Page 82 of The Star in Room 7

“Nope. It’ll be fun having my family and yours together.”

“At least Cassie can be around you without blushing and stuttering now.”

Zach laughs. “I must be old news. Surely she’s got another celebrity to fawn over?”

“Nope. You’re still occupying most of her wall space.”

He strokes my beard. “She knows I’m yours, right?”

“Yes. I’ve made sure of that.”

Zach smiles at me for a long time before saying, “Are you sure your parents are fine to cook?”

I laugh. “They’re ecstatic about it. Any excuse to put on a huge meal.”

Zach caresses my chest. “We don’t have to go just yet, do we?”

I smile and kiss him tenderly. “We’ve got at least an hour.”

“Good.” He tickles my nape. “Make love to me, Daddy?”

I nuzzle his jaw. “First, I need to give you your Christmas present.”

“Are you sure that needs to come first?”

I laugh softly. “Yes, sweet boy.” I roll over, open my bedside drawer, and pull out a small, gift-wrapped box. I turn so I’m beside Zach again, looping my leg lazily over his as I place the box on his chest. “Open it.” I kiss the tip of his nose.

He stares at me curiously before carefully unwrapping the gift. I’d have torn the ribbon and wrapping paper off, but he removes it all meticulously, setting it beside him on the bed.

“This looks like a—” He widens his eyes.

“Open the box, baby.”

He holds his breath and clicks the box open. He widens his eyes further, his mouth forming a surprised O. “It’s a ring,” he squeaks.

I pluck the box from his fingers and remove the ring. It’s made from brushed platinum, with a square top set with two high-quality rubies, offset to one side. “It’s an engagement ring.” I hold his hand. “Zach, would you do me the honor of becoming my husband?”

Tears make his eyes shine. He smiles. Sobs. Nods. “Yes.”

“Are you happy?” I ask, worried.

He puts his arm around my neck, hugging my head to his chest. “So happy,” he whispers. He lets me go, allowing me to slide the ring onto his finger, before kissing him. “I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you, too.”

“You need a ring, too!”

“We can go look for one together, if you like?”

He hums. “Or I can get one made for you, if you can wait?”

I smile. “I can wait, sweet boy.”

He moves the box and wrapping and wraps his arms around me. “Now will you make love to me?”

“Gladly. Shall I get the restraints?”

“No. I want you, Daddy. Just you, with nothing between us. I want to be able to hold you and stare into your eyes.”