“I’m nervous.” Looking in the mirror, I watch as Ronin moves in behind me.

He grabs my shoulders and squeezes them. “You look so handsome.”

“Thanks.” I look away, a sudden blush rising to my cheeks. After a second, I turn around and look at my date. “You look pretty hot yourself.” Ronin makes an exaggerated turn for me with his hands out. “Definitely sexy.” I chuckle and smack his hip.

Leave it to Ronin to find a way to pull my mind away from my anxieties. It’s the first time Ronin and I will be seen at an event together, and I’m afraid some people might think it’s too soon. What if I jinx this relationship? Things have been going well between us, and I wasn’t truly expecting Ronin to agree to come with me as my plus-one to Simon and Shane’s wedding.

But here we are.

This strong, amazing, and gorgeous man is standing in front of me with a bright smile on his face and love in his eyes. And for right now at least, he is mine. I lean into him, giving him a quick peck. “I guess I should get out there.”

“Simon would probably like that,” he says sarcastically. “Can’t keep the grooms waiting, even if it is for the most handsome man here.”

“You’re just saying that because you kinda like me.” I tease.

“I’m say that because it’s true.”

“I’m sure there are people who will disagree with you.” I shrug, playing up his distraction of compliments.

“Everyone can’t be right.” Ronin winks then slaps my ass as he pushes me forward. “Come on, let’s get you to the altar.”

I nod, checking myself one last time in the mirror before letting Ronin guide me from the room. I almost tried to get out of being a groomsman for the wedding, but after Simon called and explained my role, I couldn’t avoid sticking with my commitment. Jake is Shane’s son from his previous marriage before his husband died in a tragic accident.

Jake has the special honor of being the best man for Shane, and I get to help make sure the kid stays in place for the ceremony.

How could I say no to that?

It really is a big honor to be part of the wedding, but the fact that I’m responsible for their son really shows how much Simon trusts me. Ronin says a quick goodbye as he heads toward the seating with the other guests, and I make my way down the hallway toward the room set up for the wedding party to gather before the ceremony.

Once inside, Shane, who I’ve only recently met, comes over and shakes my hand. “Thank you so much for being a part of our special day.”

“No problem. And congratulations again.”

“Thanks. Come on, I want you to meet Jake.” Shane leads me to the corner where a boy who looks to be about eight or nine is sitting with a coloring book and ignoring all the commotion around him. “Jake?”

The boy looks up and smile. “Hey, Dad.”

“Jake, this is Johnny. He’s going to stay with you and help you during the ceremony, okay?”

Jake looks up at me in a semi-awe. “Are you the Hulk? You could be if you were green.”

“No, kid,” I say with a laugh. “But thanks for the compliment. He’s one of my favorite Marvel Superheroes.”

“Mine too!” Jake is all smiles when Shane leaves me with my charge, barely aware that his dad has left to attend to some last-minute details. “I like Captain America too.”

“Yeah, he’s great. I know someone who resembles him too.” My mind immediately focuses on an image of Ronin, and my face becomes flushed. I hope he’s happy about taking a groomsman home after a wedding, because the thoughts I have of the two of us later tonight are definitely something I need to come to fruition.

Jake eyes me suspiciously. “Are you sure you’re not the Hulk? You would probably deny it…but I can keep a secret if you’ll just let me know the truth.”

I smile coyly and give him a wink, which causes Jake to take in a sharp breath. Then I put my finger in front of my lips to shush him.

Jake nods as a huge grin covers his face. I don’t know what’s gotten into me, but for some reason, having this kid thinking I’m some secret super hero is kinda fun.

Some of the guys start to gather around the door. “Okay, bud. You ready to help your dads get married?”

“Yeah. My dad really loves Simon. And I do too. He’s been a great daddy since my other daddy died.”

“I’m glad you like him. I like Simon too.”

“He’s great. I’m glad they are going to be married.” His face is beaming and through the eyes of a child, love is love. It’s refreshing to see how the new generation is completely comfortable with gay marriage, and it’s encouraging to say the least.

“Alright, well let’s get them married.” I extend my hand and Jake allows me to lead him to the chapel where the two of us walk with the other groomsmen to the front of the room. We all march in sync to the chapel and take our places at the front of the crowd gathered to watch these two men solidify their love for one another. Jake stands close to my side, almost hiding behind me, but I make sure he’s at least visible when the camera woman comes to snap a few shots.

He must not be a huge fan of crowds.

As the wedding progresses, I rove the crowd, finally landing my gaze on Ronin. His eyes lock with mine and he gives me a grin and a wink. Standing there as Simon and Shane profess their hopes and dreams to one another, I can’t help but think about what kind of life Ronin and I might have together. The fact is that I never thought I would find someone like him to spend any amount of time with, let alone an entire lifetime.

But the prospect is real.

And the thought of it isn’t scary or unappealing any more. It feels natural, as though he’s been the missing piece in my life the entire time. Jake squirms next to me, so I gently place a hand on his shoulder.

And what about kids? Would Ronin want to start a family? I’m not against having them, but when you’ve spent so much of your life working and not finding love, the thought of having children isn’t something that naturally comes to the forefront of my mind.

I look down and smile at Jake.

But it might be nice to have a few rugrats running around. If that’s something Ronin wants, then I’d definitely be up for it. I find Ronin in the crowd again. He’s watching the ceremony intently, and a simple peace seems to float across his features like a warm summer’s breeze. He seems content, and I hope I can lay claim to some of the reason he is.

I’m definitely more at peace and grounded having him in my life. I just need to make sure he knows it. With Christmas only a few weeks away, a great idea for a present weaves its way through my mind and I put a plan in motion. By the time the officiant is presenting Simon and Shane as married men, I’ve already picked out the gift and mentally wrapped it in my mind. I think it’ll be perfect...at least I hope Ronin thinks so.

While the rest of the guests mingle, I guide Jake with the rest of the groomsmen to where photos will be taken with the happy couple. Jake’s actually a really great kid, and if Ronin and I were to have one or two someday, I hope they are as good as Jake.

In the time Simon and Shane have gotten married, I’ve practically invented a whole life for Ronin and me, complete with the white picket fence and two-point-five kids. And of course we’ll need a dog. One who can handle that moose of a cat of his. I chuckle inwardly, basking in the fun of imagining how great life would be with Ronin.

I just hope he feels the same way.

Putting myself out there is something I’ve never been good at doing. Mainly because I’ve been hurt so many of those times… Well, all of them really. But something about Ronin is different. And I believe opening up to him about my hopes for the future will be respected and reciprocated.

Once we all arrive at the reception area, Simon comes over and gives me a huge hug. “Thanks for helping us take care of him today.”

“Jake was a great buddy.” Jake beams up at me, and I hold my finger up to my lips again, reminding him to keep our little secret. “Congratulations, man. I’m happy for the two of you.”

“Thanks. Okay, Jake. How about we find your daddy and get some cake.”

Jake practically drags Simon away as he looks at me apologetically and mixes into the crowd of guests who are enjoying the hors d’oeuvres and dancing around.

My heart flutters at the prospect of finding Ronin after the imagined life I’ve created this afternoon. But as soon as I find him staring at me through the crowd, all sense of panic leaves and a warm calm flows over my body.

And that’s how I know I’m definitely meant to be with Ronin.