"Are you guys okay with the remodel?"

Jake merely stared at him and shook his head.

When Marc frowned-he had absolutely no idea what Jake was thinking-Jake laughed.

"Idiot," he said, though Marc thought he said it nicely. "My girl's ecstatic, the unit is ideal, and there's a perfect room in the bas.e.m.e.nt beside the garage for a workroom. What's not to love, and why are you even worrying about this? c.r.a.p, man, you've had a traumatic few months. Maybe it's time to think about yourself for a while. You and Mandy."

Marc stared down the hallway where the girls had disappeared. He heard them talking; Kaz's excitement was off the charts. Mandy sounded more reserved, but no less happy. "You're right, you know." He turned to Jake, his oldest and closest friend through so many years, so many highs and lows in both their lives. "We've earned this time, this chance to be happy. I never expected to find love, not like this. Did you?"

Jake laughed. "Are you kidding?" He glanced toward the sound of laughter. "She's perfect, Marc. Everything I could ever want, so much better than I could have imagined. I wouldn't even know her if not for you. You've always come through for me, even when you weren't planning to. That's a skill, man. A valuable skill."

They were still tossing insults back and forth over the way their lives were turning out when Ben and Lola showed up. Lola immediately went looking for Kaz and Mandy, but Ben walked up to Marc and hugged him. "Don't you ever do that to me again."

"Do what?" Marc's mind was spinning. What the h.e.l.l had he done to Ben?

"Scare the c.r.a.p out of me or my fiancee. We got off that online chat and Lola broke down sobbing. It took forever to calm her down, and by the time she had it under control, I wasn't in much better shape." He glared at Marc a moment longer and then punched him lightly in the shoulder. "Ya know, I've had about twenty years without any family to worry about. It was a h.e.l.l of a lot less stressful."

He glanced at Jake and grinned. "What about you, bro? Is it as good for you as it is for me?"

Jake merely nodded. "I think this calls for a beer," he said. Marc and Ben agreed, and followed him into the newly remodeled kitchen. The old round oak kitchen table with all six chairs from the other unit fit perfectly in this kitchen.

A few minutes later, Kaz walked into the room and grabbed a bottle of white wine out of the refrigerator. She handed the bottle and a corkscrew to Jake and went in search of wine gla.s.ses. They'd already moved some of the necessities into the unit. Not a word was exchanged. Jake continued talking to the guys, opened the bottle, and handed it to Kaz. She kissed him on the cheek, waved to Marc and Ben, and headed out of the room.

After she was gone, Jake glanced at Marc and Ben and shrugged. "We've already reached a point where I think we're reading each other's minds. Isn't she amazing?"

Marc held up his empty beer. Ben lifted his at the same time. Laughing, Jake took the empties and grabbed new ones. Marc glanced at Ben. "Not nearly as amazing as we are."

Mandy, Lola, and Kaz toasted Mandy's engagement, Lola and Ben's engagement, and Kaz's upcoming wedding. Mandy took a sip of her wine. "Only eleven more days, Kaz. You guys ready?"

Kaz nodded. "We are. Everything has come together so well it makes me nervous, especially with our track record. Do you realize how much c.r.a.p all of us have had to go through to get our guys?"

Lola looked pensive. "We've all faced risk, things that could have ended up very badly, and in every case we've made it through. Not only have we survived, we've seen our men take really brave, dangerous actions to save us. There's not one of us who has to doubt how our guys feel about us, and they have no reason to doubt us."

"Exactly." Kaz stared into her gla.s.s. "The wedding and all ... that's just a party to celebrate. I already feel married to Jake. I know him better than I've ever known anyone, including you guys. It's very humbling, having a man you've cried with, laughed with..." She glanced up and her eyes were twinkling. "One you've been pee-your-pants scared absolutely to death with."

"There is that." Mandy thought of those moments when Steven Reed had his gun pointed at her and she knew Marc was going to go for it. She really hadn't expected either of them to make it out alive. "I never imagined what it would be like to face death, to know if I'd have the courage to fight. I learned that I do, that I can risk everything to save what matters to me. Marc matters. So d.a.m.ned much. I want to get married right away. I really don't want to waste any more time."

"Me, either." Lola grabbed her hand. "Want to go to the justice of the peace this week, if the guys will go along? I don't need a big wedding. I just need Ben."

"Um, ladies?" Kaz raised her hand. "I've got a suggestion. Instead of being bridesmaids, why don't you guys be brides? With me? We could all get married together, if the guys go along with it. So many of the people who are coming to Jake's and my wedding would probably be going to yours as well, and we can add the ones you want who aren't on my guest list."

Lola glanced at Mandy, wide-eyed, before looking at Kaz. "You're sure? That's a huge change in plans for you. Why don't you take a night to think about it? A big decision like that involves Jake and needs his input."

"And Ben and Marc." Mandy laughed. "Though knowing these three, I imagine anything that gets them out of planning a wedding will work. I know I've had my share working on stuff for Kaz and Jake while Ms. World Traveler was jaunting around Italy with her famous photographer." She grabbed Lola's hand and Kaz's and held on. "I think it's about the coolest idea I've ever heard, Kaz, and really generous of you. Let's go for it!"

"I don't know, Jake. A wedding is a pretty big deal for a woman. Are you certain Kaz wants to share her day?"

Jake merely shrugged. "I dunno, Marc, but personally, there's nothing I'd like more than to share it with both my brothers. What about you, Ben?"

"It works for me, but only if Lola and Kaz agree." He glanced at Marc. "And Mandy, of course. I mean, it could certainly make for one h.e.l.l of a party."

"Hey."

Marc glanced up as Mandy walked in, trailed by Kaz and Lola. She leaned over and gave him a kiss and then plopped down in his lap. "What's up with you three?" Marc asked. Then he leaned around Mandy and smiled at Kaz and Lola. "And why do all of you look like you're up to no good?"

Kaz rolled her eyes. "He's good, Mandy. Scary good." She straddled Jake's lap while Lola snuggled up to Ben. Looping her arms over Jake's shoulders, Kaz kissed him and then glanced toward Marc. "Well, Marc," she said, "we were just talking about how Jake and I have this beautiful wedding all planned, and you guys are all just as engaged as we are, and wondered if you would like to share it with us? Of course, only if Jake's okay with it and..." She leaned back as Jake laughed. "What?"

"Merely that great minds think alike. I just suggested that to the guys."

Kaz turned and smiled at Lola and Mandy. "See? He's right. Great minds do think alike. So that's it. We're set. Now you two have exactly ten-make that nine-days to get a wedding dress and invite the folks you want to invite. We'll have to b.u.mp up the amount of food, but wine shouldn't be a problem." She looked over her shoulder at Marc. "Right?"

"Right."

"And as long as everyone is okay with jazzy bluegra.s.s, the music should work just fine. Now, ladies, I'm doing the traditional bride bit with my dad walking me down the aisle and turning me over to Jake. Got a man you can bring for dad duty?"

Lola raised her hand. "I call dibs on Theo."

"That's good, because I want Ted." Mandy leaned back and looked upside down at Marc. "Is that okay with you?"

"As long as he doesn't object to being daddy for a day, I think it's a great idea." He thought about it for a moment, about Ted's part in their family. "Personally, I think he'll be honored that you'd ask him."

"Mandy crawled into bed beside Marc and curled up close against his long, lean body. So much has happened over the past month that it doesn't seem possible that's all it's been."

"We've most definitely crammed an awful lot into the past few weeks." Marc pulled her closer, until she was draped across his chest. "Can we slow down now, maybe take some time to get to know each other a bit better?"

She snorted and then buried her face against his chest.

"You snorted. What's that for?"

"I think we know each other, Marc, though I definitely want to spend the rest of my life getting to know you better. You okay with that?"

"I think I can handle it. I'm actually looking forward to getting back to the office and a regular schedule. I've missed doing normal stuff with you, Mandy. I've even missed work. I really love what I do. I hope you'll have as good a time with the coffee shop. Theo's got the paperwork all drawn up so we can approach the women's center that you three have selected. I'm going to be looking into my mother's inheritance tomorrow, but from what Theo has learned, it makes my income look paltry. I'm thinking we might want to spread it out over multiple charities, including some in wine country, but we've got plenty of time to think about it."

Mandy propped herself up on her elbows on his chest. "Is this the nerd's version of pillow talk? Because I don't know whether to be turned on and panting or insulted and giggling." She leaned close and licked one nipple.

Marc groaned. She licked the other, and then caught it between her teeth. This time it was more of a whimper, but that worked. She tugged and he arched his back, at which point she trapped his erection between her thighs and began kissing her way down his body. It didn't take her long at all to find what she was looking for, to take him in her mouth, to savor the taste and texture of the man she loved more than she thought possible. She'd promised him forever and she really loved the sound of that.

She took him as far as she could without going past the point of no return. When she raised her head, it was to find Marc watching her. He was smiling, but clearly he was struggling to hang on to control. With a single kiss to the tip of his erection, she crawled up his body until she was kneeling over him with her hands planted on his shoulders. "I love you, Marcus Jerome Reed. I love you so much it absolutely fills me up."

She barely had time to register the devilish glint in his eyes before he'd flipped her over and trapped her beneath him. "That's good," he said. "Because I want to fill you up even more." He nipped at her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, nuzzled the sensitive skin along her ribs, and then knelt between her thighs and lifted her to his mouth.

She loved the way his big hands palmed her b.u.t.tocks, the soft flicks of his tongue against her moist s.e.x, the way he knew exactly what she loved. This was a man who paid attention to all the little things that mattered, the way she shivered when he used his tongue and lips, even his teeth to bring her to the edge, the way he reminded her with every look, every word, every act, just how important she was in his life.

He took Mandy to her peak and over, and before she'd had time to come down completely, he did it again. But this time he was there, filling her with the length and strength of him, pressing deep as he made love to her, holding her close, reminding her once again just how very much he loved her.

They invited Ted and Theo for dinner. Lola had stuck a pot roast in the crock pot before going to work, and once they got home, Mandy fixed a big platter of roasted veggies. Kaz brought dessert-with a flourish. She waltzed through the door, and took a bow.

Jake held a hand up for silence. "I am pleased to announce Her Royal Highness, Kaz, the queen of store-bought gourmet pies." He bowed with a flourish and added, "With ice cream."

"Thank you. Yo, minion." She gestured at Jake. "Ask Lola where she wants this."

"So, I'm a minion now?" Grumbling, he took the two pie boxes and the ice cream and put everything away for later.

The dinner, as always, was a success, but for Mandy, the most memorable time of the night came once Queen Kaz served dessert. When everyone had a plate, Jake poured gla.s.ses of deep red port wine from the Tangled Vines half of Intimate Wines-Ca.s.sie and Nate's engagement gift to Lola and Ben and Mandy and Marc.

Mandy tapped the side of her gla.s.s with a spoon and stood. "Ted and Theo, Lola and I have a favor to ask of the two of you. We figured we'd soften you up with Kaz's gooey dessert first. So if you're wondering, yes, this is part of our scheme. The thing is, we never had father figures in our lives, and we're coming up to an event on the twentieth of August that truly begs for the presence of a father."

Mandy grabbed hold of Ted's hand and Lola took Theo's, the plan being that if they held on tight enough, the guys couldn't escape. "We realize that neither of you are old enough to be our fathers, but you are both men we love and admire." She glanced at Lola.

Who was losing her battle at fighting back tears. Lola sniffed, looked at Theo, and shrugged. "I'll get through this. Just give me a minute." Then she laughed and shot a quick glance at Ben. He gave her a thumbs up signal and she nodded. "The thing is, Theo, and Ted..." She sucked in a deep breath. "Mandy and I would really appreciate it if you would be the men to walk us down the aisle at the wedding. It means you have to wear the tux and look debonair and s.e.xy, but we don't think that's beyond either of you guys."

"I would be honored." Theo stood up, walked around the table and gave Lola a kiss. "Honored and very proud." He held his arms wide and she hugged him as Ted reached for Mandy and gave her a hug and a kiss.

"Thank you," he said, sounding every bit as emotional as Lola. Blinking back tears, he held Mandy close and glanced over the top of her head at Marc. "And thank you as well, Marc. You told me once you figured you'd have to build your own family because yours sucked. We know your mom was actually a pretty special lady, and every person in this room is just as amazing. Thank you for inviting me to be part of this wonderful clan. Mandy? Asking me to be such an important part of your special day just makes everything even more perfect."

Healdsburg, CA-August 20 They'd gotten a room in Healdsburg at a beautiful upscale hotel for their first night as husband and wife. As it turned out, Jake and Kaz were in one just down the street, a place they'd stayed in during that first photo shoot where they'd fallen in love. Ben and Lola had chosen yet another beautiful hotel in town.

"Other than the paparazzi, that went well." Marc stripped off his tux jacket and the white shirt and bowtie. Kicked off his shoes, toed off his socks, and sighed his relief. He'd been wearing what Mandy called his "grown up clothes" much too long today. Walking over to the small table by the window, he poured a couple of gla.s.ses of port he'd asked the concierge to have waiting for them.

Tangled Vines. The manager had been interested in the winery, knew some of their history, and after tasting a gla.s.s from the bottle Marc had given to the man, had said he'd be ordering it for the hotel. They already carried Intimate wines. Marc liked doing what he could to push sales of the wines that Nate and Ca.s.sie made in tandem with his.

It was important to keep his vineyard manager and winemaker happy.

Mandy stepped out of the bathroom and Marc almost swallowed his tongue. Gone was the simple wedding gown. Instead, she wore a shimmering white nightgown that appeared almost translucent, backlit as she was by the brighter lights in the bathroom. She paused in the doorway, turned and flipped off the lights. The shadows of her long legs still showed through the silky fabric.

"Honestly?" She smiled that smile that was for him alone. "The paparazzi weren't all that irritating, once you sent out waiters with gla.s.ses of wine and platters of chicken satay and egg rolls. I wonder if they'll mention the bribery?"

"Hopefully not, though none of them were rude or pushy. They were just doing their jobs. Besides, it's good advertising for Jake and Kaz. Bet Kaz's Q score goes through the roof."

Mandy laughed at that. "Did you know that a couple of weeks ago Kaz had to ask Lola what a Q score was? She asked me, but I didn't know, either. She's really famous, which is hard to get used to. What's neat though is that I heard her dad telling her today how proud he was of her and admitting he'd been wrong to try and force her into business."

"What did Kaz say to that? And you look absolutely amazing in that ... wow! I have no words for what that gown is called. It's certainly not suitable for public."

"Don't worry. You're the only public who's gonna see me in this." She curtsied. "And Kaz said she told her father she was really glad he'd pushed her into business school, because she and Jake can both read all the contracts they're dealing with and not worry they're misunderstanding anything. That's pretty important."

"It is. I'm glad I took as many business cla.s.ses as I did. Did you notice how gla.s.sy-eyed Ben looked at the wedding? Do you think it finally hit him today that he's now a married man?"

"Actually, it hit him today that he's going to be a daddy."

"Holy s.h.i.t. Really?" He sat down at the table. Not that the news. .h.i.t him all that hard, but ... well, maybe it did.

"Yes. Really. Lola told him she's pregnant just before they went to bed last night. She's not sure when it happened, but she's suspected for the past couple of weeks. She went to the doctor last week to make sure, but she didn't want to say anything to Ben or anyone else with the wedding coming up. She figured Ben's got enough on his plate right now."

Marc laughed. And, admittedly, felt a little jealous. "How'd he take it?"

Mandy sat across the little table from him and stared into her gla.s.s of port. "Lola said he cried and said it was the most perfect gift she could ever give him. I think Ben will be a terrific dad. It's going to change things, that's for sure."

"We'll need to add a playground in the backyard." A big one, because Lola and Ben's offspring wasn't going to be the only child in this group. He couldn't wait for the time when he and Mandy could plan their own family.

"I think we've got time. At least a couple of years."

"Do you want to wait that long?"

"No, silly. Not us. Babies aren't born wanting to play on the jungle gym. It'll be at least that long until theirs is ready to play. Which reminds me," she added. "Ted was right."

"Ted's always right," Marc tapped the crystal lip of his goblet of dark port to hers and took a sip. "That's why I hired him." He wrapped his hand around hers. "So, what is Ted right about now?"

"Well, it could be when he told me I was the most beautiful bride today."

"He nailed it with that observation." He had, too. Mandy had been absolutely steal-your-breath gorgeous in her simple white gown, though the almost see-through nightgown she wore now was a close second. "What else?"

Mandy reached across the small table and took Marc's hand. "When he said he'd never felt as much love in one place as he did today. That it wasn't just us, but the people we'd invited-a lot of the same ones he'd had at his dinner right before he went back to Virginia, remember? That was really fun. He said it was the perfect wedding, joining together couples who had been tested by fire and had come through it stronger and better than ever."

"Ted would know. He's been tested as well."

Mandy smiled. "And he's pa.s.sed. With flying colors. He told me tonight he's never been in love before, but that he realized this week just how much he loves Theo, that Theo had really helped him embrace who he is, the fact he's gay. He said the best part of all was how much fun they had together. I don't think Ted's had much fun in his life."

Marc thought about that for a moment. "Ya know, if this software gig runs out, I could probably make a living as a matchmaker. Nate and Ca.s.sie. Jake and Kaz. Lola and Ben. You and me, and now Ted and Theo. d.a.m.n, wife. I'm good!"

"I like that." Mandy set her gla.s.s aside, stood and walked around the small table. She straddled his lap and rested her arms on his shoulders.

He slipped his hands around her waist, rested them on the slight curve of her hips. "Like what? That I'm good?" He really loved teasing her.

"No, silly. Wife." She kissed him. "You called me your wife, and I love the sound of it. Almost as much as I love knowing you're my husband."

Her eyes welled with tears. They couldn't have tears, not on their wedding night. He slipped his arms beneath her bottom and lifted her against his chest. She wrapped her legs around his waist. "No tears, Mrs. Reed." He walked the short steps to their bed where he sat with Mandy still hanging on. "I think it's time that we consummate this marriage, don't you?"

"I thought you'd never make your move, Mr. Reed. I was getting worried. I know your record."

"Okay. So I was a slow starter." He kissed her, and it was a long time before he came up for air. "Are you going to hold that against me forever?"

Laughing, she fell back against the thick down comforter. "Probably. I have a feeling I'm going to take a lot of convincing. You'd better get started."

EPILOGUE.

San Francisco, CA-3 months later.