Protecting My Heart Read online

  “Is that who’s going to be there?”

  “Yeah.”

  Zeke nodded and leaned back in the seat to let Tristan drive. Tristan was happy for the silence. He wasn’t asked to explain any more.

  Picking up the food didn’t take very long at all. A celebration. “You really got turkey and dressing?”

  Tristan laughed. “We figured that everyone kind of missed Thanksgiving because of all the chaos.”

  “It’s March. We’re a little late for Thanksgiving.”

  “I know, I know, but this is totally worth it. I closed down the shop today.”

  “Okay. Okay. I give up. You can have your fancy Thanksgiving with everyone there. And we can pretend that it’s the middle of November.”

  Tristan grinned and went back to driving. It didn’t take them very long to get to the bakery. The small front room had been rearranged so that they could enjoy a good group meal and Tristan’s dad was already stationed at the espresso machine.

  Zeke walked over to his partner, Jennie and started to talk while Tristan unloaded the food from the car.

  It didn’t take long. Everyone worked together to get it all set up.

  Tristan walked over to the coffee machine, meeting up with his father.

  “How’s retirement treating you?”

  “You asked me that last week,” his father said laughing.

  “And I’m going to keep asking.”

  “I’ve got to say, now that I don’t have to pay off people to keep this place in business, I’m eager to find something to do with my time.”

  “Have you considered the proud and ancient sport of golf?”

  The old man grinned. “I’ve never been a golf type, but I’m actually thinking about getting myself a metal detector and taking up hiking.”

  “Are you really going to hunt for buried treasure?”

  “Think so.” His father shook his head. “But that’s not what we should be discussing right now.”

  “I’m ready. I just want everyone to get settled for the moment. I’ll do it once everyone gets food.”

  “It’s a buffet. You could go any time.”

  “I’m just waiting for the right time.”

  “It’s always the right time.”

  Tristan’s eyes turned to observe Zeke talking with his partner. His heart pounded. “What if he says no?”

  “He isn’t going to say no.”

  “Can you be sure about that?”

  “Yeah, I’m positive about it. This is going to be fine.”

  Tristan nodded and picked himself up off of the counter. It was now or never. He worried about panicking at the last second and running away.

  But he steeled his nerve, walking over to Zeke.

  “Hey.”

  “What’s up?”

  “I was wondering if I could steal you for a second.”

  “What is it?” Zeke turned to him.

  Tristan drew in a deep breath and reached into his pocket. Then he dropped down to one knee.

  “Wait. What’s going on here?”

  “Zeke?” Tristan paused and opened up the ring box that he had pulled out of his pocket.

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, really. Will you marry me?” Tristan asked.

  Zeke was silent, just staring in disbelief.

  That made Tristan start to ramble. “It can be a long engagement. Or you can take some time to decide. I mean. Maybe it’s too early. This could be so awkward. I’m sorry. Maybe I should have talked to you in private.”

  Zeke snapped out of it. “Yes.”

  Tristan didn’t hear it at first. “I’m sorry. This was supposed to be a surprise. I didn’t even think to ask if you wanted this kind of surprise.”

  “Yes,” Zeke spoke a little stronger.

  “Oh.” Tristan froze.

  Zeke responded by hugging him, pulling Tristan to his feet.

  “I wasn’t expecting this at all.”

  “I didn’t think you would say yes.” Tristan was still rambling.

  “You had to have thought that at least a little to ask.”

  “Yeah.” Tristan paused. “Sorry. I’m just a bit nervous.”

  The kiss that followed those words was one of those kisses that made the world go around. The cheers started and everyone seemed so happy.

  This was a party that wouldn’t be forgotten easily.

  *THE END*

  Did you enjoy this story? I’d love to hear your opinion, please consider leaving a review. Thanks! 

  >> Click Here to Leave a Review (Amazon.com) <<<br />
  >> Click Here to Leave a Review (Amazon UK) <<<br />
  >> Click Here to Leave a Review (Amazon Canada) <<<br />
  >> Click Here to Leave a Review (Amazon Australia) <<<br />
  Free Book “Princes of Westlake”

  Updates from David Horne & a free book!

  Click this link to get yours today.

  Damien is a new and mysterious stagehand, always seen and never heard, who likes to lurk around the empty theater after dark.

  Jonathan Sheppard, the star of this season’s fall production, thinks Damien is an absolute weirdo, but for some reason he can’t get the strange boy (or his flat ironed bangs) out of his mind.

  Updates from David Horne & a free book!

  Click this link to get yours today.