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

Shaking, he looked up at Adam and swallowed hard, trying to get words to form. “Can I join you?”


Adam’s head shot up, and Josh could see joy flash across his beautiful face. Then, just as fast, reproach and uncertainty followed. Adam took a moment, his lips narrowed into a thin line, as he seemed to be fighting for control of himself. Finally, in a composed voice, he answered, “Depends. What are you here for?”


Josh moved up the steps and sat beside Adam, close, but not touching. “I really fucked up.”


Adam suddenly looked very tired. Letting his head hang back down, he murmured, “Yeah. You did.”


The fact Adam was willing to listen didn’t mean they could repair this breach. But it was something. “All those calls from Mr. Levin I ignored? He wanted to tell me he had a buyer for the house. He wanted to give me a chance to make an offer. But I didn’t get there in time.”


Chapter 27