Brent stretched and felt Jake beside him. He sighed and rolled over, snuggling close to his man. They’d spent the night making love and testing out the new bed they’d purchased.

“Morning.” Jake’s voice was rough.

“Mmm. Last night was good.”

Jake chuckled and stretched again. “My ass is going to be feeling you for a while.”

“Yeah, you will.”

“Are you ready to go see Mike and Lane?”

“Oh yeah. I can’t wait. It’s amazing; we’re all going to be living here together—well, not together.”

“I know what you mean. That apartment isn’t too far from us. Maybe they’ll find a house closer though,” Jake said.

“Yeah, it would be cool if we could jog over or ride our bikes to their house and spend the evening just hanging out.”

“True. We should have everyone over on Sunday for a pool day.”

“I’d like that.” Brent sat up and pulled Jake up too. “Come on, I want to get over there before they roll into town.”

Jake followed and pinched his ass as he entered the bathroom. He squealed then spun. Jake grabbed his arms and pressed him against the door.

“You’re the best, you know that?” Jake said.

Brent rolled his eyes and leaned in to kiss Jake. “I think you’re the best.”

“Ha, that’s an argument neither one of us is going to win.”

“Love you.” Brent flipped on the shower and stepped in. Jake followed him in and helped him wash. It wasn’t the fastest shower in the world, but he was satisfied and clean after he was done.

Brent tossed some cinnamon rolls into the oven to warm while they dressed. He was looking forward to seeing his friends. When he was living in Tampa, he’d been miserable. Who knew a few emails and a trip to Tennessee would change everything. He’d never believed he and Jake would be together, but they were. Maybe life had more surprises in store for them, or maybe things would stay as they were. Having Lane and Mike close would make everything better though.

They were out the door in fifteen minutes. A few minutes later, they pulled up to Thomas’ house. Satisfaction wove through him.

“I think they’re already here,” Jake said.

“Looks like it. God, I’ve missed them.” He opened the door to his truck and stepped out. The front door to Thomas and Clay’s house opened and Lane stood in the doorway. Then Mike was right behind him. His heart filled with joy and love. Mike may have suffered the most of all of them, but he was doing amazingly well after his time in the hospital. He knew Mike had been embarrassed about needing to be admitted, but he had nothing to be ashamed about. Maybe now that they were all together, life would smooth out for him.

“Hey,” Lane called out.

“God, I missed you both,” Brent said.

Mike didn’t move from his spot on the porch, and Brent guessed he was still a little embarrassed by what had happened. Brent went to him and pulled him into a tight hug.

“Hey, it’s good to see you,” Brent said.

“Thank you for coming up to help Lane.”

Brent kissed the side of his head. “I would do anything I could to help you.”

Mike sniffed and pulled him tighter. “Thank you.”

After more hugs and back slaps, they all headed into Thomas and Clay’s place. He’d been over here a bunch since moving to Florida, and he appreciated being so close every single time.

“It’s not the mansion where we all stayed, but it’s home,” Thomas said.

“I’m happy to be here,” Lane said.

“So you’re not going to miss New York?” Clay asked.

“No, not when I have Mike with me and then you all as a bonus.”

They all laughed while Thomas grabbed the coffee carafe and set it by the mugs. The cinnamon rolls smelled amazing, and Thomas and Clay had provided an egg casserole dish. He moved closer to Mike and wrapped his arm around his buddy’s shoulder.

“You guys are the best friends anyone could ever have. I love being here together,” Brent met their gazes and warmth spread.

Having Jake in his life was better than anything he’d ever experienced, but being this close to their friends was better than anything he’d ever been a part of before.

“Thank you for moving here,” Jake said to him.

Brent squeezed Jake’s shoulder. “Thank you. I’m glad we took a chance to move here.”

“It wasn’t at all what I thought it would be at first. I mean I was afraid, but everything seems to have worked out.”

Thomas lifted his mug. “I think it’s going to work out for all of us. I know it’s not alcohol, and maybe it’s just a sign of age—”

“I’d like to think maturity,” Clay said.

They all laughed before Thomas continued. “Whatever it is, I know you guys are here for me, just like I’m here for you. Lane, Mike, we’re all glad you’re here with us. We love you guys, and we can’t wait to spend days together, hanging out, fishing—”

“Hear hear!” Brent called out.

“—or just having fun.”

“Guys, I feel truly welcomed; maybe that’s not the right word. I feel accepted.” Mike glanced around the group, meeting each of their gazes. “I have some stuff I have to get through, and I know being with you all will make it easier. You’re the best men I’ve ever met.”

Brent lifted his mug along with the other guys. They really did have a good life. Heck, all of them could have died overseas, but they’d survived. They’d made it, and they had hope now. Mike would need extra help, and Lane was taking a chance at the hospital down here. Clay was still trying to figure out what he wanted out of life, and he and Jake were working through keeping their businesses alive and growing. It was different than they’d all thought life would be, but they were living that out together.

Jake leaned in and kissed his cheek, and he warmed. He had everything he’d ever wanted. Life had been good to them, and now it was only going to get better.