Chapter 45

One month.

That’s how long it had been since they stopped pretending, stopped hiding, and let love move in like it owned the place.

And somehow – it already felt like forever, in the best way.

Jamie had learned Blake hummed when he focused. Blake had learned Jamie liked hot sauce on his eggs but hated it on pizza. They’d learned each other’s habits, quirks, silences, and smiles.

And now, Jamie was standing in front of the mirror in Blake’s apartment, adjusting his tie for the third time, cursing softly under his breath.

Blake came up behind him, looking unfairly perfect in a tailored navy tux and a subtle smirk.

“You look gorgeous,” Blake said.

Jamie didn’t look away from the mirror. “I look like I’m auditioning to be someone else.”

Blake stepped closer, wrapped his arms around Jamie from behind. “You’re not. You’re you. My boyfriend. The man I’m proudly taking to a very tedious charity event where someone will definitely make a speech that goes on too long and mispronounce quinoa.”

Jamie laughed softly, still fiddling with his cufflink. “It’s just… these events. Everyone’s so polished. I’m not like them.”

“No,” Blake said, turning him gently to face him. “You’re not. You’re better. You’re real. You’re warm and smart and funny and you’ve got a heart that makes me want to be better just by standing next to you.”

Jamie blinked. “Are you trying to make me cry before cocktails?”

Blake smiled, eyes softer than Jamie had ever seen them.

“I love you,” he said simply.

Just like that.

No grand gesture. No big setup.

Just Blake, standing there in a tux, looking at Jamie like he was the only thing that mattered.

Jamie opened his mouth.

Closed it.

Then exhaled, a slow, shaky laugh bubbling up.

“God,” he whispered, “I love you too.”

Blake pulled him close, forehead against his. “There. Now the hard part’s over.”

Jamie smiled. “You think that was the hard part?”

Blake kissed him once, quick. “For tonight, yes. For the rest of our lives? Probably not. But I plan to find out.”

Jamie kissed him again.

Because yeah.

He was definitely in love.