Dinner was almost ready, and Melanie called to say she would be there any minute. He’d told her to invite Liv to stay to eat, but he had a feeling the man would say no. Liv was a nice guy if people looked past the scars, bastard attitude, and his tendency to punch first and ask questions later. Really that wasn’t any different than any of the guys from the Crews. Although, as scary as they were, any of the guys he’d met since he became friends with them were the type to go out of their way to help their extended families.

A thrill worked down his spine at the strum of fingers over guitar strings. The sound was irresistible, and he rushed to the front porch. King was seated in one of the porch rockers, and his guitar hugged lovingly in his arms. He listened closely trying to pick out the tune, but Mal’s attempt to copy King amused him. Mal had played the guitar since before he could walk. He’d so wanted to be like his daddy.

King went out the first time Mal showed interest and got Mal a guitar just like King’s. Not some play one like he’d expected, but a real guitar—bigger than Mal. King’s excitement that his son wanted to play was infectious. It was something Mal and King could share, and Mal’s interested hadn’t waned once.

He stepped off the porch, descended a few steps then sat down with his back to the porch support. Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton, that’s what it was.

“Sing, I miss your voice,” he implored.

“I sing and play for you every day.”

“But you haven’t done it today, please.” King’s deep baritone did it for him every time. He loved being center stage watching King do something he loved, but being able to sit on the front porch for a private show…that’s what he lived for.

He held his breath as King adjusted his guitar and restarted the notes, then there it was. That voice that’s made his heart kick into high gear so many times. He leaned his head back but didn’t take his gaze from King and his man never stopped staring at him as he sang each word. He was about to melt into a very unmanly puddle, but, damn, that man, the whole package just did it for him.

Suddenly he had a lap full of little boy, and Mal leaned back against his chest as they listened to King play and sing. He glanced down to see Mal’s eyes closed. He hugged Mal to his chest and went back to focusing on King.

Too soon the song ended, and when clapping erupted behind him, he turned to find Melanie and Liv.

“I don’t see why the hell you still drive, man.”

Liv sounded disgusted, but that wasn’t unusual. The man sat across from him and leaned back. He was surprised Liv hadn’t made a run for it yet.

“Because being gone a week at a time is better than being away from my family for months. They’re more important, and besides, playing is fun, I ain’t turning that shit into a job.”

“And your man does enjoy how you give him private shows.” Melanie smiled and kissed his cheek as she ascended the steps to hug King.

King set his guitar aside so that Melanie could curl up on his lap. He waited for a moment of jealousy but only laughed as his sister sighed.

“You’ll have to play and sing some Staind for me before I go home. You haven’t done it in forever.”

“I promise, you’ll get some Aaron Lewis. I know you just like to listen and imagine you’re getting serenaded.”

“You fucking know it. He’s like the perfect man, but also if a cute little blonde comes along, I’d be happy too.”

“What about the chick you went out with?” King casually asked.

Melanie hadn’t dated much since the divorce, but there always seemed to be something off about the ones she did. Some weren’t ready for the instant family. Others weren’t too enthused about being best friends with the ex-husband. He worried about Melanie being lonely. She worked and went to school, then came home every weekend she could. His sister deserved to find someone of her own.

“No-go, chemistry was there when we met, but during dinner, I could see her as a friend to hang out with. Let me get through school, and I’ll see about finding my person.”

“You got plenty of time, and you’ll be home soon.”

“Yeah, plenty of time.”

The longing in Melanie’s voice broke his heart, but she hid it quickly with a smile and came over and plucked Mal from his lap.

“Linc, come here.” King held out his hand.

The sad expression on Melanie’s face changed to a bright happiness so quickly the shift made him dizzy.

“Go,” Melanie ordered and grabbed his hand forcing him to stand.

“You’re being weird,” he whispered as he approached King and took the man’s calloused hand. The roughness caused a shiver to move up and down his spine.

“Now, I was hoping I could do this a little different, but me getting down on one knee isn’t possible, so this’ll have to work.”

A box opened and he forgot to breathe. Two matching bands were nestled inside, simple silver wedding rings.

“Don’t say this is quick, we’ve known each other for almost a decade. I’ve waited so long to be able to announce to everyone you’re mine, but when I do that, I want my ring on this finger.” King punctuated the statement by brushing a kiss to his ring finger.

“King—”

“No, please, let me finish. You’ve been everything to me even when the guilt ate at me, but the day I met you this was the only way it could end. You here, in our home, with our son, and I don’t want to wait. There’s not a lot I’m sure of in life, but you being mine is as solid as it gets. So, what do you say, baby, want to make it official? Please, marry me.”

He pinched his thigh with his free hand, and it hurt so he couldn’t be dreaming. King looked like he was about to lose his mind. He dropped to his knees next to the chair and grabbed King’s scruffy cheeks, then pulled the man’s face to his. He kissed him, tasted salty tears and didn’t know if they were King’s, his, or a combination of both.

Their movements were unhurried, sweet and tender. He whispered against King’s mouth, “Yes.”

“About fucking time.”

He glanced at Liv and found the man scrubbing his hands over his face. Relief etched into his scarred features like it was Liv waiting for the answer. His attention was drawn away from Liv as cool metal slid onto his finger for the first time and he knew the last. King was it. There wasn’t another man for him. He didn’t care if it was quick or if they’d dated for years, the only thing that mattered was it was right.

“I love you.”

“I love you too. So, the question is how fast can you pack for Vegas?”

“Vegas? What if I want the long engagement and ceremony, all that stuff?”

King groaned and tipped his head all the way back. He held in his laughter at the pained expression.

“If that’s what you want, then that’s what you get.”

“Fuck that, let’s go to Vegas.”

King’s mouth slammed onto his, and it wasn’t like the kiss of moments ago. The kiss was a claiming and he was completely okay with that.