taking in the flat planes and muscles jerking against the
bonds. Kip grabbed the blindfold and held it up. "We'll do this blindfolded."

Jamie smiled up at him, his body was covered with sweat, his
skin red. Kip loved how sexy Jamie was. Even though he'd already come, Jamie
was getting hard again. Kip put the blindfold in place, covering up Jamie's
eyes.

"Fuck, you are so sexy. I could eat you up." Kip
unzipped his pants and pulled out his dick, stroking the hardened length. "Damn,
I love seeing you like this. Raise your legs and let me get a look at
you."

Jamie pulled his legs up and heat washed over Kip. Precome
dripped from his slit. He grabbed the tube of lube and opened the cap, pouring
some into his hand. Jamie twisted his body a bit, struggling against the bonds
as his dick grew bigger. Kip froze, so entranced at seeing Jamie squirming for
him.

"Kip, I need you."

Kip settled between Jamie's legs, his clothes a bit in the
way but he wanted this fantasy. Jamie was totally at his mercy, naked and
waiting. He was fully clothed and in control. He placed one hand on Jamie's leg
and pushed a bit, positioning Jamie's hole just right. Kip slid one finger into
Jamie, loving the satiny feel. "You feel so good. So hot."

"Fuck me. Please."

"Lusty bitch."

"I need you now."

Kip pressed forward, his cock strained against Jamie's
opening. It was heaven watching the action. He wasn't going to last long.
Seeing Jamie totally naked and him totally clothed turned him on. There wasn't
any going slow. He shoved in. Jamie gasped and threw his head back, his arms
fighting the ropes.

"You okay?" Kip asked.

"Yeah…good…fuck me—hard."

Kip didn't disappoint. He rode Jamie hard and fast. His balls
pulled up and his dick swelled. He didn't even try to hold back. The orgasm
ripped through him. Jamie came too, his body pulsing around Kip's dick.

Kip pulled out and untied the restraints. Jamie sat up and
ripped off his blindfold, tossing it to the side. He pounced on Kip, pushing
him to the bed.

"Oh God, that was amazing. You are the best." Jamie
kissed him, his enthusiasm contagious.

Kip pulled away from Jamie's lips and sucked in a breath.
"Shower, now."

"You are so getting naked for me and I'm going to tie
you up at some point."

"I can't wait." Kip tugged at his tie, knowing that
he'd never be able to wear a tie again without thinking of this night.

*~*~*

Lane stayed with Gresh for the next three days in the
hospital as he recovered. By the time they left Gresh could see. His activity
had been restricted and the doctor wanted him to spend a lot of time napping.
In his awake times he searched the Internet for a surrogate. He found a list of
women who were willing to carry a baby. He called the most promising ones,
talking to a couple of women before narrowing his first choice to one. He was
on the phone with her for over an hour. She agreed to meet them and sounded
excited about carrying their baby.

That evening Gresh sat down with Lane, nervous about the
news. They'd only talked seriously about adoption and not about surrogacy.
"We need to discuss something."

"Sounds ominous." Lane narrowed his eyes. "Are
you okay?"

"Yeah, my health is fine, but this isn't about my
health."

"Okay." Lane reached across the table and grabbed
Gresh's hands.

The contact gave him courage. "I found a
surrogate."

"What?" Lane jumped up. The chair screeched and
Gresh flinched. This wasn't the reaction he was expecting. "A surrogate. I
thought we were adopting."

"Lane, think about it. My health is suspect. No one, and
I mean no one, is going to let me adopt a baby."

Lane grabbed his forehead and blew out a breath. He paced
around the room, finally stopping in front of Gresh. Lane dropped to the
ground, placing his hands in Gresh's lap. Gresh turned in his chair to face
Lane. They stared at each other for a long time before Gresh cupped Lane's
cheek, drawing him into a kiss.

He leaned back, still cupping Lane's cheeks. "I love you
and if you don't want to do this, I'll be fine."

"No, let's interview a couple of women. If we don't feel
comfortable we can abandon the plan. I just don't want Jump to think we sold
out."

"Babe, Jump will understand that we aren't making this
decision lightly."

Lane kissed his palm. "Gresh, you are so good. I love
you."

"You're the good one. You've put up with so much."

"I still can't believe that you love me. I wanted you
for so long. God, that first time you kissed me, I still think about that all
the time. It was amazing. Your lips on mine, your hands on my body. It gives me
the shivers to think about it."

Gresh stood up, holding on to the table to keep himself
steady. "I want you."

Lane's lips curved up into a sexy grin. "The house will
be done soon and we'll be back to having our own space."

"That's a good thing."

"Can't come soon enough. Let's go to our room and lock
the door. I want to get you naked."

Chapter Seventeen

Connor had been home from the hospital for a few days and he
desperately wanted a drink. He still felt guilty but he hadn't said anything.
Mike came in the front door and the screen banged behind him. Connor lost it.

"What the fuck are you doing?"

Mike froze, his eyes narrowed, and he straightened. The
pressure of trying to be good filled Connor and he wanted to lash out. Riley
had died because he'd been bad. Hell, he'd been super bad, desiring Gresh when
he shouldn't have then there was Mike. Fuck, he'd messed up so much.

"Connor, what is wrong? Don't say nothing either."

"I want a drink."

"More, I want more than that." Mike stepped closer,
but stayed just out of reach.

Did he have more to give? What if Mike saw what a poser he
was and dumped him? He didn't deserve a guy like Mike. He wanted to scream and
rail against the guy, forcing Mike to leave his home and stay away. Winding up
for an epic fight, Connor sucked in a breath but the look on Mike's face
defeated him. The fight fled and with it, his strength. He dropped to the floor
and Mike was right there, holding him tight, rocking him gently as Connor fell
apart.

"Talk to me, babe." Mike took one of Connor's hands
and turned it over, kissing the palm.

Connor melted against Mike, no longer wanting to hide.
"I feel so guilty."

"Why?"

"Riley would never have died if I hadn't been so
selfish."

Mike's arm's squeezed tighter. "Tell me."

Fear swamped him. The need to lose himself in drink was so
strong he didn't know if he could win. "I'm so embarrassed."

"Hold on. Let me turn off the light and I'll hold you on
the couch. You can talk. I won't say anything. Just talk to me and tell me
about it."

Mike moved to stand but Connor put his hand on Mike's arm,
stopping him. "Why are you being so nice?"

"I like you. Okay, I love you, but I also like you and
even if you decide to leave me, I will always like you and think of you as a
friend."