Yesterday—the fight, Hank’s arrest, everything but the mind-blowing sex—was a hazy bad dream in comparison to the day Kyle was enjoying now.

He, Nic, and Kevin were all out together, and they were going to see Uncle River, whom Kevin both idolized and adored. No matter what had happened less than twenty-four hours ago, life felt peaceful and basically perfect.

It helped that he and Nic had talked that morning. It hadn’t been the big conversation he’d pictured—it had been the simplest, easiest chat in the world.

Yes, Kyle wanted to move in with Nic.

Yes, they were officially boyfriends. They had been, informally, for a while, but they both wanted to make sure the other was okay with the word.

And most of all…

Yes, he wanted Nic to coparent, now that he was certain Nic wanted that, too.

His cellphone rang just as they made it to River’s house, so Kyle waved his boyfriend and son ahead. “I’ll be inside in a minute. I gotta take this.”

It was Denver, after all, and Kyle couldn’t miss that call.

He leaned against his car as he answered, watching River open the door and sweep Kevin off his feet while Kevin giggled, then kiss Nic’s cheeks.

“Hey, Kyle. How are you?”

“Doing okay. You? Is there news?”

Denver chuckled. “Yeah, lots of news. Are you sitting down?”

Kyle squinted at the car hood, which would be too hot for sitting. Leaning would have to do. “Pretty much. Why?”

“First, the bad news. We’ve finalized the arrangements for our temporary office, so you’ll need to come back to work.”

“Oh, thank God.”

“Only you would be glad for that,” Denver teased. “Nerd. Or workaholic. Or both…”

Kyle snorted. “Nah, I just miss the pizza.”

Denver laughed. “I should also say, the board was so impressed with your presentation, and your quick thinking during the fire, and your overtime you’ve been trying to sneakily get away with since then… You’re effectively getting a promotion to a job title that reflects the work you actually do, and we’re working on a pay raise effective as soon as possible, and retroactively.”

Kyle’s jaw dropped, and he suddenly lost the ability to talk for a moment. The job title was good for his resume, but more money would make a big difference to his quality of life.

And if he moved in with Nic, like they’d loosely discussed that morning before leaving to pick up Kevin… well, that would help, too.

“Thanks,” was all he managed.

Denver’s voice was warm. “Of course. Finally, I have news on Hank. He rolled on the other guys who were responsible for the events of that night. They’re all going to be punished—the cops are assuring us of that. No way will they get a slap on the wrist.”

“Thank God,” Kyle breathed out. “So we’re all safe?”

“You’re safe… and you can move back home. That is, if you still want to,” Denver said, his voice light and teasing.

Kyle blushed as he wandered closer to the house and pulled open the door for a peek.

His best friend, his son, and his boyfriend were all laughing inside. Kevin was on the floor telling a story while Nic and River looked at eyeshadow palettes. Everyone was getting along like… well… like a house on fire.

Kyle snorted at his choice of metaphor, but his heart was warm.

“I don’t think I do, actually. More on that soon,” Kyle told Denver, keeping his voice down so he didn’t disturb them.

“I can’t wait to hear. I’m happy for you, Kyle. You deserve this.”

Kyle blinked back the tears. “Thanks. Talk to you soon, Denver.”

He hung up and slipped inside, closing the door quietly behind him. Nic was standing in the bathroom doorway now, no doubt watching River apply some kind of makeup.

Kyle came up behind him and slid his arm around his waist. As Nic leaned back into him and smiled, Kyle murmured, “I love you.”

Nic stiffened and drew a quick breath of surprise, turning toward him. His eyes told the whole story. Kyle knew him well enough for that by now.

You do? Are you sure? Are you ready? All the questions Nic wanted to ask, but no words would satisfy him.

In answer, Kyle just kissed Nic gently until their knees went weak, ignoring River’s teasing groan and his son’s laughter.

It was the truth, and that was all they needed together.

Forever.