After spending the week with the design team and having Sean run roughshod over him each day, Vann was anxious for another weekend with Drayton. But there he stood, Friday evening, in the kitchen alongside Matt, listening to the conversation with Julian, but not able to follow along. His mind was all over the place, going through everything that had happened in the last few weeks and everything that would follow. He had mentally prepared for the day when he would leave Halfway House next month.

But nothing could have prepared him for the letter that had arrived to the house earlier that day. His case was one of over two dozen that had been tried by Judge Renfor and deemed mishandled during the investigation after the judge’s arrest several months before. As a result, Vann had received a full pardon from the governor.

And his term at Halfway House was over.

Effective immediately.

He tasted the sauce and added a little more seasoning, absently stirring as he sprinkled in more ingredients.

“Shaw, you’re really quiet,” Matt said, bumping his shoulder. “This is great news. Everything’s going to be okay. Your term’s over here, but you can always stop by or call if you want.”

He nodded. He still couldn’t wrap his brain around the fact that he was working with Matt on preparing his last meal at Halfway House. He already had his duffle bag packed and was ready to leave with Drayton after dinner. Everything was in place, but it hadn’t sunk in yet.

He had struggled growing up and had fought to survive for ten years in prison, often hating the shit life fate had dealt him. Thinking back, he realized his strength and resilience were so firmly entrenched in his character because of everything he had battled in life. And the way he appreciated every smile, positive word, and gesture of kindness stemmed from knowing the dark side of people.

He was grateful. For so many things.

Something had shifted inside him during the weeks since his release. He was a different man and sensed the change in every fiber of his being—how his internal arguments seemed less negative, his outlook started to become more positive, and the ease with which he let his guard down around others.

An odd sense of peace settled in his heart.

He was incredibly grateful for Drayton and his endless love, support, and patience. And grateful for these men and their house. He wouldn’t have adjusted as quickly without them.

Vann had already spoken with Drayton’s financial people about setting up some grant or funding—or whatever the hell rich people called it—to ensure Matt and Julian had what they needed to always be able to help other guys like him. Whether it was building on the existing house, opening new locations, or just making sure this house remained a home. Now that he had the means, he needed to do something to help other people, like him, in any way he could, to restore the thread of hope during a dark time. And he couldn’t imagine anyone more helpful than the men bookending him at the moment.

One prepared the dinner rolls while the other casually tried to steal a chocolate chip cookie.

“I can see you, J,” Matt said as he set the rolls in a basket.

Vann lowered his head and smiled. These guys were like an old married couple.

“It’s just one. It won’t spoil dinner.”

Vann gave him a sideways glance, spotting Julian take another before resealing the bag. He chuckled. Julian’s food budget alone would cost a fortune.

“Hey, Drayton,” Julian said, swallowing a mouthful of sweets.

Vann looked over his shoulder, his heart swelling at the peacefulness in Drayton’s expression. Some of the perpetual tension had eased in his stance since Vann had joined the design team earlier in the week. He hadn’t yet accomplished a single thing within the department other than to watch and learn as much as he could while staying under the radar, but it seemed just knowing Vann was there, helping him, slowed the flood of stress that tensed Drayton’s body, wearing him down.

But this level of peacefulness in his expression was different. It was as if Drayton was slamming his fist on a virtual table and screaming the loudest “I told you so” from the highest mountaintop. Taylor and Mia had confirmed that Drayton had endlessly pushed the legal team behind the scenes in an effort to clear Vann’s name. Knowing Dray, today’s letter would fuel him to steamroll ahead even more in some quest for full vindication.

He loved this man more than any words could possibly summarize.

“I can guess why you’re early today,” Matt teased.

Drayton shoved his hands in his pockets, never breaking his stare with Vann. “I couldn’t wait.” A smile split his face, brightening his entire expression.

That flutter in Vann’s stomach made an appearance, as it usually did whenever Drayton was near. He wanted to always be worthy of that smile and of the love that vibrated between them. He was doing everything in his power to try to play his part and figure out the design process and department dynamics, hoping to help Dray in any way he could. He wanted to take that chance and prove, to others and himself, that he could do this. That he could create something beautiful, elegant, and with all the class and style Drayton exuded with ease.

He wanted to create something people wouldn’t sneer at. Something people pointed at in awe rather than to mock. He wanted to be a part of something bigger. At Drayton’s side. As his partner.

But more than anything, he wanted to be the man Drayton saw when he looked at him.

He ducked his head, stirring the sauce so it wouldn’t stick. He closed his eyes when Drayton pressed a kiss to his temple and wrapped an arm around his waist.

Vann took a deep breath, fighting an odd sting in his eyes.

Today marked another major change in his life. Starting tomorrow, he could stand in Drayton’s kitchen and cook a meal for him while Drayton hovered, stealing cookies he had baked or helping him stir a sauce or set the table. They’d live together and work together. Share moments, successes, and finally have their chance at a life he had dreamed of. He hadn’t dared hope that dream could ever be real. But somehow, there he was. Both the dream and hope, alive and screaming in his soul, demanding he take the chance and run fast and hard and never look back.

Someone high up on the totem pole had looked into his case and thought he deserved a fair shake. Someone had thought his case had been “mishandled” in the system, and his punishment should end. Effective immediately.

Is this really happening?

It felt real, and he wanted to believe.

But life had kicked him in the balls far too many times, and his old self kept shielding him from heartbreak, keeping him at a guarded distance from reaching that dream. He absently shook his head, fighting the rising doubt and worry. Life was often cruel. He knew that firsthand more than most. He just needed to free himself from his old life and welcome this second chance.

Freedom. The concept was almost foreign after a lifetime of being shackled with despair.

He needed to believe and accept so his spirit could finally soar.

∞ ♥ ∞

Drayton tightened his grip on the steering wheel, stealing another glance at a very silent Vann sitting in the passenger seat. He had barely spoken over dinner and hadn’t uttered a sound since he said his goodbyes to the guys at Halfway House thirty minutes before. After the shock of receiving the letter, Drayton assumed Vann had a lot on his mind. His demeanor was calm, pensive, probably digesting a wealth of emotions and thoughts as he combed through and sorted things in his head as he often did.

Drayton looked ahead, thankful the evening traffic was light for a Friday night. Vann needed time to process things, and Drayton was more than willing to grant Vann however much time he needed to finally realize the image he had of himself needed a big revision. Vann had a solid chance at becoming the man he wanted to be. The stage was set and the tools were in place. Now, he just needed to take a leap of faith. When would that happen? That was a question only Vann could answer.

He turned off the highway, nearing their destination. He reached out and held Vann’s hand, threading their fingers together. “Are you okay?” he asked.

Vann tightened his hold on their clasped hands and nodded.

Drayton pulled into his parking spot. They silently exited the car, gathered the duffle bag from the trunk, and made their way to the elevator.

“Why don’t you get that?” Drayton said with a chin-up gesture toward the security panel. He wanted Vann to feel this was his home.

Vann glanced over his shoulder, an odd emotion flickered in his eyes before he turned away. He punched in his code then rubbed his hand against his jean-clad thigh. He hesitated for a moment, then placed his hand on the panel for the first time since Drayton had programmed his information. The light changed to green and the elevator doors slid open.

Drayton walked up to him and pressed a kiss to the side of Vann’s head, nudging him to enter the private elevator.

The ride up remained quiet. They both stared as each floor number lit and dimmed. Drayton didn’t know the thoughts battling for attention in Vann’s head, but two things stood out in his own mind. Finally, he’d have Vann all to himself. But more importantly, they had a place together they could call home and live the life they were destined to have.

The doors slid open and Vann stepped out of the elevator and into the foyer of the penthouse. He dropped the bag at his side and took a deep breath, focusing on the open blinds and the panoramic view of the three-quarter moon over the ocean.

Drayton stepped forward and stood alongside him, welcoming the swell of emotions that accompanied the significance of the view and the awakening flood of memories. They stood in the darkness of the penthouse with only the moonlight reflecting off the edges of the furniture, framing the layout of their home.

Home.

For the first time, this place felt like a real home.

Vann turned to face him, the moonlight catching the shimmer in his eyes. “I’m free,” he whispered with a crack in his voice.

A surge of joy tightened Drayton’s chest. “You’re free.” He reached out and ran his thumb along Vann’s freshly shaved cheek. “And you’re home.”

Vann threw his arms around Drayton’s shoulders and pulled him into an embrace so strong Drayton had to hold his breath. Vann squeezed his arms tight and sighed, finally loosening his grip but refusing to release him.

They held each other for a while, neither one wanting to break free from the hold. Vann rested his head on Drayton’s shoulder as Drayton ran his fingertips up and down Vann’s back, both still standing in the dark foyer, staring toward the panoramic view. It had taken them so long to finally reach this moment neither one of them seemed to want to be the first to break away.

They stood there for some time, staring at the moon and enjoying the ever-present peacefulness that enveloped them when they were alone together.

Vann was finally home.

They were finally home. Together.

Just as they were meant to be.