Moving Forward - 60. Chapter 60 (15.1)

Marshall was sure he could not have heard Lee correctly.

Marry him? How? They both knew their union would never be permitted by any government anywhere. Attempting to take out a marriage license would probably only get them both in trouble. Marshall might wish it to be otherwise—with all his heart, he wanted to be out and proud with Lee—but he knew that could never be.

Could it?

His heart was pounding, and for a moment, he couldn’t speak, too choked up for words. Finally, he managed to get out, “Lee… how?”

“It won’t be anything official,” Lee said softly. He cradled Marshall’s hand between both of us, looking deep into his eyes. “But we can have a private ceremony, just us and a few of our friends. We can exchange vows… and rings.”

Rings. Suddenly Lee’s suggestion began to make more sense as Marshall considered the ramifications of the rings. They would be visible proof of their union, something that bound them in the eyes of the people around them. Something that said they weren’t available to anyone else better than mere words could.

Most importantly, they’d be as close as they could ever get to being truly married. At least in the US. Marshall was sure their union was illegal everywhere, to be honest. Everywhere but their own hearts.

“But only if you want to,” Lee added, and Marshall realized he hadn’t actually answered the question. How could Lee doubt his answer, though?

“I would love to marry you, Lee,” Marshall said. “I want to be with you for the rest of our lives. You and me, always.”

“That’s what I want too.” Lee’s smile was radiant. “When we get home we can look for rings. We’ll be in Galveston anyway, want to look there? I bet we’ll get a better selection there than in Tucker Falls, much less Burnham.”

Marshall suspected that was quite true. Especially since he didn’t think anyone in Burnham sold wedding rings.

“I’m sure Denver and Dustin won’t mind,” Lee said.

“Nah, I’m sure they’ll be cool with it. Especially once we invite them to the wedding.”

Lee’s brow arched. “Are you sure? I mean, you sure you’re comfortable with that?”

Marshall nodded. “I am. Plus I think it’ll help resolve everything once and for all with him.” Although Marshall didn’t mention him by name, he knew Lee would know whom he referred to. “Not that I think there’d be a problem anyway. Plus I figured you meant the guys from Partners, right? And Roy, naturally.”

“Naturally Roy,” Lee responded. That one was a given. Roy was their very best friend, their trusted companion. Of course they couldn’t get married without him being there.

“We should drink another toast,” Marshall said.

“Agreed.” Lee poured more of the Prosecco, then set the bottle down. He raised his glass toward Marshall. “Here’s to our future union, and to many years of wedded bliss,” he said solemnly.

“And here’s to marrying the sexiest damn man in the state of Texas,” Marshall said as he clinked his glass against Lee’s.

“That would be you,” Lee said with a grin.

“Not arguing with you, old man,” Marshall said, returning the grin, “even though I’m right.” He linked his arm through Lee’s, careful not to spill anything into the hot tub. “You’re so sexy you make me hard just looking at you.” He was gratified to see a faint blush come to Lee’s cheeks.

“Then let me return the compliment and, at the risk of giving you a swelled head, I’ll just say you star in some damn sexy dreams.”

They both smiled contentedly as they raised their glasses and drank.