They both turned to see Ian dancing with Rory to some hip-hop music someone had put on the stereo.
Jack sighed. “Between you and me, he’s not that bad. But you tell him that, and his head about explodes. Him and that ego.”
Owen smiled. That was the man Ian wanted them to see, not the man he really was. Oh, he had the ego, but he had a heart twice as big. “He’ll be fine. Besides, it’s just for a week while I’m gone. I’m not putting him in charge of the gym forever. I’m not that crazy. In love, yes. Insane, no.”
Jack let out a relieved breath. “Good to know. Okay, I have to go dance with my wife before she kills me with another death glare. I swear, she was so nice before we got married.” He grinned again, a record for the once-taciturn warrior now turned loving husband.
Owen watched him go. He saw Ian slap some money into Tim’s hands and resolved to ask him about that later. Tim and Joe left together, and by the looks on their faces, Owen figured another part of his family had coupled up.
He couldn’t have been more pleased. He noticed Ian motioning for him to join them. With a light step and a happy heart, he joined his best friend and partner, grooving with the man who’d stolen his heart.
Ian laughed. “Who knew you had moves to go with that pretty face?” He kissed him smack on the lips.
“Hell. I have to keep up with you, don’t I?”
Behind him, he heard Keegan complaining about the music, asking for country. Rory laughed. James argued. Others offered their two cents. Nathan demanded to be in charge of the stereo. Aiden threatened to break his mind in half if he tried. Laughter and teasing filled the crowd.
Owen looked around, more than content to see Jack holding Heather in his arms, both soon-to-be new parents. Just like his cousin and her partners. The special people working with, not for him, had finally found a place to belong. Not just in Bend, but with each other.
He turned back to see Ian smiling at him. And then Ian said the words that bound them forever. “I love you, Owen.”
“I love you, Ian.” His little thief had indeed stolen his heart. “Just promise me one thing.”
“Yeah?”
He leaned close. “That you never, ever change.”
“Anything for you, Owen. Anything.”