Stefan had been running for over an hour now; he hadn’t been able to train much working at Santorno. Although he and Nico hit the gym every morning, they didn’t run as much as they should. Stefan knew his uncles were going to brutalize them. He also needed to think. He hadn’t run into Phoebe yet. On one hand, that was good. On the other, he had missed talking to her. Even when they did talk the conversations were short, to say the least. He came around the bend and saw Phoebe sitting outside on the dock. He knew he shouldn’t but he found himself running that way anyway.

“Hey.”

Phoebe forced her mouth to stay shut. Stefan was shirtless and sweaty. His biceps were very prominent and Phoebe’s thighs warmed.

“Hi, what are you doing up so early?”

“Uncles are training us today. I knew I needed to get my ass in shape.”

“More than it is now?” Phoebe cocked an eyebrow.

“Are you saying I look good?” Stefan sat down.

“Who wouldn’t? You got huge.”

“Like fat?”

“No.” Phoebe laughed and hit his arm.

Stefan closed his eyes and went for it. “How about tonight we go out to the movies or something?”

“I can’t. I have plans —” Phoebe started.

“Oh, okay well I better get back to my running.” Stefan stood up and took off.

Phoebe sighed and sat back. “If you would have let me finish, I have plans with my dads.”

Nico woke up with Tanner burrowed into him. He tried to move and Tanner pulled him in tighter. He closed his eyes. God, he wanted him. He wanted to take Tanner in his arms and kiss him. He wanted to know what it was like to smooth his hands up his chest and feel Tanner’s hands on him. This was torture, pure and simple.

Tanner let out a small moan and then Nico felt his lips on his neck. He closed his eyes as Tanner kissed along his jawline, and then his lips were right on his and Nico couldn’t stop himself. He kissed back.

Tanner’s hands were traveling up his chest to snake around his neck and Nico held him close. His hands found Tanner’s ass and pulled him into his hips. God, the way Tanner felt against him was better than he had dreamt. The alarm went off and Nico turned over and smacked it hard. “Fuck.”

“Nico?” Tanner sat straight up and looked around.

“I’m right here.”

“God, I was having the best dream.”

“Oh, yeah?” Nico fell back and shut his eyes; his was not a dream. He had kissed Tanner and it had awakened so many feelings in him.

“Rise and shine, bitches!” Heath bounced into the room, smiling.

“Oh, Christ.” Nico put the pillow over his face.

 

Tanner watched as all the guys entered in full gear. He smiled at Damon waggling his eyebrows. “So, did ya get some exercise?”

“Get out!” Tanner threw a pillow at them.

“Not a morning person, eh?” Caleb smiled.

“Oh God, can you guys just give us a second?” Nico pleaded with all his uncles.

“Five minutes,” Lorenzo told them.

Most of them were still half-asleep when the run started. Lorenzo kept the pace in front with Vince; James and Theo stayed in the back with the stragglers.

“In two days we will be in Alaska and you cannot afford to get left behind, now move it!’ Dimitri was running next to Evan.

“I hate you right now,” Evan told his father.

“Good. Anger is good.” Dimitri smiled.

Ryan and Jensen were right behind Lorenzo, and Hunter was moving up with Nikolai. Landon, and Joshua were keeping pace with Andrei.

“I should have stayed in New York,” Landon whined.

“Move it.” Jay smacked his son’s ass.

By the time they were done most of the guys collapsed or were puking. They all splashed in the pond and Colin floated in the water. Arms reached up underneath him and he smiled.

“Nik.”

“How did you know it was me?” Nikolai’s head broke the water’s surface.

“I just knew.” Colin knew the feel of those hands on him; he had fantasized about Nik touching him a million times.

Theo had James in his arms, kissing him. James wrapped his legs around him as the kiss intensified.

“Do you mind?”

James broke the kiss and looked at the kids. “What?”

“We want to hear how you guys got together.” Conner sat on the dock.

“Again?” Theo laughed.

“Well you were eighteen the first time Uncle Theo kissed you, right?” Tanner pulled himself up on the dock by Conner.

“Yes. He was my guard.”

“And then you were with Uncle Tomas,” Damon added.

“Yes, but we realized we wanted different things, at different times. Then I saw your Uncle Theo again in Malta and all the old feelings came back.”

“But you fought it,” Nico said.

“I did.” James sighed.

“And you never gave up.” Nico turned to Theo.

“I never will.” Theo pulled James into him.

“Awwww.” Jensen smiled.

“One more night of freedom boys, then we’re off. Spend it wisely,” Lorenzo told them.

“Well?” Colin asked.

“Sal’s?” Damon suggested.

“Sal’s it is.” Hunter agreed.

They gathered at the diner laughing and talking about the day. Joshua sat with Landon, watching Katiana and Joe together. Fort Worth was a big city — why did he always run into her on a date? Joshua hugged him and Jensen put his arm around both of them. Tanner had a perfect view of the door and that’s when he saw Katarina come in with Brody.

“Oh, hell no,” Tanner whispered.

“What the fuck?” Joshua stood up and Landon grabbed his hand.

“Not in here.”

Brody came over and met the eyes of everyone at the table; they were ready to kill him. “I just want to say I’m sorry for all the shit that’s happened.” Brody put his hand out to Tanner.

“Back away from him now.” Damon stood up.

“I won’t hurt him.” Brody backed up.

Tanner chuckled. “That’s not going to happen. If anything it will be you on the floor crying.”

“I’m not here to start trouble. I’m dating Kat, and I just want things to be okay with all of us.”

Nico leaned over. “It will never be okay.”

“It won’t last, asshole. I’ll make sure,” Ryan stated.

“Ryan!” Katarina turned toward her brother.

“I don’t like him, Kat. I’m not alone in my feelings.”

“Okay, so yeah,” Katarina paused. “We should go now.”

Joshua got up and took her aside. “How could you? Knowing what he did to Tanner? Furthermore, since when do you take Jaime’s leftovers?”

Her eyes blazed. “They never slept together. Besides, he didn’t do anything to Tanner. It was the rest of the team.”

“On his orders! He’s the fucking quarterback!” Joshua shook his head at her. “Where the fuck is your loyalty?”

“That’s not fair! He’s trying to make things right. Don’t you trust my judgment?”

“Not right now, Kat. I’m sorry.” Joshua turned away from her.

Tears welled up in her eyes. “Let’s go.”

As soon as they left, Landon hugged Joshua. “God, I’m so sorry.”

“I can’t wait to leave now.” Joshua sat down and put his face in his hands.

“Me, either.” Landon eyed Kat and Joe.

The jet was full and Lorenzo looked over at Dominic and Mason, who were asleep. He had no choice. The two of them were always busy and off on missions, so he took matters into his own hands. The trip to Alaska to train the boys had been the perfect opportunity to finally get them married. He knew it was what they both wanted and now he was going to make it happen.

“Did you have to drug them?” Nico asked.

“They would know we were not headed to Alaska. I want them to be surprised.”

“I hope they aren’t pissed.”

“They will not be; they are in love,” Lorenzo assured him.

Dominic woke up and looked over at Mason, who was just waking up. Then he realized the plane wasn’t making noise. He looked out the window. “Okay, Alaska sure has changed.” Dominic nudged Mason. “Hey.”

Mason opened an eye. “Why do I feel groggy?” He bolted upright. “Dammit! Lorenzo!”

“He’s not here.” Sergio stood near them in a tuxedo. “But I can take you where you need to go. Put these on.” Sergio handed them tuxedoes.

“Okay, what is going on?” Dominic asked.

Sergio smiled. “It’s a secret.”

They were in a limo a half hour later and Mason studied the scenery. He knew where they were; he had grown up here. Dominic was putting two and two together and he took Mason’s hand. They pulled up in a very long driveway and Mason saw the house he grew up in.

“Welcome home; Mason,” Sergio announced.

Dominic watched Mason’s parents run from the house followed by the whole group. She ran to her son. “I am so glad you are getting married!”

“Allo, Mama.” Mason kissed her cheeks.

Dominic kissed both cheeks. “You look beautiful, Claire.”

“Merci, you look very handsome.”

Dominic shook Mason’s father’s hand. “Rene.”

“It’s about time you make him your husband,” Rene scolded.

“It has been way too long.” Dominic took Mason’s hand. “Ready?”

“Been ready.”

 

The ceremony was on the beach on the coast of Marseilles. The sun was out and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Dominic’s parents had arrived and they were waiting for Mason to come out. Lorenzo stood with Antonio and Marco behind him and they smiled as Mason came out with his parents.

Dominic’s heart raced; the man who had been his partner for years on missions was now going to be his partner for life. Mason took Dominic’s hands in his own and faced each other as the ceremony was conducted in French. Dominic looked into Mason’s eyes as the priest said a blessing; he ran his thumb across Mason’s hand and started.

“The first time we kissed it was explosive. You hit me in the nose.” Dominic chuckled and Mason laughed. “But I knew then, Mason, that I wanted you. After all the years, it still rings true. I love you, with all my heart and with all that I am, forever.”

Mason blushed. “I love you, Dominic. I always have, everything about you — your laugh, your smile, and the way you love me. I’m going to spend the rest of my life making sure you know how much I love you…mon couer…ma vie.”

Dominic’s tears were close and he swallowed hard. “My heart…my life.”

The priest put their hands together and put his hand over them; he spoke in French then looked at the whole group. “Dominic and Mason have pledged their lives to each other. May they always have love in abundance and may God smile upon them. I give you Dominic and Mason Catalano.”

The shouts and whistles were deafening. Dominic kissed Mason, who wrapped his arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. The group descended upon them, hugging and kissing them until they could barely breathe. Lorenzo picked Mason up.

“Congratulations!”

“Are you going to kiss me, Lorenzo?” Mason smirked.

“Haven’t I already?”

“I don’t remember.” Mason chuckled.

“We can go get the DVD,” Landon offered.

“Is that where that went?” Dylan looked at Ryan.

“What?” Ryan tried for innocent and failed.

“It’s time to drink!” Paul shouted.

“To the house!”

Joshua and Landon looked at a table full of wine and champagne; they smiled at each other and grabbed the first bottle, handing glasses to the rest of the group. Jason laughed and gave them another one. Josh took his hand, and they kissed as the kids smiled at them.

“Awwww.” Joshua watched his parents.

Brandon tapped his glass and smiled at everyone gathered around. “I’d like to make a toast to the happy couple. If it wasn’t for me, Dominic wouldn’t have gotten paranoid and kissed Mason.”

“What?” Dominic turned to Mason.

“Oh yeah, it was Brandon’s idea for me to act as if I didn’t care about you.”

“Well, it worked — but I figured you were jealous, anyway.”

“Yes, well.” Lorenzo smiled. “I knew what would happen when you asked to be paired with him, Dominic.”

“Already knew that,” Mason agreed.

Antonio frowned at Emilio and asked, “You have gotten over your distaste of gays?”

Emilio blushed. “I am sorry, Antonio. I was in shock. I would never be disrespectful.”

Arianna smiled. “He has been very good with our son. I am proud.”

“Because he knows Antonio and Marco would beat his ass.” Dominic chuckled.

“It is Sergio of whom I am most afraid,” Emilio corrected.

“I’m not gay, but I love my parents and yes, you should be afraid.” Sergio winked.

“Get out there and dance.” Lorenzo pushed them out on the dance floor.

 

Dominic pulled Mason close, threading their fingers together. He smiled and kissed him as the music started.

“Remember that night we were out on patrol?”

“Which time?”

“When you told me you broke up with the boyfriend.”

Mason smiled and looked into his eyes. “The night you said you’d pay to see me running naked and free.”

“Yeah, that one. I wanted you then, I just didn’t know how to tell you.”

“It’s because you’re stubborn.” Mason kissed him.

The other couples joined them and Nico put his hand out to Tanner. He took him in his arms and held him close. Hunter shuffled his feet; he wasn’t the best dancer. Jensen’s hand reached out to him and he blushed.

“I can’t really dance.”

“I’ll teach you.” Jensen pulled him out on the floor and put his arm around his waist, taking Hunter’s hand in his.

Ryan had Evan in his arms and he closed his eyes, feeling Evan’s heartbeat against his chest. The feelings he had for Evan were overwhelming. Evan’s fingers tightened in his and he pulled him closer. Dylan smiled at his son. He nudged Alex and they both watched their son dance with Evan, his eyes closed.

“They are so cute,” Dylan whispered, aiming his phone to take a picture.

Joshua laughed when Damon put his hand out to him. “Don’t step on my toes.”

“I’m not Landon.” Damon laughed.

“Hey!” Landon smacked him.

Damon pulled Joshua close and smiled. They were the same height and he took his hand and put it on his chest. Joshua smiled when Sergio grabbed Landon and dragged him out on the dance floor. Landon looked up and smiled at Sergio. Jesus, but he was tall.

“We need the whole floor filled, come on people!” Dominic yelled.

Conner laughed and danced with Dominic’s father. He was taller and Emilio looked up at him. “What are they feeding you in America?”

“Cow?” Conner suggested.

Justin held Brandon close and they watched their son with Hunter. Brandon knew by the way they danced that his son had feelings for Hunter. Chris and Dimitri danced up beside them and Chris smiled at Evan. His eyes were closed, and Ryan was resting his chin on Evan’s head, their fingers linked, and Ryan’s hand on the small of Evan’s back.

“Look,” Chris whispered to Dimitri.

“They have feelings for one another.” Dimitri smiled.

“No, really?” Chris chuckled; he smiled when Dimitri gripped his ass and tugged him closer.

At the end of the night, Dominic and Mason were pelted with birdseed and flower petals as they ran to the limo. The whole group was still throwing flower petals at them and Dominic kissed his mother on the cheek.

“You two have fun now.” Claire took his hand. “I am very proud to call you my son.”

Dominic held her. “Merci, Mama.”

Mason smiled as the limo pulled away from the house. They were driven to a very expensive hotel and Mason took in the size. “Nice.”

Dominic got them up to the penthouse suite and closed the door. His husband looked so good. “So, Mr. Catalano.” Dominic took his jacket off.

“I like the way that sounds.” Mason watched him approach; he undid Dominic’s bow tie and continued with the buttons of his shirt.

“I spy —”

“A naked husband?” Mason suggested as Dominic unzipped his pants and let them fall to the floor.

The next thing he knew, they were both naked on the bed, and Dominic was kissing his stomach. Mason tugged his hair and let out a soft moan as Dominic continued to tease him before he was suddenly inside him. Mason let out a loud moan as Dominic filled him completely.

“Oh, God!”

Dominic kissed his neck and ran his tongue along his jawline taking his mouth again. Damn, Mason knew how to kiss! It put him in a daze every time.

“I love you,” Dominic whispered.

Mason sunk his fingers into Dominic’s biceps as they moved together; the gentle thrusting and soft caresses made his head spin. His toes curled and his whole body started to tingle. Mason arched his back as he gave in to his orgasm, letting out a loud moan. Dominic’s mouth was on his as his husband let go.

Dominic grabbed the mattress and held on as his orgasm hit full force and he kissed Mason harder. They kissed slowly as their breathing returned to normal. Mason was beyond handsome — always had been, and even after all the years spent together he loved him even more.

“I love you. Do you know that?” Dominic cupped his face.

“I knew it that day in the garage, when you brought me back to life.”

“I was so scared I had lost you.”

“I’m never letting you go.”

“All my life, babe.”