He nodded and settled on the end of the bed. “I’m glad.”

  “But you’re missing my point. Life will move up and down. It’ll get tough, but you have to decide if the pairing is important enough to sacrifice for. It was for us.” She sat beside him. “I understand your fear, but I saw how he looked at you at the Christmas party. I saw how he reacted. His father was sick and getting angrier by the second. Hudson was so tense, but he relaxed when he ventured into your orbit. He did.”

  He’d forgotten about that party, but when she mentioned it, he recalled how Hudson behaved when they were together. Hudson had rubbed his back when they talked, and Hudson had sought him out. He’d hugged Lucas in public and kissed him at the New Year’s bash.

  “He knew about the marriage stipulation back then,” she said. “He knew it, and it flummoxed him. I’d like to think his father was creatively pushing you and Hudson together.”

  “Mr. Granger hated me—hated everything about me, save for the fact I’m good at my job.”

  She shrugged. “He never really got to know you.”

  “No.” He’d tried to avoid Mr. Granger whenever possible. He looked at the ring and his heart squeezed. He did love Hudson and wanted to be his husband.

  “So, what do you want to do?” she asked. “In the deepest recesses of your mind and heart? Still reluctant to do this?”

  He didn’t need any more soul-searching. He knew how he felt. “I want to marry him. Help me get ready, please?”

  “You bet.” She patted his leg. “Get a shower and change your clothes. We get to use the mini bar for free, so let’s crack open some drinks to celebrate. I’ll go down and get some ice.”

  “Thanks.” Relief swept through him. He’d been hesitant to marry Hudson when he thought Hudson didn’t care. Now he knew better and he couldn’t wait to marry the man of his dreams.

  ****

  Hudson checked into the penthouse suite and his heart ached. The whole situation felt hollow. He couldn’t read Lucas tonight and they weren’t on the same wavelength. He tossed his bag onto the floor in the bedroom. The celebratory champagne and flowers were already there. He hated the empty feeling. The only time he was truly happy was when he was with Lucas.

  Now that he knew Lucas wasn’t going to show up, being in Vegas seemed pointless.

  A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Hudson rushed to answer, in case Lucas had changed his mind. “Lucas?” He opened the door. Not Lucas.

  “Stan.” The lawyer offered a sheepish grin. “Sorry.”

  “Hi. Come in.” Hudson moved aside. “Did he select a time to fly back?”

  “Not that I’m aware.” Stan ventured into the penthouse. “This is nice.”

  He’d barely noticed. “Yeah. I should’ve had you get a penthouse, too.”

  “What? No.” Stan snorted. “This is too much for us. But you? It’s perfect. Don’t you like it?”

  “It’s fine.” He faced Stan. “I can’t go through with this. I can’t force him to marry me.”

  “I know.”

  “Cancel everything.” He shook his head. “I can’t do something that feels so wrong.”

  Stan’s eyes widened. “This feels wrong?”

  “It does when Lucas doesn’t want to marry me.”

  “I understand, but will you come along to witness Mel and I renewing our vows? We’d hoped to do that after you did your thing,” Stan said. “Why not? It’s all paid for, so we shouldn’t waste the chance.”

  He hadn’t thought about that. “Feel free to use it.”

  “You’ve got your tux. Wear it. We didn’t have a fancy wedding the first time. It’d be nice if you dressed up since we are, too.” Stan blushed. “I didn’t give Melissa the wedding she wanted back when we got married, so this is a way to sort of make it up to her.”

  “Sure.” He owed Stan for setting this all up. “I will.”

  “Good. We’ll use your time slot—if you don’t mind.”

  “No. Use it.” He stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Where is the chapel again? I forget.” Truth be told, he’d never bothered to look for it in the first place.

  “Downstairs. Go to the lobby and look for the chapel sign,” Stan said. “Can’t miss the pink neon.”

  “I’ll be there. At ten? Or was it later?” He’d forgotten what time it was.

  “Two in the morning. In about an hour.” Stan laughed. “Two sharp.”

  That gave him roughly sixty minutes to get ready—possible if he hustled. “I’ll be there.”

  “Good. We’ll meet outside the chapel at two.” A twinkle filled Stan’s eyes. “You know, your father would be proud of you.”

  “For quitting?” He’d given up on this marriage thing—not forever, but for now.

  “No, for sticking to your beliefs. He could be so insensitive, but he refused to be bullied. He stood up for what he believed in, and so do you.”

  Hudson paused. “He had a strange way of showing it.”

  “He did, but he knew you would be the best person for this company. You know how he had worked to build it up and make it profitable,” Stan said. “He wanted you to be happy. He never said it out loud, but I think he wanted you to be settled. I know he hated that you seemed groundless outside of the company.”

  “He hated that I’m gay.”

  “He did, but he’s not directing you to marry a woman. He said get married,” Stan said. “There wasn’t a requirement as to whom you married.”

  “Right.”

  “How about you get ready, and we’ll get through this, then sort out what to do about the will in the morning? Okay?” Stan asked. “One disaster at a time.”

  “You’re saying the wedding idea was a disaster?” Hudson sighed. He’d work on romancing Lucas when he got home. He’d demand Lucas continue working with him. He wasn’t giving up after this setback—not now. He loved Lucas. No question. He didn’t need his father’s will to encourage him.

  “This marriage—mine and the one you want—isn’t a disaster. Think positive.” Stan nodded once. “See you downstairs.” He left Hudson alone in the suite.

  Hudson scrubbed both hands over his face. He wanted to witness the reaffirmation of Stan and Melissa’s wedding vows, so it was time to get ready.

  Hudson adjusted his tuxedo jacket and checked his appearance in the mirror. At least he cleaned up well. He stared at the bowtie. According to the rules—whose, he wasn’t sure—he should have a black tie to go with the black tuxedo. He glanced over at the red bowtie that had been left in the garment bag. Lucas had given him that tie to remind him not only to live a little, but to have some color in his life.

  He’d gone along with his father’s dress code for so long and stayed away from bright colors, but his father was dead and couldn’t make comments about his appearance. Why not be unique? The red suited him better anyway.

  He switched out the bowties and checked his reflection in the mirror once more. Satisfied with his appearance and the rush of confidence, he tucked his phone and thin wallet into his tuxedo jacket, then left the penthouse. The place was too big without Lucas there. He stepped into the elevator and headed to the ground floor. His heart ached. This should be his wedding. Should be their big day. He straightened his jacket, then glanced down at his buttonhole. He should be wearing a flower of some sort or at least brought down one of the flowers from the penthouse. Damn. No time to go back. Maybe the chapel would have some he could give to Melissa.

  Hudson strode across the lobby to the chapel, and his heart sank. He’d go through with watching, but being at the wedding chapel wasn’t easy.

  Melissa stood at the main doors. “Hi. Good. You’re right on time.”

  “You have flowers.” He sighed, relieved he hadn’t screwed this up. “I thought I should bring you some.”

  “You’re too sweet.” She pinned a boutonniere on to his lapel. “There. Now you have flowers, too.”

  “I don’t need them. This is your ceremony,” he said. “Thank you, though.”

  “Think nothing of it. You’ll need this,” she said and hugged him. Her eyes flashed, then misted over when she stepped back. “Just a minute.” She ducked into the chapel, leaving him alone.

  Did everyone want to leave him alone? Besides, he had no idea what to do. Was someone supposed to come out and get him?

  “You look fantastic.” Lucas stood to Hudson’s left. “Almost hot enough to marry.”

  Hudson froze. This was too much to process. Lucas was at the chapel and dressed to the nines in his tuxedo. He even wore a red bowtie. Did he just say something about marrying? “Hi,” Hudson said. “Are you here to be a witness, too?”

  “No.” Lucas smiled. “I’m not.”

  “Oh.” His hope diminished. “When do you fly home? A tux is rather fancy for travel wear, but whatever works.”

  “I’m not sure when I’m heading home.”

  “Ah.” Hudson nodded. “If you’re not here to witness their wedding, why are you dressed like that? Is there something I should know?” Something he should interrupt?

  “I’m getting married.” Lucas’s smile widened. “Very soon.”

  His knees weakened. “You are? Did you meet someone here in Vegas?” Please, Jesus, no.

  “An old friend.”

  His stomach lurched and he couldn’t speak.

  “He asked and I agreed.” Lucas bridged the gap between them. “Hud, I’m talking about you.”

  Hudson didn’t know what to say. He fumbled with what he’d been told and what he should do. “Lucas?”

  “The second you left your seat, my heart ripped in half. I kept telling myself you didn’t love me and the things you said weren’t real. It seemed like this came on so fast, but the more I thought about it, the more I knew it hadn’t. You never shied away from helping me with my neckties, you told me your dreams, and held me when my mother died. You slept with me when I had the flu, too. You should’ve passed me off to someone else, but you didn’t. You stayed when everyone else bailed.”

  “I remember.” He couldn’t leave Lucas to suffer alone. The man had been so sick. He’d mopped Lucas’s brow and ensured he got his meds. Plus, he kept Lucas company.

  “A man who loves someone is the man who does all that,” Lucas said. He held Hudson’s hands. “Your father demanded I leave you alone because he thought I’d bleed you dry. I’d steal all your money and break you. He thought I’d destroy you and the company.”

  “He said that about everyone,” Hudson managed. “He hated everyone.”

  “He’d hate Marie or anyone else you’d think about marrying, too, because he wanted the best for you. He saw the company and worried,” Lucas said. “And he was right. I did destroy you.”

  “Lucas?” He didn’t see how.

  “The Hudson he knew wouldn’t wear striped socks on the sly or a tuxedo with a red bowtie. He wouldn’t know the man who cared for me and stayed when I thought I was going to die from that flu. You aren’t the same man—you’re better. You’re stronger. You’re the kind of man who needs to be leading the company.”

  He appreciated Lucas’s pep talk, but he couldn’t quite line up the pieces. “Lucas?”

  “This was all set up so we can get married. I’m not scared any longer. You showed me what I already knew. I want to marry you and I can’t see my life without you.”

  He held tight to Lucas’s hands. “I love you, Lucas Cole. Do you love me?”

  “Yes, I do. I love you and I want to get married.” Lucas kissed him. “Not scared or reluctant or hesitating. I’m yours.”

  Hudson threw his arms around Lucas. Holy shit. His dreams were coming true. “Dad was wrong about you.”

  “We would’ve been a mess together if we’d have acted on the attraction when we first met or when I started as an intern with the company, but we’re not kids now. I don’t want your money or status. I want you.” Lucas brushed his nose along Hudson’s. “We should fill out the license. People are waiting and there are ceremonies after ours.”

  Hudson blinked back tears. “Yeah.” He didn’t let go of Lucas. “You’re the best part of me.”

  “You’re pretty awesome yourself.” Lucas directed Hudson to the clerk. “The Granger-Cole wedding party.”

  Hudson gave his information, showed his ID, and signed the document, but everything seemed to happen in a blur. All he saw was Lucas. Nothing else mattered. His world made sense. He walked down the aisle with Lucas and said his vows, but didn’t recall a second.

  “You may kiss your husband,” the officiant said.

  Lucas cupped Hudson’s jaw and kissed him.

  Hudson groaned. Best. Kiss. Ever. Tender and sweet, but with a hint of what was to come. “Husband,” he murmured. “My husband.”

  “You’re mine.” Lucas nipped at Hudson’s bottom lip “Love you.”

  “I am honored to introduce you to Mr. and Mr. Granger-Cole,” the officiant said. “Congratulations.”

  Lucas’s eyes flashed. “Now for the wedding night.”

  “Yes.” He nodded. “I can’t wait.” He grinned at Melissa and Stan as he and Lucas headed back down the aisle. At the back of the chapel, Hudson paused. What about Melissa and Stan? Shouldn’t he and Lucas witness their vow renewal? “We owe you. When is your turn?”

  “We already did it.” Melissa threaded her arm around Stan’s and directed them all out of the chapel. “We had to get you down here somehow and buy time while we waited on you.”

  “She’s right.” Stan shrugged. “It all worked out. Besides, you’ve fulfilled your portion of the will. The company is yours and that money goes to your sisters.”

  “Thanks.” Right now, he didn’t care about the business or his family other than Lucas. “Where is your stuff, Lucas?”

  “Being sent to the penthouse. I changed in Stan and Melissa’s room,” Lucas said. “It kept us apart and made me think.”

  “Made me worry. I thought you’d never speak to me,” Hudson confessed. “I never should’ve doubted you.”

  “I did enough doubting for both of us.” Lucas held tight to Hudson. “Thank you for being our witnesses and running interference. You’re the best.”

  Hudson nodded. “You are.”

  Melissa blushed, and Stan shook hands with Lucas, then Hudson. “Just doing my job,” Stan said. “With pleasure.”

  Melissa hugged Lucas, then Hudson. “We should let you celebrate.”

  “Good night,” Stan said and grinned. “It’s late, and you have better things to do than talk to us. Go. We’ll see you in a few days when you return home.”

  “Will do. Thanks.” Hudson winked. He couldn’t wait to get this new chapter of his life going. He had what he wanted, and now it was time to celebrate.

  Chapter Six

  Lucas clung to his husband. He was married. Mind. Blown. He had the man he loved and had craved for so long. He almost couldn’t believe he’d dragged his feet.

  Hudson steered Lucas through the lobby to the elevators. “You had me worried. Had me going, too.”

  “Almost talked myself out of this, then had a chat with Melissa. She’s a smart lady,” Lucas said. “But you’re pretty great, Hud.”

  The elevator pinged and the doors opened. “After you,” Hudson said, “husband.”

  “I love it.” He stepped into the car. Once the doors closed, he pounced. He pinned Hudson to the wall and kissed him. He craved this and twined his tongue with Hudson’s. A groan bubbled in him. He rubbed his groin against the erection in Hudson’s pants.

  Hudson threaded his fingers into Lucas’s short hair and held him close. He deepened the kiss, and the act stole Lucas’s breath.

  Lucas groaned, loving when Hudson took control. He eased his hands under the sides of Hudson’s jacket and caressed his lover’s ribs through the silky fabric of his shirt. Hudson smelled so good and tasted even better.

  Hudson broke the kiss, but kept Lucas tucked to him. “We never tapped the buttons for our floor.”

  He’d forgotten about that.

  Hudson reached around Lucas and touched the keypad to go to the penthouse. “We’ll get there.”

  He nibbled on Hudson’s neck. “I love you.”

  “Love you, babe.” Hudson tensed as the car stopped. “Someone wants to go up.”

  “Me,” Lucas said. He angled enough to hide the bulge in his pants from the people wanting to join them in the elevator car.

  The doors opened and an elderly couple stepped into the confined space. The man eyed Lucas. “Did you just get married?” he asked and tapped the keypad.

  “We did,” Hudson said. “Not more than half an hour ago.”

  Lucas’s belly did flip-flops as the car ascended.

  “Congratulations,” the woman said. “Our Malcolm just got married. He and Rob live in Boca.”

  “Congratulations to them,” Lucas said. “I hope they’re happy.”

  “They are.” The man stayed by the door. “They adopted two dogs and call them their kids.”

  “They’re adorable.” The woman’s eyes sparkled. “You should get dogs.”

  “We’ll look into it.” Lucas chuckled. He’d never considered getting a dog. Then again, he hadn’t expected to be married to Hudson right now, either.

  The car stopped. The man waved, then held the woman’s hand. “Do stuff we would do and more we wouldn’t do. Good night.”

  “Night,” Hudson called as the older couple left the elevator and the doors closed. “I’d say they’re relationship goals.”

  “Seemed like.” Lucas tucked into Hudson again. “This elevator is so slow.”

  “It is when you’re on the top floor.” Hudson slid his hands over Lucas’s ass. “We’ll get there. This is just karma’s way of making us wait for what we want.”

  “What we need.” Lucas tensed when the bell dinged again. The doors opened.

  “This is us.” Hudson tugged Lucas through the short corridor to the penthouse suite. Once inside the suite, he gave Lucas no time to think. All Lucas could do was enjoy the ride. He loved letting Hudson be in charge. The frantic kisses and hands all over blew his mind. He could handle being loved like this for the rest of his life.