Page 179 of Redemption Ridge Vol II

“Yes,” Kerry replied. “When people expressed concern that I hadn’t settled down by thirty, she pointed out that I hadn’t met my person yet. And she pulled me aside the first night Sven brought you home to meet the family and announced that you were my person.”

Keegan radiated so much joy that Kerry expected beams of light to shoot out of his ears. “Is that why you resisted even harder?”

Kerry tilted his head and considered. “But did I? Okay, maybe a little, but it’s not like I made myself scarce every time you came around, and I could’ve easily used work as an excuse. You enthralled me then, and you do even more now.” He cupped Keegan’s neck and leaned into his space. “I can’t touch you, kiss you, or hold you enough.”

A tapping at the window behind Kerry cut him off. He turned and found his parents smiling like twin lunatics. Steven gave him the wrap-it-up gesture, then pointed to his watch. They still had a solid twenty minutes before the deposition, and Kerry could accomplish a lot in that span. But perhaps not in a public parking lot.

“Hey,” Keegan said when Kerry moved to exit the vehicle.

Kerry held up a forefinger to his parents, asking for a minute, then made a shooing motion at them to get some privacy. He could tell by the slight quiver in Keegan’s voice that he had something important to say. Kerry gave him his full attention again. “What, baby?”

“You’re my person too. The night I met you, I came alive in ways I never dreamed possible. I wasn’t ready for you—for us—then, and I’m still going to struggle with my insecurities for a while. Maybe a lifetime. But I want you to know something before you go into the deposition.” He paused and cycled through some shaky breaths, but his hazel gaze never wavered. Kerry couldn’t recall a time when Keegan had looked so certain.

“And you don’t have to say it back now, or even ever,” Keegan rushed to add. “You’ve demonstrated what I mean to you, and that’s more important to me.” His words came faster, breathier, and Kerry’s heart raced in anticipation. “I love you. I don’t care what anyone says about you in that deposition. You are the best man I’ve ever known. I know this sounds soon and maybe a little desperate. We’ve only really dated for a month, but—”

Kerry cut him off with a kiss that went from tender to fierce in a heartbeat. When he pulled back, tears trailed down Keegan’s cheeks, and he fully understood what it cost to put himself out there. “I love you, Kee. Other people’s opinions and timelines don’t matter. The ones who love us the most have been encouraging our relationship for a while now.”

Keegan smiled through a laugh. “They didn’t bother with subtlety.”

“It’s not the Hart way.”

The knock came back, more persistent this time. Kerry whipped around and found Seth and Rueben standing on the other side. Beyond them were Rick, Debbie, Sven, and Dom. Kerry sought his mother through the crowd, and she just shrugged when he found her.

“Looks like the cavalry has arrived,” Keegan teased.

Kerry looked at him with a raised brow. “Did you know about this?”

Shaking his head, Keegan said, “No one told me they were coming, but are you really surprised?” He gestured to Kerry’s family. “Show up and show out. That’s the Hart way, and you’re so lucky to have them.”

“We are so lucky to have them.” Kerry sighed and reached for his door handle. “Might as well greet the crowd and head into the deposition.” It didn’t feel like heading to the gallows, though he could think of a hundred different things he’d rather do. He stepped out of the truck and into a swarm of hugs from his loving family.

“Let’s head on in,” Steven told the gathering.

They looked like a small army as they entered the lawyer’s office. The receptionist looked up from her task, and her dark blue eyes widened. “Um, can I help you?”

“I’m Kerry Hart, and I’m here for a deposition.” He gestured over his shoulder with his thumb. “And this is my support system.”

She recovered quickly and introduced herself as Mabel. “And is your attorney among them?”

“He’s not here yet,” Kerry told her.

“I’m afraid we don’t have seats for everyone, but I can probably bring some out of a conference room.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Lucinda said kindly. “There are plenty of shops to check out while we wait.”

“I could use a good cup of coffee,” Rick said. “Can you recommend a coffeehouse nearby?”

Mabel gave him directions to the place she visited every afternoon. The Kerry Hart Fan Club wished him luck and filed out the door, leaving only the president behind to wait with him. “Can I get either of you something to drink?” Mabel asked.

“I’m fine,” Kerry said before checking with Keegan.

“Nothing for me either.”

They settled into gray chairs in the waiting room, and Keegan reached for a magazine. Kerry knew he wouldn’t be able to concentrate and let his gaze wander to the artwork hanging on the walls. He wasn’t aware his knees were bouncing until Keegan’s hand landed on his thigh. Keegan’s warm gaze brought him immediate peace. Movement at the entrance pulled Kerry’s attention, and he stood up as Vinny walked through the door. His attorney was dressed to kill in a navy three-piece suit and polished dark brown dress shoes that matched his leather briefcase. Kerry shook Vinny’s hand and introduced him to Keegan.

“Steven has said so many wonderful things about you, Keegan,” Vinny said when they shook hands. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” Keegan said.