"We did a check on the guy," the officer said to William. "It looks like he'd been reported trying to get money from another one of his ex-boyfriends a month ago. And he matches the description of a suspect wanted in the robbery of a convenience store two weeks ago. With this, you're not going to have to worry about him bothering you ever again."

William stood by Dakota's hospital bed, holding his hand. His other hand was wrapped up in bandages after being stitched up. The knife had severed some tendons, but the damage wasn't permanent—he'd just have to go through some physical therapy to regain full use of the hand. William had been unable to stop himself from crying when he heard the prognosis, out of both relief and guilt. Dakota’s work relied on his hands, and if it suffered on account of him...

But Dakota reassured him that he would be fine. "I could lose my hand and it wouldn't stop me from working. I could lose both my hands, and I'd still figure out a way to cook ramen. And this doesn't change how I feel about you. This is not your fault, Dakota."

The officer left, and William sat back down in the chair next to Dakota's bed. He massaged Dakota's uninjured hand with his thumb and then lifted it to his lips.

"I feel sad for Eddie," Dakota said.

"Why would you feel bad for that scumbag?"

"Because, something drove him to go down this path. He's suffering from something. We could've ended up the same, had we not found our way. He's just a misguided, hurt person, who needs help."

"Or, he could've just been born a terrible person," William said.

"I don't think anyone is born terrible. At least not most people. That's what I want to believe, anyway. But for some people, the cards are stacked higher against them."

"Well, hopefully he gets the help he needs. But I’ll never feel sorry for him. I’ll never forgive him for what he’s done."

There was a knock, and the door opened and Parker, Kell, and Nate hurried in. Nate sprinted over and threw himself at William, hugging him tightly around the waist as tears streamed down his cheeks.

"Jesus, William," Parker said, hugging him. "I'm glad you're okay." He squeezed Dakota's arm. "Both of you."

"Ah, Dakota, this is my brother, Parker, and my brother-in-law, Kell."

"Nice to officially be introduced to you," said Dakota. "I remember you both from the restaurant."

William crouched down and hugged Nate. "Don't worry, bud. We're both okay. Nothing is going to happen."

Nate went to Dakota's bedside. "Thanks for protecting my dad, Dakota," he said. "You really are like Chewie."

Dakota laughed and ruffled Nate's hair. "I told you I would, didn't I?"

Nate jumped up and quickly gave him a hug. Dakota looked surprised at first, and then he smiled warmly.

"You're going to be seeing a lot more of Dakota," William said. "I hope that's okay."

"Yeah!" Nate said, happily.

He talked with Parker and Kell for a while, filling them in on what happened, and they invited him to come to their house for the night to stay. He agreed, but he wanted to spend a bit more time with Dakota before having to leave. He saw them off, and Nate gave Dakota another hug before running out to join his uncles.

"Sorry I can't stay the night," William said.

"It's okay. Nate needs you. I dunno why they're keeping me in here for the night. It's just my hand."

William stroked Dakota's hair and kissed him. "Guess they wanna make sure everything is okay."

"It'll be hard to top this date, huh?" Dakota said, and William snorted. "Hey, listen," he went on, his voice lowering. "I wanted to tell you something before the drugs knocked me out."

"Hm? What?"

Dakota beckoned for him to lean closer, and he did.

"I love you," Dakota whispered into his ear.

William's heart skipped a beat. He smiled, and he thought he might cry again. He was so happy to hear him say those words.

"I love you too, Dakota."

He closed his eyes. He knew that without a doubt in his heart, he and Dakota were meant to be together. He couldn't regret any of the decisions he'd made over the course of his life, because they'd brought him to this point. They'd given him his little boy, and now they'd given him Dakota, the love of his life.

He slipped into the hospital bed next to him and nuzzled up against his warm, strong chest. Not too long after, Dakota fell asleep. William kissed him. He had to go now, but he was going to see him again tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that, too.

“I’m so, so happy that I met you,” William said, softly. “And I can’t wait to see where we go together.”