While celebrating the Supreme Court same-sex ruling, Josh hides his deep aversion to marriage. He lets his lover Adam believe they’ll eventually marry. But when his wedding-planner mother pushes him too hard to take that step, Josh declares in anger he won’t ever marry Adam.<br><br>Adam overhears and flees. Crushed at having been led on, he takes refuge at his old hangout. There he runs into his ex-boyfriend, who tries to take advantage of Adam’s vulnerability. Things go from bad to miserable, leaving Adam struggling to get through the worst night of his life.<br><br>Frantically searching for Adam, Josh is forced to accept he could lose him forever -- a prospect he just can’t face. Can he overcome his fears and propose marriage to save their love? That might work, but only if he can somehow convince Adam to trust him again.

I Do, I Don't

How in the world had Josh managed it? As apologies went, it was at least very useful. Not that it was going to change anything, but Adam was grateful nonetheless.


He snagged a bottle of water from the fridge and left.


Two hours later, he was driving back from the client’s estate. It had gone all right, considering the condition he was in. No one would ever claim his suggestions were inspired. But still, he’d been adequate.


His phone rang, and he glanced at the ID. Josh’s mother, Karen. Should he ignore it and just go home like he wanted to? Probably not. She didn’t take “no” for an answer.


He sighed and accepted the call. “Hello, Karen. How are you?”


“I’m fine, but you sound tired. Is everything all right?”


“Then can you swing by my house today for coffee? We need to talk.”


Chapter 17