---

Douglas Carver looked up from his desk as Dillon came barreling into the oak-paneled office first thing the next morning. His father looked almost frightened by the sheer rage coursing through Dillon's veins, but Dillon could have cared less. It was time he and his dad had a little chat.

It didn't take Doug long to recover from his initial surprise. "Good morning, Dillon. Won't you take a seat?"

Dillon stopped just inches from where his father sat. "I don't think you want me to take a seat, Douglas. If I did, I'd probably shove it up your self-righteous ass."

Doug crossed his hands in front of himself and looked Dillon directly in the eye. "I take it this is about your unfortunate evection."

Dillon could barely see his father through the red haze of anger clouding his vision. "You're damn right it is."

Douglas nodded, amazing Dillon with the cool, calculated grace contained in that one action. "While I understand your upset, son, I think perhaps once I've made my offer, you'll calm down a bit and realize that I did what I had to do. You really left me no choice."

God, the guy was unbelievable. "I can promise you right now, Douglas, I'm not interested in anything you have to say."

Doug raised his brows. "First of all, you will address me as 'Dad' or 'Father.' You will show me the respect I deserve."

Oh yeah, like that was gonna happen. "I don't have a dad or a father. I have a sperm donor who thinks that one little contribution gives him the right to run my life."

A muscle in Doug's jaw started to twitch, but Dillon had to hand it to him. Doug reigned in his temper.

"Call me whatever you like, son, but the fact remains that I am your father, and I have something I'd like to say. Will you sit down now and listen to me?"

Dillon shook his head. "I'll stand."

Doug was noticeably irritated, but he didn't put any of that frustration into his next statement. "Whatever you say. Anyway, here's the deal." Doug sat up straight in his chair, looking into Dillon's eyes again. "Your mother and I have decided to forgive you and allow you to come back home and live with us."

Dillon was sure his father had to be joking. "You've decided to forgive me?"

Doug nodded. "Yes, as a matter of fact, we have. Your mother misses you, and I want to make her happy. The two of us put our heads together and came up with a solution to this little problem of ours." Doug reached into his desk drawer, and, to Dillon's sheer amazement, pulled out a set of index cards. The fucker had actually made notes. Bastard. He knew Dillon would come charging in here the minute he found out about the evection. His father had played him, and, like an idiot, Dillon had fallen right into the game.

Doug arranged the cards in order on his desk and said, "Now, before your mother and I agree to take you back in, you should be aware that we've altered a few of our rules to reflect the recent changes in your personality and behavior." Doug cleared his throat as if he were getting ready to present a pre-trial motion to the court. "Number one, you will have no contact whatsoever with James Walker. Any such contact will result in your immediate removal from our property."

God help him, but Dillon was actually finding this funny. He leaned his hip against the corner of his dad's desk and played along. "That's number one, huh?"

Doug took Dillon's question for interest in his new plan and warmed to his task. "Yes, well, it might not be easy to stay away from Walker at first, given the fact that, at present, you're a pervert, but I believe in time you'll come to see the error of your ways. Which brings me to number two. I've scheduled an appointment for you with a man by the name of Dr. Henderson over in Chicago. He's one of the world's leading de-gayer's. Now, I've spoken to him, and he believes that with the proper therapy and medication, he can bring you around to the right way of thinking."

"Oh, I'll just bet he does." The guy sounded like a nutcase. "Any other rules you need to discuss with me, Doug?"

Douglas winced at the informal address but kept scanning the list, anyway. "Let's see. Other than your new, seven-thirty curfew, there's just one other thing." Douglas looked long and hard at his son before continuing with, "You have to agree to file charges against Brandon Nash and his so-called husband for molesting you."

Dillon fought the urge to vomit. "Brandon and Nate never touched me, and you know it."

Douglas shrugged. "Doesn't matter whether they did it or not. I think with the proper coaching, you could convince a jury they did."

"I get it. You want me to lie."

Doug shook his head. "Don't think of it as lying, son. I'm sure the two of them have molested countless young boys in their lifetimes. You'll be doing the rest of the world a favor by getting them off the streets. Anyway, those are my rules." Doug looked down at his watch. "You've already missed an hour's worth of school, but if we leave now, we can go down to the city police department, file charges against the sheriff and company, and have you back to school in time for your third period class."

Dillon had heard enough. "So, those are the rules, huh?" When Doug nodded, Dillon said, "Okay, then. Let me tell you my rules." He came forward and leaned over the desk, more or less towering over his dad. "Let's start with rule one, since it's the only rule I have. Stay the fuck away from me."

"Now look here--"

Dillon whipped up his hand and stuck one long finger in his father's face. "No, you look. Take a good look at me, Doug. Look at this big fag you brought into the world and listen close to what I have to say. If you come near me or my family again, I can promise you, you won't like the consequences."

Doug blanched, but he kept his voice even. "Family, you say? Need I remind you, boy, I am your family."

"The hell you are. My family is Jamie. He and I are going to start a life together, just as real as the life you've carved out for yourself with Angela." Dillon paused, thinking about his own words. "No, scratch that. What Jamie and I have is more real, because we're honest. Honest with ourselves--and the world--about who we are. I love Jamie more than I ever thought I had it in me to love, and I swear before God, if you do one thing to hurt him, to cause him pain in any way, I'll knock you into next week and then kick your ass again on Thursday."

Doug's self-control had reached it's limit. "You can't threaten me."

Dillon moved back from the desk. "I believe I just did." Dillon started for the door, but turned back around when he heard his father's voice.

Doug was standing behind his desk, a look of panic on his face. "Wait. What am I going to tell your mother? She was counting on me to get you back home and into therapy."

How pathetic. "Tell her the truth. Tell her she married a spineless asshole." And before Doug could say another word, Dillon left the office--and his childhood--behind.

* * *

Dillon closed the phone book with an audible snap. Eleven more days and he'd officially be homeless. Not that any of the landlords and apartment managers in the greater Reed area cared. All they saw was an eighteen year old kid with no credit rating to speak of. Of course, Heath insisted the two of them were gonna find a new place together, but Dillon wasn't having it. His brother had already done more for him than Dillon could ever repay. Dillon wasn't about to let Heath lose his home on top of all that. No, Dillon would just have to find a place of his own.

He leaned back into the couch cushions and checked the clock. Nine-thirty. He'd worked another short shift and had planned on spending the evening with Jamie. Dillon had to admit, he was disappointed and a little bit hurt when Jamie told him he had a few things he needed to get done and therefore couldn't see Dillon that night. Dillon hated to voice what he was feeling, but the truth was, he was scared. For the first time since leaving his parents house--and especially since that confrontation with his father--Dillon realized just how alone he was.

Oh, Jamie, Megan, and the rest had rallied around him when they heard that he and Heath were being tossed out, but there really wasn't anything anybody could do about it. No, it was up to Dillon to solve his own problems, to sort out his own mess. The question was, how?

One good thing to come out of Dillon's predicament was that his impending eviction temporarily put a halt to Jamie's "investigation" into Ben's death and the money. Jamie was too worried about Dillon and his situation to do more than raise his eyebrows when Dillon told him about Morgan's weird threats before the prom committee meeting. Dillon was sure the reprieve was only temporary, and that as soon as things calmed down, Jamie would be back in action and more determined than ever to find the truth. Still, Dillon was going to enjoy it while it lasted. Even Nora--albeit unknowingly--had helped to delay Jamie's search. She'd hit a snag in the moving process and had postponed the pick-up of Ben's car and possessions by several days. Jamie wasn't happy about the wait, but, again, worry over Dillon's living arrangements kept him more or less silent about it.

Heath came through the door a few minutes later and headed straight for the shower, leaving a trail of dirty clothes behind him. Dillon just shook his head and gathered them up, depositing the grungy garments in front of the washing machine. Hard to believe it, but Dillon was even gonna miss his brother's slob-like tendencies. Amazing what a man could get used to.

Just as he came back to the couch, Dillon heard the shower cut off. Heath stepped out of the bathroom wearing nothing more than a towel clutched loosely around his hips. When he saw the phone book and cordless phone lying on the coffee table, Heath narrowed his eyes. "You weren't apartment hunting again, were you?"

"Yeah, for all the good it did me. Seems I'm not a very good credit risk."

"Dammit, Dillon, I told you we'd find a place together. In fact, a buddy of mine told me about another place to check into. Said it would be perfect for us." Heath tugged at his slipping towel. "Since tomorrow's Good Friday, they'll probably be closed. I'll have to wait until Monday to call, but it sounds like a good deal."

Dillon shook his head, prepared to argue this one as long as he had to. "I told you, Heath, I'm not gonna let you give up your place for me. You've already done enough."

"Look, little brother--" Heath was cut off when the door swung open so fast it shook on its hinges.

Megan came running in, her face flushed, her jacket half-on, half-off. She skidded to a halt as soon as she saw Heath. "Nice outfit."

Heath did one of those all-over blushes, causing Dillon to burst out laughing as his brother ran to the bedroom to put on some clothes. Dillon looked at Megan and grinned. "Did you come over here just to embarrass the shit out of my brother, or was there something you wanted to talk about?"

"I have something I want to show you. No talking required." Megan gave him a crooked grin. "Well, not by me, anyway." When Dillon hesitated in his rise from the couch, Megan came forward with her customary impatience and grabbed his hand. "Come on, already. Everybody's waiting."

Everybody? Dillon followed Megan to the front door of the apartment, opening it to find a bevy full of Nash's--namely Gale, Dean, Nate and Brandon--filling the outside corridor.

The first to speak was Brandon, who had his shoulder propped against a concrete post. "Heard you have a housing crisis on your hands here, kid."

Dillon glared at Megan, causing Brandon to laugh. "Before you let Megan have it, Dillon, you should know that she's not the one I heard it from."

Dillon had a feeling he wasn't gonna like this next part. "Who did you hear it from?"

"I heard it from good ole' Dougie, himself. Seems when you didn't take your dad up on his offer to have Nate and me charged as pedophiles, Douglas got pissed and decided to try pressing charges against us on his own. Yesterday, he told the chief of police, Ronald Skinner, that Nate and I had corrupted you, locked you up and violated you any number of ways." Brandon grinned. "When Skinner got done laughing, he asked Doug for proof. Since Doug didn't have any, Skinner threw him out on his ass, told Doug if he came back without proof to back up his allegations he'd throw him in jail for filing a false report."

Heath came to the door then, fully clothed and wearing his coat. Dillon had been so wrapped up in what Brandon was saying, he hadn't realized he'd forgotten his own jacket. He was just turning to go get it when Heath handed it over. "Here, take it, dumbass, before you freeze to death. I swear you need a keeper." While Dillon shrugged into his coat, Heath turned to Bran. "Did I hear you mention our old man?"

"Yep. After trying to convince the chief of police that Nate and I are a couple of rapists, your dear old dad came to see me."

Dillon groaned. "Oh no."

Nate came up behind Brandon, slipping his arms around his husband's waist. "Oh yes. I'd just gotten done with a double shift at the hospital and had come to the station to take Bran out for supper. I got there about the same time as Doug did."

Brandon snorted. "And Doug is damn lucky Nate was there, too. I don't think anyone else could have calmed me down when Doug started spouting about perverts and fornicators. The real kicker, though, came when Dougie started bragging about having you and Heath evicted. God, I wanted to hit that son-of-a-bitch." Brandon glanced at his mother who was standing a few feet to his right. "Sorry, Mom."

Gale waved him away. "Oh, please. I've heard worse talk than that at the Sunday dinner table."

Dean snaked his arm around his wife's shoulders. "She's said worse than that at the Sunday table."

Gale ever so gently stomped on her husband's foot. "Anyway, when Brandon found out what happened, he called Megan to see if she knew anything about your impending eviction. I just happened to overhear the conversation."

It was Megan's turn to snort, the sound echoing around the corridor from where she stood between Dillon and Heath. "Overhead my butt. You were listening on the upstairs extension."

Gale gave an unapologetic shrug. "A good mother always knows what's going on with her children. And, Dillon, if you come and live with us, I promise never to listen in on your conversations. Well, almost never."

Dillon's head was spinning. "You want me to come and live with you?"

"Of course, Dean and I have plenty of room, and we think of you as family. We'd love to have you stay with us."

Brandon clasped his hands with Nate's. "Well, Nate and I want you to come live with us, and, no offense to my mother, but we won't listen in to your phone calls, either."

Gale was about to lodge a protest when the sound of an engine revving cut through the night air. Dillon looked towards the parking lot in time to see Sadie Bank's big-ass old Cadillac come racing into a nearby space. Jamie jumped out of the front seat almost before the car even stopped. He all but flew to Dillon's side. "What's everybody doing here?"

Dillon reached out and grabbed Jamie's hand, pulling him in closer. "They've come to solve my housing problem. They all want me to come and live with them." The Nash collective nodded in agreement.

Before Jamie could respond, Sadie exited the car and glided up the sidewalk with all the grace of a queen. "A generous offer, no doubt, but a young man your age needs his own apartment, Dillon. You and Jamie will need privacy, especially if what you said to your father is true. Do you really think of yourself and Jamie as a family?"

Dillon heard Megan sigh in appreciation to that statement and saw Jamie's eyes go wide. "Miss Banks, how did you know about that?"

"Enough of this Miss Banks nonsense. I'm Aunt Sadie to you. And as for how I know what was said, Adele Hopkins works in the office across the hall from your father's office." Sadie shook her gray head. "I've known her for years, and I can tell you, the woman couldn't keep a secret if it was stapled to her butt."

Gale chimed in with, "That's the God's honest truth."

Sadie said, "Yes, well, in this case, it worked to our advantage. The minute you left Douglas's office, Dillon, Adele called me and spilled everything she'd heard. Did you know she has a photographic memory?"

"Um, no, I didn't." Dillon was still reeling. "How does that relate to me getting my own place?"

"Oh no, young man. You'll answer my question first." Sadie drew herself up to her full height, such that it was. Dillon would have smiled if she hadn't looked so serious. "Did you or did you not threaten to kick your father's sorry carcass if he ever laid a hand on your family, i.e. my Jamie?"

The look Jamie gave Dillon in the pale glow of the various apartment security lamps and porch lights was so sexy and so loving, Dillon felt his blood begin to heat. Without ever taking his eyes away from Jamie's, Dillon said, "Yes, ma'am, I did say that, and what's more, I meant it, too. Every word."

Jamie leaned forward, and Dillon started to close his eyes, anticipating the kiss he hoped like hell was coming. Who cared if a large part of the Nash family, his brother, and Jamie's aunt were watching? He was in love, and Dillon didn't care who knew it. He heard Jamie whisper, "I feel the same way about you," just as Aunt Sadie cleared her throat, breaking them apart as effectively as if she'd thrown cold water on them. When both of them turned back towards her, Sadie said, "That's better. Now, as I was saying, a young couple just starting out needs their own place. When you told Jamie about the evection, he came to see me straightaway. Of course, I already knew all about Douglas's little plan thanks to Adele, but I didn't tell Jamie that. No, I was waiting to see how he reacted. And I can tell you this, I didn't have to wait long. Jamie begged me to let you move into the house with us, Dillon, but I'm afraid I can't, in good conscience, do that."

Dillon's heart sank. "What do you mean? I thought you approved of Jamie and me."

Again, Sadie shook her head. "You misunderstand me. I do approve of the relationship, but how would it look if I had two teenage boys shacking up under my roof?" Sadie motioned towards Jamie. "I told this one here as much, and the little devil threatened to move out. Said if you couldn't stay, he wouldn't stay, either."

Oh no. First Heath was ready to give up his home for Dillon, and now Jamie. Dillon was touched, but there was no way he was gonna let this happen. "Aunt Sadie, please don't be mad at Jamie. He didn't mean it. He--"

Jamie yelled out, "Oh yes, I did," just as Sadie threw up her hand and said, "Quiet, both of you."

Dillon thought he heard Brandon or Nate chuckle--he never was sure which--but one glare in that direction from Sadie stopped the sound altogether. When quiet again reigned, Sadie said, "Mad at him? Why on earth would I be mad at him? I'm damned proud of my nephew. Proud of him for having the convictions to stand up for those he loves, and proud of him for sticking by you no matter what. Jamie is determined to live with you one way or another, Dillon, and I'm going to help him as much as I can without compromising certain principals. We put our heads together and came up with what I believe is a working solution. That's why I've spent the last few hours helping Jamie clean out the carriage house."

"The carriage house? You mean that old building behind your house?"

Sadie was filled to the brim with indignation. "Old building? I'll have you know that old building, as you call it, was originally the property's carriage house, built the same year as the house, eighteen-eighty-four. My Grandfather Banks converted the carriage house to a garage in the late twenties, and when my father inherited the house and grounds from his father in the early fifties, he sold off most of the property, but kept the carriage house and had the upstairs of the building renovated as a garage apartment, complete with an eat-in kitchen, full bath, and one nice-sized bedroom. My father rented the place--usually to young married couples just starting out--until he died in nineteen-eighty, six months after my mother passed away." Sadie's eyes got a bit misty with the memory. "A few months after Daddy's death, the people who were renting the apartment bought a house and moved out. Since Jamie's grandmother--my sister--had her hands full with Jamie's unruly mother," Sadie paused long enough to give Jamie a warm, apologetic smile, "I was the one elected to settle the estate. I was so busy, I just didn't bother to rent the carriage house out again." Sadie smiled. "Until now, that is. Jamie and I spent most of the afternoon and evening cleaning the place. There's plenty of cleaning left to do, though. I've been in the apartment a few times since last it was rented, but not to do any real housekeeping." She sighed. "It needs a little work before it's strictly livable, but I think it will do nicely. And since the gas and electricity are tied in to the main house, we won't have to wait for those dunderheads down at the power company to come out and hook it all up before you and Jamie can move in."

Ever the contractor, Dean spoke up. "Meaning no disrespect, Miss Banks, but if that apartment has been empty for over twenty-years, there could be serious structural damage. I'm not sure the place is even safe for the boys to live in. It would need a complete inspection before I'd feel comfortable about it."

Sadie looked down at her fashionable gold watch. "It's just past eight now. Plenty of time for you to run over there and give it a good going over."

Forty years of doing construction work--twenty-five of those spent owning his own company--had given Dean enough experience with shrewd customers like Sadie to know when he'd been had. "Miss Banks, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you set me up for that."

Sadie was the picture of innocence. Gale laughed and kissed her husband on the cheek. "Well of course she did, dear. And you do make it so easy."

Dean sighed. "I'll call Wayne and see if he'll meet me over there." To Sadie, he said, "Wayne, my son, is also in the construction business. With the two of us working together, we can have the place inspected in half the time and, if no major repairs are needed, the boys should be good to go."

Gale clicked her tongue. "They will not." She looked to Sadie, "I'm assuming there's no furniture up there, and if there is, it's probably not in the best of shape after so long a time. Am I right?"

Sadie nodded. "There's a small dinette set that seems to be in good shape, but the last tenants took everything else with them. The boys will need a couch, some chairs, and a bed." She thought for a minute. "Wait, scratch that last one. They can have Jamie's bedroom suite. Oh, and his television and computer. All the things from his room, in fact."

Dillon listened in amazement as the entire assembly, save for himself, planned his new living arrangements. Brandon said, "I think I still have the living room suite Grandma and Grandpa Nash left when they moved down to Florida. When I bought the house from them, I bought new furniture, but the living room set was in such good shape, I stored it in the attic just in case any of us ever needed it. If I remember correctly, there's a couch, loveseat, and two chairs."

Heath shuffled nearer to Megan. "I've always wondered why the call them loveseats."

Nate winked. "Because you have to sit so close together. Brandon and I sit on ours all the time."

Gale ignored the lusty looks her son-in-law was giving Brandon. "Can we get back to the matter at hand, please? The boys are going to need more than just furniture. There's dishes and towels, not to mention a good starter supply of groceries." Gale slapped her forehead. "Speaking of food, they're gonna need a refrigerator, too. Maybe even a new stove."

Heath said, "I can get both of those. One of the guys I work with runs a used appliance shop on the side. He'll cut me a good deal."

"And as far as food goes, meals are included with rent." Sadie laughed. "Jamie's kitchen abilities are limited to microwaving pre-cooked dinners and heating frozen pizzas, so I thought perhaps the two of them could just eat with me in the mornings and at night. They'll still need a refrigerator and stove though, for snacks and such."

To Dillon's amazement, Jamie seemed not to even notice that no one had even asked Dillon whether this was what he wanted or not. No, Jamie just seemed to be going right along with the rest of them, especially when he said, "Aunt Sadie, you never did tell me how much rent you're gonna charge us."

Sadie appeared to be thinking it over, but Dillon wasn't fooled. If he knew Sadie, she'd had the rent issue sorted out before she ever even brought up the idea of renting the place to the two of them. "Well, lets see. I think my father rented the place for eighteen dollars a month back in nineteen-fifty-four, but that didn't include meals and utilities, so I'm going to have to charge you and Dillon a little more." She pursed her lips and paused for effect. "We'll tack on ten more dollars for that, so I'd say twenty-eight dollars a month sounds fair. And since I'll be paying your half, Jamie, Dillon's part will be fourteen dollars, even."

Gale said, "Sadie, that seems a little high to me. Didn't you say the place needed some work?"

"You know, Gale, I didn't even think about that. The wallpaper is peeling, so that needs to be stripped, and the walls could stand a good painting. And despite how much cleaning Jamie and I did today, much more needs to be done. I think if Dillon and Jamie have to do all that work, I should at least knock off the first two months rent. I wouldn't want to charge them too much."

Dillon was speechless. He knew damn good and well why they were doing this. The average rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city of Reed was five-hundred and sixty bucks a month. Here was Sadie, offering them a place for what would have been a steal fifty years ago. Dillon was touched, but he was also a little irritated that no one even bothered to ask him what he wanted. He'd half-way expected it from the others, but Dillon thought at least Jamie would have asked him if he wanted the two of them to move in together. Dillon did want that. Make no mistake, living with Jamie on a permanent basis was a dream come true, but after the talk he and Jamie had at the police station that night in Chicago, Dillon was almost sure Jamie would at least make the decision a joint effort between the two of them. Instead, Jamie just assumed Dillon was gonna say yes. That point was driven home when Jamie said, "You can charge us a real rent, Aunt Sadie. And you don't have to pay my half. I'm gonna get a job so I can help pay my share."

"That is a 'real' rent, young man. That amount was good enough for my father and it's good enough for me. And as for getting a job, you'll do no such thing. Dillon already had his job, so I can't fuss too much about his working, but I want you to concentrate on your studies, Jamie. I intend to help with your expenses, and that's just the way it's going to be." Sadie looked at the assembled crowd. "Well, what are you all waiting for? We have an apartment to inspect, accoutrements to gather, and furniture to move."

Brandon said. "Damn, and I was looking forward to having the kid stay with us, too." He grinned at Nate. "Guess if we want a family anytime soon I'm just gonna have to keep trying to get you pregnant, huh?"

Nate slugged him on the arm. "Come on, let's go through the attic and see what else is up there."

Megan said, "Wait up and I'll go with you. I think Grandma Nash stored some curtains up there, too. Every house needs curtains. And if those aren't the right size, I'll just have to make some." When eight pairs of eyes gave her eight equally doubting looks, Megan put her hands on her hips. "What? I can sew. Geez, so what if I made a dress in home ec and forgot to cut holes for the sleeves? Doesn't mean I can't sew. I happen to think the dress looked pretty good, even if I couldn't move my arms." She ignored the laughter coming from all directions, leaned up on her toes and gave Heath a shy peck on the cheek. "I'll see you later, okay?"

Heath gave her shoulder a light squeeze. "Count on it." He steeped back and stretched. "I'm gonna go call that guy I know and see if he's got anything at his shop we can use."

Before Dillon could believe it was happening, the lot of them, Jamie included, were headed towards their various vehicles and tasks. That was it. He couldn't take it anymore.

"Hold it."

It was like playing freeze tag. Every one of them stopped in his or her tracks. Gale said, "Yes, honey? Was there something you wanted?"

Dillon cleared his throat. "Don't think I'm not grateful to all of you for trying to help me, but don't you think it's time somebody asked me what I wanted?"

* * *

Jamie wished to God his legs were long enough to kick his own self in the ass. He'd gotten so wrapped up in the idea of having Dillon live with him, Jamie had forgotten to even ask Dillon if this was what he wanted. Damn, damn, damn. Jamie looked around and saw some of what he was feeling reflected on the faces of the others involved. Every single one of them--from Gale and Sadie down to Nate, Brandon, and everyone in-between--apologized for being so careless. Dillon graciously accepted, but Jamie knew that his were the words Dillon was really waiting on. It was time for Jamie to mend his fences, as Aunt Sadie would say, and hope Dillon was as forgiving with him.

Clearing his throat, Jamie said, "Uh, Dillon, do you think maybe we could go inside and talk?"

Dillon nodded, but didn't speak. Jamie looked to their family and friends. "If you'll all excuse us, we'll be right back."

"Of course, honey. In fact, why don't the rest of us go on back to my house where it's warm and drink hot cocoa?" When the group seemed agreeable to that, Sadie gave Jamie an encouraging smile. "That way, if you and Dillon do decide this is what you want--what you both want--we'll all be ready."

Dean said, "That sounds like a great idea to me, Miss Banks. And I can go ahead and get Wayne out there so the two of us can start the inspection, just in case. Get that out of the way."

Gale turned towards her car, then turned back long enough to say, "Dillon, I'm so sorry we ganged up on you like this. Dean and I really would like you to stay with us if you decide that Sadie's offer isn't for you. Of course, I wouldn't blame you if you said no, not after the way we bossed you around and browbeat you tonight."

"Gale, please don't think I'm not grateful, because I swear I am. I--"

Brandon cut him off. "We never thought you weren't grateful, kid, but no man likes to have his life mapped out for him. You're eighteen. You've earned the right to make your own choices."

Nate snorted. "Yeah, right. Like you let me make my own decisions." Nate looked to Dillon. "I'm sorry we got so caught up, Dillon, but in all fairness, I think Brandon started it. He's known for his prowess at telling others what to do."

Brandon leaned in close to Nate and nipped him lightly on the ear with his teeth. "You didn't mind one bit me telling you what to do last night. As I recall, when I told you to--"

"On that note," Gale glared at her son, "I think we're leaving."

Brandon laughed and led Nate to the parking lot, the others in tow. Even as nervous about the coming conversation as Jamie was, he couldn't help but smile when he saw Megan climb into Heath's truck with him. Now that the plans had changed and they were all headed to Sadie's, it appeared that Megan was gonna use the situation to her advantage. Good for her. She and Heath seemed to be heading towards something special. Jamie only hoped his own relationship would be moving forward as well.

Dillon indicated the apartment door. "Let's go. I know you wanted to talk to me, but I have something I need to say, first."

Jamie nodded and followed Dillon inside, his heart pounding against his chest. Dillon didn't exactly seem upset, but neither did he seem thrilled at the prospect of the two of them living together. Jamie hoped he was just reading Dillon wrong, but from where he stood, things weren't looking so good.

Dillon stood back to let Jamie inside, then closed the door behind them. The look he gave Jamie was again neutral, but Jamie was finding it harder and harder to breath. God help him, he didn't know what he would do if Dillon said no.

But Dillon didn't say no. Instead, he leaned back against the door, looked Jamie square in the eyes, and said, "Do you love me?"

Not what Jamie had been expecting. "You know I do. Look, Dillon, I'm so sorry for not asking you about moving in. I just got so--"

Dillon shook his head. "I'm not upset about that. I mean, I was a little irritated at first, but I know why you did it, and I'm not mad. I do know that you love me, but I think I phrased the question wrong. What I should have said is, how do you love me?"

"I'm not sure I know what you mean, exactly."

Dillon ran his fingers through his hair. "Damn, I'm screwing this up." He gave Jamie a pleading look. "What I want to know--no, what I need to know--is, do you love me in the right-now-we're-together-so-let's-just-see-how-it-goes way, or the forever-after-till-we're-both-pushing-up-daisies way?"

Jamie didn't so much as hesitate. "Forever. It's always been forever with me and you. At least, that's how I see it."

Dillon's smile lit the apartment's small living room, but Jamie could still sense the tension, some underlying nervousness that racked Dillon's entire being. He hesitated a minute, then said, "Does that mean you'll marry me?"

Of all the things Jamie had been expecting, a proposal wasn't on the list. He was stunned into silence, which Dillon must have taken as rejection, because he rushed out, "I wouldn't blame you if you said no, not after all that's happened between us. And I don't have a ring to give you or anything. Hell, I didn't even buy a class ring because I don't wear jewelry."

Jamie shook his head. "Neither do I, but that doesn't--"

Dillon cut him off. "Look, Jamie before you say no, think about it this way. You want us to move in together. I want that, too, but I want a commitment first."

"You mean a ceremony like Brandon and Nate had?"

"No. I mean, if you want that we can have it, but I don't need a public declaration. All I need is right here, right now, you promising to be mine--and only mine--for the rest of our lives. But if a ceremony is important to you, we can do it."

God, Jamie loved this guy. "No, I don't want a ceremony--"

Again, Dillon took Jamie's words as a refusal and cut him off. "Look, Jamie, I'm not moving in with you unless you commit to me. Like Megan always says, 'Why buy the cow if you can get the milk for free?' Well, this cow isn't putting out any more milk until you make me a promise. I mean it. I--"

Jamie closed the slight distance between them and put his finger against Dillon's lips. "If you'll hush up and listen to me for about ten seconds, I'll tell you that I already think of us as married. That's why I don't need a public commitment. I already think of us as being hitched. I'm not asking you to be my roommate, Dillon, I'm asking you to be my partner in life."

Dillon's shoulders literally sagged with relief. "You are?"

Jamie wrapped his arms around Dillon's waist and pulled him in close. "Yes, I am. And as far as being yours and only yours goes, I always have been. I could never let anyone else touch me the way you do."

Dillon kissed the top of Jamie's head. "I feel the same way."

Jamie laid his head on Dillon's chest. "Glad to hear it. Now, will you move in with me? I want to get all the cleaning and moving out of the way so we can start the honeymoon."

Dillon reached between them and tilted Jamie's head up, bringing his own down for a kiss that set every fiber of Jamie's being on fire and gave him all the answer he needed. As marriages went, this one looked as if it was gonna be hell on wheels, and Jamie was anxious to start the ride.

* * *

Dillon lay on the bed, flat on his back, his stomach muscles clenched in an effort to keep from coming as Jamie slid up and down his rigid length. Dillon gripped Jamie's hip with his left hand as his right hand fisted Jamie's erection, doing its best to bring the two of them to the edge at the same time.

"Oh God, Jamie, ride me."

Jamie moaned in response. A minute later, he threw back his head and poured out his release, the inner clasp of his tight body bringing Dillon to the brink and over at the same instant. Jamie collapsed against Dillon's chest, and Dillon wrapped him up tight in the strength of his arms, filling Jamie with everything he had to give.

When they came back down to earth, Jamie said, "Wow."

Dillon laughed, using what little breath he had left. "Wow yourself." He kissed Jamie's forehead. "Mmmm. You taste better than those chocolate bunnies your aunt gave us for Easter."

Jamie snuggled in closer. "I bet you say that to all the boys."

"Only the ones I'm married to."

"That narrows it down to one, then." Jamie opened one eye to look at the bedside clock. "What time do you have to be at work?"

"Six." Dillon turned his head and gave the clock his own inspection. "Four-thirty. I have enough time to grab a shower. Wanna take one with me?"

Jamie laughed and rolled off Dillon's chest and to his side. "Nah. You'll just want to have your wicked way with me again." His voice took on that teasing tone that Dillon loved so much. "Geez, you'd think after a week of living together in married bliss we'd have had enough hot sex to at least last us a few days."

Dillon stretched and got out of bed, swatting Jamie's naked rear as he went. "Never happen, my friend. I have the feeling you and I will still be on our honeymoon when we're sitting in matching rocking chairs at the Shady Oaks Retirement Village."

Jamie closed his eyes and pulled the covers over himself, too sleepy, Dillon guessed, to even bother with cleaning up. "Sounds nice. The honeymoon part, I mean. Not the old folks home."

Dillon laughed and went to the apartment's small bathroom. As he started the water and climbed into the shower, Dillon thought back on the last week. Well, one week and four days to be exact. He, Jamie, and that crazy mix of folks they called family had spent all of Easter weekend cleaning and moving. The minute Dean Nash and his son Wayne had pronounced the place in good condition, Gale and Sadie had orchestrated what Dillon called Operation Move-in. Under their direction, walls were painted, floors were cleaned, and furniture was moved. Thanks to them, Dillon and Jamie were able to move in right after church on Easter Sunday. Dillon thought that was fitting. Easter was a time of renewal, rebirth. He certainly felt like a new man. Amazing what love did to a person. Not even Morgan's smug smile when Dillon and Jamie had gone in together last Monday morning--one week ago that very day, in fact--to give the office their change of address, had dampened Dillon's spirits. He had Jamie, and Jamie was all he needed to be happy.

Well, Jamie and food. Dillon's stomach growled, reminding him that he had just enough time to slap together a sandwich before work. He'd only meant to drop Jamie off after school, maybe get a little bit of his homework done before he had to be at the pharmacy. But as soon as Dillon and Jamie had stepped into the bedroom to put their things away, Dillon had been seized by a lust so strong he'd had no choice but to grab Jamie and take him. Smiling at the memory of what had just transpired between them, Dillon shut off the water and toweled himself off. He came back into the bedroom only to find Jamie sound asleep under a mountain of covers. Careful so as not to wake him, Dillon grabbed his clothes from the tiny closet and made his way to the kitchen.

As usual, the first thing that caught Dillon's attention when he entered the eat-in kitchen was the bright yellow refrigerator and the bugger green stove Heath had bought from his friend at the appliance store. The colors clashed a thousand times over with the cheerful blue Sadie insisted they paint the kitchen, but Dillon didn't mind. His brother--the only blood family Dillon considered himself as having left--had gotten those appliances for him and Jamie, and Dillon loved them, as ugly as they were. He'd done his best to convince Heath to let him pay for the appliances, but Heath wouldn't hear of it. Heath wanted to do it, especially since the two of them wouldn't be living together anymore, and there was nothing Dillon could do to change his mind. Heath had also gotten Dillon and Jamie a washer and dryer, which the Nash's had hooked up for the two of them in the garage part of the carriage house, right downstairs. Dillon cringed just a little when he thought of the muddy brown hue of the washer and powder pink color of the dryer. At least they'd lucked out on the living room suite Brandon and Nate had given them. Two chairs, a sofa, and a loveseat, all in a nice, normal shade of blue. Combine that with Jamie's bedroom set from Sadie's house, the lace curtains Megan had found in Brandon's attic, and the mountain of groceries Sadie and Gale had brought over, and Dillon and Jamie had one heck of a first home.

Dillon slapped together and woofed down two bologna sandwiches before rushing off to work. He felt good, in spite of the fact that Nora had called earlier to let them know they could pick Ben's car up tomorrow. Dillon wasn't exactly eager for Jamie to reopen his investigation, but there wasn't really anything Dillon could do about it. Besides, as long as he and Jamie had each other, the two of them could make it through anything.

Dillon pulled his car into the drugstore parking lot and got out. The temperature was beginning to change for the warmer. Dillon didn't bother to put on his coat, the thick sweatshirt he wore being more than enough. Dillon entered the drugstore, whistling as he went. His good mood was cut short the minute he saw Jim Pembroke's face.

Jim barely gave Dillon time to get in the door before he said, "Dillon, follow me to my office, please. I need to speak with you before you begin your shift."

Uh oh. That one didn't sound so good. Dillon was rapidly developing a funny feeling in the pit of his stomach. He followed Jim into the cramped confines of his small office, noting the pictures of his kids and grandkids on the wall. Dillon had been in Jim's office more times than he could count, but this time felt different. When Jim waited until Dillon was seated, then took his own seat and began to speak, Dillon's feelings of unease intensified.

Jim sat across from Dillon at his desk, his arms crossed against his chest. "I got a rather disturbing phone call from your mother this morning, Dillon."

Oh, God. "Look, Jim, I--"

Jim put up his hand. "Let me finish, son. Like I said, I got a call this morning from Angela. The woman was hysterical. Told me she'd just found out from someone at the school that you and James Walker were living together. When I told her that lots of boys your age took a roommate when they moved out of their parent's house to help with expenses, your mother informed me that you and Jamie were much more than roommates. She came right out and told me that the two of you were lovers." Jim's eyes pinned Dillon where he sat. "Is that true, son? Are you and James Walker lovers?"

Dillon knew his job probably depended on his answer, but he didn't care. He wasn't going to deny Jamie for anyone, not ever again. In a clear, strong voice he said, "I prefer the term life partner, but yes, Jamie and I are living together, and we're a heck of a lot more than roommates." Dillon's voice softened despite the severity of the situation. "He's everything to me. My husband, my lover, my best friend."

Jim nodded. "I gathered as much. I didn't think your mother would be that upset if it weren't true. You should have told me, Dillon."

Dillon swallowed. "I know, but Jamie and I need the money to help out with college next year, and I was afraid if I told you it would affect my job."

Jim leaned forward, placing his hands in front of him on the desk. "You're right about that one, son. Your relationship with James does affect your job. I'm afraid this changes everything."