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

Adam patted the bench next to him. Josh sat and took Adam’s hands in his. The hopeful expression and the steady, even grip said Josh was ready. But still, Adam had to offer him an escape route. “Are you sure?”


Josh nodded. “I’m sure. I want the world to recognize we belong to each other. Emergency room nurses, cops, and especially obnoxious ex-boyfriends. So, no doubts. None at all.” Josh squeezed Adam’s hands. “Will you have me?”


The anxious need pooling in Josh’s eyes was real. Adam let go of his doubts, and joy flooded through him. “Yes. Of course, yes.” He let go of Josh’s hands and wrapped his arms around him.


“Thank you,” Josh whispered in his ear. “You know I can’t live without you.” He leaned back so he could press a tender kiss on Adam’s lips. “You’ve made me very happy.” He grimaced. “And you’ve made my mother very happy.”


Adam laughed. “She’ll be thrilled silly at what she made happen.”


Chapter 19