Chapter 34

Saturday morning brought the kind of crystalline Los Angeles weather that made postcards seem understated: endless blue sky, warm sunshine, and the promise of ocean breezes that would make even the most cynical tourist understand why people paid ridiculous amounts of money to live in this sprawling urban paradise. Nathan woke feeling lighter than he had in weeks, the psychological weight of unfinished legal business finally lifted from his shoulders.

They'd agreed to meet Neil and Natalie in downtown Santa Monica at noon, choosing the Third Street Promenade for its pedestrian-friendly atmosphere and proximity to the beach. The outdoor shopping district would give them plenty of space to walk and talk without the formal pressure of restaurant conversations, and Charlie would have room to burn off energy while the adults caught up.

The drive from their downtown hotel to Santa Monica should have been straightforward, but Los Angeles traffic had other plans. Trevor gripped the steering wheel with white knuckles as they crawled through gridlock that would have tested the patience of a monk, his Alabama sensibilities thoroughly offended by the aggressive driving culture that surrounded them.

When a BMW cut them off without signaling for the third time in ten minutes, Trevor's restraint finally snapped.

"Learn to fucking drive, you piece of shit!" he shouted through the closed window, his voice carrying the kind of profanity that came from years of military service and ranch work.

Nathan let out a genuine chuckle. The first carefree laugh Trevor had heard from him since arriving in California. The sound was music to Trevor's ears, evidence that Nathan was finally beginning to relax now that his legal nightmare was behind him.

"Looks like you know how to handle LA already." Nathan observed with amusement, watching Trevor navigate another lane change with the tactical precision of someone treating traffic like a combat operation.

Trevor glanced over at Nathan, noting the easy smile that had replaced the careful tension he'd been carrying for days. "How are you still soft-spoken when you used to drive here all the time? This shit would turn a saint into a psychopath."

Nathan's grin widened as he remembered his own coping mechanisms from his pre-ranch days. "I usually just give them the finger. It's more efficient than shouting."

The casual profanity and easy humor felt like proof that Nathan was returning to himself. Not the broken man who'd arrived at the ranch three years ago, or an agitated man who'd walked on eggshells through the process of divorcing a dead man two weeks prior, but someone who could laugh at life's absurdities without feeling like he needed permission to find things funny.

—

Downtown Santa Monica was exactly what Nathan had promised: a bustling pedestrian mall lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers that created a carnival atmosphere even on ordinary weekends. The Third Street Promenade stretched for several blocks, connecting the inland shopping district to the famous Santa Monica Pier and the vast expanse of Pacific Ocean beyond.

Trevor and Nathan arrived early and decided to explore while waiting for the rest of the family. The crowd was dense but friendly, a mix of tourists with cameras, locals running weekend errands, and families with children drawn by the promise of beach access and outdoor entertainment.

For Trevor, the sensory overload was both fascinating and overwhelming. After three years of Montana's wide-open spaces and small-town simplicities, the urban energy felt almost aggressive in its intensity. Street musicians competed with each other from adjacent corners, vendors hawked everything from handmade jewelry to political t-shirts, and conversations in half a dozen languages created a linguistic backdrop that reminded him just how diverse California really was.

But he found himself drawn to the ocean breeze that carried hints of salt and seaweed, the promise of natural beauty that existed alongside all the commercial chaos. The beach itself was visible from the inland shopping area, an endless stretch of sand and surf that provided visual relief from the concrete and commerce.

As they walked, Trevor became increasingly aware that they were drawing attention from other pedestrians. Not hostile attention. This was Santa Monica, after all, where diversity was celebrated rather than merely tolerated, but definitely interested glances from various directions.

A group of men outside a trendy coffee shop followed their progress with obvious appreciation, their admiring looks focused on both Nathan and Trevor with the kind of open interest that would have been unthinkable in many parts of the country. Another couple walking ahead of them kept glancing back, their expressions carrying the friendly recognition of spotting attractive members of their community.

Trevor felt simultaneously flattered and uncomfortable with the attention. In rural Montana, he and Nathan flew under the radar simply because most people assumed they were just roommates or work partners. In Texas at the bar, some people downright asked Trevor out. Here in Santa Monica, where rainbow flags flew proudly from numerous storefronts and same-sex couples walked hand-in-hand without fear, their relationship was immediately recognizable and apparently worthy of admiration.

"You okay?" Nathan asked quietly, noting Trevor's slightly tense posture as they navigated the crowd.

"Yeah, just... not used to being checked out so openly," Trevor replied, his Alabama drawl thick with uncertainty. "Those guys have been following us with their eyes for the past two blocks."

Nathan glanced discretely at the group Trevor was referring to, recognizing the appreciative but respectful attention they were receiving. "It's West Hollywood adjacent," he said with a slight smile. "You're an attractive man with an attractive boyfriend. People notice."

Trevor shook his head with bemusement. "In Alabama, I got looks because people were afraid of me. In Montana, nobody looks twice or stares for a bit because everyone minds their own business. This is... different."

"Different bad or different good?" Nathan asked, genuinely curious about Trevor's reaction to being seen as part of a community rather than an outsider.

Trevor considered the question as they paused to watch a street performer juggling fire sticks. "Different neutral, I think. I'm not interested in anyone but you, so it doesn't really matter what they think."

The casual declaration of monogamy made Nathan's heart skip slightly. After years of being treated as property by someone who claimed to love him, hearing Trevor's easy confidence in their relationship felt like a small miracle every time.

"Good answer," Nathan said, reaching out to take Trevor's hand as they continued their exploration.

The simple gesture. Two men holding hands while walking through a public space felt revolutionary to both of them, but for completely different reasons. For Nathan, it represented freedom from shame and fear that had defined his previous relationship. For Trevor, it was evidence that love could exist openly, proudly, without apology or explanation.

As they walked toward the distant sound of ocean waves, both men understood that this weekend wasn't just about family reunions or legal victories. It was about discovering what their relationship could become when it wasn't defined by crisis, trauma, or the need for secrecy.

For the first time in years, they were just two people in love, walking through a beautiful place, with nothing more dangerous than aggressive traffic and admiring strangers to worry about.

—

They spotted Neil and Natalie first, standing near a fountain where Charlie was tossing pennies into the water with the focused determination that only five-year-olds could muster. But there was another figure with them. a tall man with sandy brown hair and an easy smile that seemed to radiate warmth even from a distance.

"That's Jay," Nathan said, his voice carrying a mixture of nervousness and curiosity about meeting the man his sister had only started dating before Nathan got severed from them. Now, that man had become his brother-in-law.

As they approached, Jay turned toward them with the kind of open, welcoming expression that immediately put people at ease. He was built like someone who regularly lifted heavy objects. Broad shoulders and strong arms that spoke of physical labor, but carried with an easy confidence rather than intimidation. Everything about his demeanor suggested someone you'd want responding to your emergency calls.

"Nathan!" Jay's voice boomed with genuine enthusiasm as he pulled Nathan into a bear hug that lifted him slightly off his feet. "It's been a while, Nate. It's so good to see you again."

When he set Nathan down, Jay stepped back and looked him up and down with the assessing eye of someone who paid attention to physical fitness. His brow furrowed slightly in surprise.

"Have you been working out?" Jay asked, clearly noting the muscle definition that three years of ranch work had built across Nathan's frame. It was a dramatic change from the lean veterinarian he'd briefly known years ago, back when Jay had just started dating Natalie and Nathan would occasionally join them for casual dinners.

Nathan chuckled, flexing his arm slightly as he considered how to explain the transformation. "I mean, kind of." Moving hay bales and wrestling cattle for twelve hours a day had a way of sculpting muscle that no gym membership could replicate. "Ranch work keeps you in shape."

Jay's grin widened with approval. "Nice to see you're doing a lot better." The comment carried weight. Jay remembered how withdrawn Nathan had seemed during those few interactions before he'd disappeared, how he'd always appeared tired and on edge despite being newlywed.

Jay then turned his attention to Trevor, extending his hand with the same easy warmth he'd shown Nathan. "And you must be Trevor. I'm Jay, Natalie's husband."

Trevor accepted the handshake, immediately noting the callused strength that confirmed Jay's profession. "Nice to meet you, sir."

Jay's eyes lit up as he took in Trevor's impressive frame: six-foot-four of solid muscle earned through years of military service and physical labor. "Now you gotta tell me your workout plan. You look like you could benchpress a truck."

Trevor shrugged with characteristic modesty, his Alabama drawl thickening slightly with embarrassment at the attention. "I just work at the ranch, can't really explain beyond that."

"Come on," Jay pressed with the enthusiasm of someone who genuinely loved talking about fitness. "What kind of work builds shoulders like that?"

Before Trevor could elaborate, Charlie came bounding over from the fountain, his small hand still damp from penny-throwing. Without hesitation, he slipped his fingers into Nathan's, looking up at his uncle with the complete trust that children reserved for people they'd decided were safe.

"Uncle Nathan, can we go look at stuff?" Charlie asked, his five-year-old attention span already moving on from fountain wishes to whatever new adventure presented itself.

"Of course," Nathan replied, his heart swelling at how naturally Charlie had accepted him despite years of absence. "What do you want to see?"

As their group began walking along the promenade, conversations flowed with the easy rhythm of family members getting reacquainted. Jay fell into step beside Trevor, both men naturally gravitating toward the protective positions on the outside of their group, while Nathan stayed close to Charlie, answering an endless stream of questions about Montana and ranch animals.

Natalie watched her brother with obvious joy, noting how his entire demeanor had softened around her son. Whatever had happened during his years away, it hadn't diminished his natural gentleness or his ability to connect with children.

They passed street performers and vendor stalls, Neil pointing out changes to the area since Nathan had lived in California, everyone contributing to the comfortable chatter that marked successful family gatherings. The afternoon sun cast everything in golden light, making even the crowded sidewalks feel welcoming rather than overwhelming.

It was when they approached the massive toy store: a three-story monument to childhood wonder with displays that could be seen from a block away, that Charlie suddenly stopped dead in his tracks.

His small hand tightened around Nathan's as his eyes went wide, taking in window displays filled with elaborate train sets, towering action figures, and building block constructions that defied imagination. The store's entrance was flanked by life-sized characters from popular children's movies, creating an atmosphere of pure magic for anyone under the age of ten.

"See something you like?" Nathan asked, following Charlie's transfixed gaze toward a display featuring intricate model trains winding through miniature landscapes.

Charlie nodded vigorously, his vocal capacity apparently overwhelmed by the possibilities spread before him.

Nathan glanced back at Natalie and Jay, both of whom were watching the interaction with amused understanding. Without overthinking it, Nathan made a decision that felt as natural as breathing.

"Let's go get it, then."

Charlie's face lit up like Christmas morning as Nathan led him toward the store entrance, both of them moving with the focused purpose of people on an important mission.

Natalie sighed and shook her head with fond exasperation. "We better follow them, making sure Nathan doesn't say yes to everything Charlie wants."

Jay chuckled, his expression showing the kind of paternal concern that came from intimate knowledge of five-year-old shopping habits. "You're right. Charlie's got expensive taste when it comes to toys."

Neil waved them off with the wisdom of someone who'd survived his own children's toy store expeditions. "You guys go ahead. Me and Trevor are gonna walk around some more. Just text me when you're done so we can meet somewhere."

Natalie nodded, already moving toward the store entrance where Nathan and Charlie had disappeared into the wonderland of childhood possibilities. "Sure... looks like it's gonna be a while."

As Natalie and Jay hurried after the uncle-nephew duo, Neil and Trevor found themselves alone on the promenade, the sounds of family conversation replaced by the ambient noise of street performers and distant ocean waves.

—

Neil led Trevor down a side street away from the main promenade, his steps confident as he navigated toward a quieter establishment he'd obviously had in mind. The bar they entered was a stark contrast to the touristy chaos they'd left behind: dim lighting, exposed brick walls, and the kind of understated sophistication that came from focusing on quality rather than flash.

"Artisanal beer," Neil announced as they settled into a corner booth, gesturing toward the extensive tap list displayed on chalkboards behind the bar. "They brew everything in-house, use local ingredients, that sort of thing."

Trevor studied the intimidating menu with the same careful attention he'd once reserved for mission briefings. Words like "double dry-hopped IPA" and "barrel-aged porter" might as well have been written in a foreign language, but Neil was right about one thing. As long as it contained alcohol, Trevor was confident he'd manage.

"I'll just take whatever you recommend, sir." Trevor said, his Alabama drawl thickening slightly with the nervousness that came from being alone with Nathan's father.

Despite Neil's consistently warm reception, Trevor couldn't shake the feeling that he was being evaluated, measured against standards he didn't fully understand. This was uncharted territory for someone whose previous relationships had never progressed beyond casual encounters that didn't require family approval.

Neil ordered for both of them, selecting something called a "West Coast Amber" that the bartender assured them would be approachable for newcomers to craft brewing. When their beers arrived, Trevor took a tentative sip and was relieved to discover it tasted like beer, just better beer than he was used to drinking.

"So," Neil began, settling back in his seat with the relaxed posture of someone genuinely interested in conversation, "where exactly do you and Nate work?"

"At the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch," Trevor replied, grateful for a topic he could discuss with confidence.

Neil's eyebrows shot up in recognition. "Wait, is that the one Dale Farnsworth tried to buy a few months ago before he got exposed and arrested? I watched that whole story on the news."

If only Neil knew his son had been the key to Dale's exposure, Trevor thought with dark amusement. Nathan's precise shot through Damian's neck had provided the phone that contained all the evidence needed to destroy Farnsworth's empire. But that was definitely not information meant for family conversation.

Trevor nodded simply. "Yes, sir."

"Is the ranch really that big?" Neil asked, his voice carrying the kind of curiosity that came from trying to imagine a scale of land ownership that dwarfed anything most people could comprehend.

"Yes, sir. Seven hundred and fifty thousand acres. Just land as far as the eye can see." Trevor's voice carried unconscious pride as he described the place that had become home. "You can ride for hours in any direction without leaving Dutton property."

Neil whistled in surprise, the sound low and impressed. "That's bigger than LA. Are you always a cowboy?"

"Uh, no, sir. I was in the military for ten years. After I got discharged, I did some mercenary work before I started working at the ranch. Nathan got there the same time I did, three years ago." Trevor deliberately left out details about the gambling addiction and the stripping, because obviously Neil didn't need to know about every poor decision he'd made in his twenties.

"You're like one of those guys in action movies," Neil said with genuine admiration. "That's really cool. Anyway, how'd you know ranch work, then?"

"I grew up on a ranch, so I know my way around livestock and equipment," Trevor replied, his voice carefully neutral as he navigated the complicated territory of his childhood.

"So your family owns a ranch?" Neil asked with the natural curiosity of someone trying to understand Trevor's background.

Trevor shook his head, his expression growing more guarded. "No, sir. It was a foster home, more like an orphanage, but it was on a ranch so they made the kids work there. I... don't really know my family."

The admission hung between them for a moment, carrying the weight of a childhood that had lacked the kind of stability and love that Neil had provided for his own children.

Neil's face immediately softened with understanding and regret. "Oh, Trevor. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to–"

"No, it's alright, sir," Trevor interrupted quickly, not wanting pity but appreciating the genuine concern in Neil's voice. "Made me self-sufficient, which turned out to be useful."

Neil nodded, filing away another piece of information about the man his son had chosen to build a life with. "How long have you and Nate been together?"

"Around two and a half years, almost three. It didn't happen right away." Trevor's voice warmed as he talked about their relationship. "Your son is amazing with the animals there, and I work closely with him. One thing led to another..."

Neil nodded thoughtfully, clearly wondering about the timeline and how Nathan had ended up in Montana in the first place, but respecting the boundaries around information Nathan would share when he was ready.

Trevor took a fortifying gulp of his beer, then gathered the courage that had carried him through firefights and life-or-death situations. "Sir... I hope I'm not being too forward here, since you've only known me for a few days. But I love your son, and I'd like to ask for your blessing to marry him."

Neil's beer paused halfway to his lips, his full attention focusing on Trevor with laser intensity.

"It's not gonna be anytime soon," Trevor continued, his words coming faster as nervousness threatened to overwhelm his resolve. "But seeing as we don't get many occasions like this, I reckon this might be the perfect chance to ask for your permission. Though I would only ask Nathan when the time is right."

The silence that followed felt eternal to Trevor, his heart hammering against his ribs as Neil studied his face with the kind of paternal assessment that could determine his entire future. Neil's expression was unreadable, and Trevor found himself holding his breath while waiting for a response that could change everything.

Part of Neil felt the instinctive need to assess Trevor much more thoroughly, the forever guilt of not doing that with Peter back then weighing heavily on his conscience. He was worried about Nathan's safety and wellbeing, considering what had happened during his first marriage. The scars from that failure of paternal protection ran deep.

But unlike Peter, who had announced he was marrying Nathan like he was purchasing something expensive, Trevor was asking for Neil's permission. And more importantly, unlike Peter's calculating charm that had fooled everyone, Trevor's love for Nathan was written clearly across his weathered features.

"Trevor," Neil said finally, his voice carrying the weight of careful consideration, "you seem to know a lot more about what Nathan has been through than I do. And the fact that you stayed throughout that tells me the kind of man you are. So when you finally ask the question and Nathan says yes, I won't object."

Trevor's sigh of relief was audible, his shoulders sagging as tension he'd been carrying since the conversation began finally released. "Thank you, sir. I promise I will never let your son down."

Neil nodded with satisfaction, already approving of Trevor's humility and obvious devotion to Nathan. "You already got a ring and stuff?"

"Uh, no, sir. I wanted to make sure everything went right first before I purchase anything," Trevor admitted, his practical nature showing through despite his romantic intentions.

"Sensible, I like that," Neil said with approval. "Well, now that you basically got my permission, you wanna check out that place? See if they have something?"

Neil nodded toward the jewelry store across the street, its window displays glittering even in the afternoon sunlight.

Trevor's eyes widened with surprise and something approaching panic. "Y-you would do that with me?"

"Sure, why not. Now's as good a time as any. Come on." Neil drained the rest of his beer and stood up, his decision apparently made.

As Trevor insisted on paying for their drinks. A gesture that earned him another approving nod from Neil. They prepared to cross the street toward what would either be the beginning of Trevor's proposal planning or the most awkward shopping experience of his life.

"Also, you know what," Neil said as they walked toward the jewelry store, his tone carrying paternal amusement, "you can keep calling me 'sir.' Makes me feel powerful."

Trevor chuckled, the first genuinely relaxed sound he'd made since they'd sat down. "I never intended to refer to you by your first name anyway, sir."

—

The jewelry store was all polished glass cases and soft lighting designed to make everything sparkle with irresistible appeal. The moment Neil and Trevor stepped through the door, a clerk approached with the practiced smile of someone trained to identify serious customers from casual browsers.

She was young, maybe mid-twenties, with perfectly styled hair and the kind of enthusiastic energy that suggested commission-based income.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen! Are you looking for something special today?" she asked, her eyes darting between Neil and Trevor as she sized up their potential budget.

"We're looking at engagement rings." Neil said simply.

"Oh wonderful! How long have you two been together?" The clerk's smile widened as she gestured toward a display case filled with matching sets. "We have some beautiful options for couples who want coordinating bands."

Trevor frowned slightly, not quite following the conversation's direction, while the clerk continued her well-rehearsed pitch.

"What's your budget range? And have you thought about metal preferences? Gold, platinum, titanium? Some couples like to mix metals for a more contemporary look." She pulled out a tray of rings, each one catching the store's carefully positioned lighting. "What's your partner's style like? Classic, modern, vintage-inspired?"

"Well, he's pretty practical," Trevor said slowly, still trying to keep up with the rapid-fire questions. "Works with his hands a lot, so nothing too–"

"Ah, you want something durable then!" the clerk interrupted with enthusiasm. "And does your partner have strong opinions about stones? Diamonds are traditional, but we're seeing a lot of couples choosing colored gems for a more personal touch."

It was the word "couples" that finally made the situation click for Trevor. His eyes widened as understanding dawned.

"Uh..." Trevor glanced at Neil, then back at the clerk, his face beginning to flush with embarrassment. "I'm actually trying to marry his son."

Neil nodded, confirming Trevor's clarification with the kind of paternal pride that made the situation clear.

The clerk's face went through several rapid transitions: confusion, recognition, mortification before settling on professional embarrassment. "Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry! I thought... please, come this way for the engagement ring selection."

As they followed the flustered clerk to a different section of the store, Neil nudged Trevor with his elbow, his expression amused rather than offended.

"That's LA for you." Neil said with a chuckle.

The engagement ring section was more traditional, with displays organized by stone type and setting style. Trevor found himself overwhelmed by the sheer variety of options, each ring more elaborate than the last. Solitaires, halos, vintage reproductions, modern geometric designs. The choices seemed endless.

"What kind of style are you thinking?" the clerk asked, having recovered her professional composure. "Classic solitaire, three-stone, something with side accents?"

Trevor studied the displays with the same focused attention he'd once applied to equipment selection during military operations. Nathan wasn't flashy, didn't like drawing attention to himself, but he deserved something beautiful. Something that would remind him every day that he was loved and chosen.

That's when his eyes landed on it.

A simple white gold band with a stone that wasn't diamond. Something blue that seemed to shift and change in the light, catching different shades depending on the angle. It was understated but striking, elegant without being ostentatious.

"What about that one?" Trevor pointed to the ring that had caught his attention.

"Excellent choice!" the clerk said, retrieving the ring from its case. "This is one of our most popular alternative engagement rings. The center stone is sapphire with lapis lazuli inlay work. The blue has incredible depth and variation, and sapphire is nearly as hard as diamond, so it's perfect for someone who works with their hands."

Trevor held the ring up to the light, watching how the blue stone seemed to shift from deep navy to lighter azure depending on the angle. It reminded him exactly of Nathan's eyes—the way they changed from blue to gray depending on his mood, the depth that seemed to hold entire conversations.

"This one," Trevor said with certainty. "Do you have it in a size nine?"

The clerk checked her inventory system. "We do! Would you like to see it?"

As she went to retrieve the correct size, Neil looked at Trevor with curiosity. "How'd you know Nathan's ring size?"

Trevor shifted uncomfortably, realizing he was about to reveal something that might sound creepy out of context. "I measured it when he was sleeping."

He immediately looked away, certain his future father-in-law must think he was some kind of stalker. Neil's eyebrows shot up in surprise before he burst out laughing.

"I mean... whatever works, right?" Neil said between chuckles. "You know, for a seemingly stoic guy, you're ridiculous, Trevor."

Trevor's relief was palpable as he realized Neil found his methods amusing rather than alarming. "You're not the first person to think that, sir."

The purchase was completed quickly, Trevor paying without hesitation despite the price tag that made him wince slightly. As they left the store, Trevor ditched the shopping bag and shoved the ring box deep into his pants pocket. It wasn't going to be used anytime soon, but at least now he could propose properly whenever the right moment presented itself.

As they walked toward the beach, Neil found himself appreciating Trevor's easy company. If they didn't live so far apart, Neil could see himself hanging out with Trevor often. Don't get him wrong, he liked Jay plenty. But with Jay, he always had to do physical stuff, and while Neil could keep up, sometimes he just wanted to chill. Trevor had that laid-back energy that made conversation flow naturally without feeling like everything had to be an activity or workout session.

They found a bench near the beach where the ocean breeze carried the sound of waves and the distant laughter of families enjoying their weekend. Neil texted Natalie their location, then settled back to enjoy the peaceful moment.

"You're gonna tell me when you're about to marry him, right?" Neil asked after a few minutes of comfortable silence.

"What? Of course, sir. I'd love for you to be there," Trevor replied immediately.

"Good." Neil nodded with satisfaction.

Trevor hesitated, then asked the question that had been nagging at him since learning about Nathan's first marriage. "Back then... what was the wedding like?"

Neil turned to look at Trevor, his expression growing serious. "Trevor, don't ever compare yourself to him. No matter how much money he had, he hurt my son and I can never forgive myself for not doing the things I could've done to prevent it. I understand that you might feel the need to live up to a certain standard. But trust me, I didn't raise my son to be that kind of person."

The weight of Neil's words settled over Trevor like a blanket. Here was a father who blamed himself for not protecting his son, offering forgiveness and acceptance to the man who hoped to do better.

"I'm sorry, sir." Trevor said quietly.

"Nothing to be sorry for. Just... love him the way he deserves. That's all any of us can ask for."

Some time later, they spotted the rest of the family approaching across the sand, laden with enormous shopping bags and moving with the slightly frazzled energy of people who'd survived a major retail expedition. Charlie practically bounced with excitement, Jay looked like he wasn't sure what to say, and Nathan and Natalie were engaged in what appeared to be a harmless sibling argument. A sight that made Neil's heart ache with how much he'd missed this dynamic.

"What happened?" Neil asked as they reached the bench.

Natalie's expression was a mixture of exasperation and fondness. "Nathan just spent seven hundred dollars on toys!"

Nathan's defensive posture was immediate. "I just wanted to make my nephew happy. What's wrong with that?"

"You spoiled him!" Natalie protested, though her tone suggested she wasn't genuinely angry.

"I don't know when I'll be back," Nathan said with a shrug that tried to appear casual. "So I thought, might as well."

The words hit the group like a physical blow. Natalie's expression immediately shifted from playful annoyance to something approaching panic.

"You're not gonna be back?" she asked, her voice small.

Nathan's shrug this time was more defensive, his walls going up as he tried to explain something he wasn't sure he fully understood himself. "Look, I'm really glad to be able to do this again with you guys, really. But being back in this city... It brings too many bad memories. I can't see myself staying for too long."

"Fuck!" Natalie exclaimed, then immediately looked stricken as Jay quickly covered Charlie's ears.

"I'm sorry, Nate. I should've known." Natalie said, her voice thick with guilt.

"No, don't be," Nathan replied quickly, reaching out to squeeze his sister's hand. "I just wanna make the most of today."

Neil stood up from the bench, recognizing the need to redirect the conversation toward something positive before the reunion could be derailed by difficult realities none of them could change.

"Well, we still have dinner," he said with determined cheerfulness. "Let's decide where we should go."

—

They eventually settled on a family-friendly Italian restaurant with outdoor seating that offered views of the Santa Monica Pier's twinkling lights. The atmosphere was relaxed but upscale enough to feel special, with string lights overhead and the distant sound of ocean waves providing a peaceful backdrop to their conversation.

Charlie was immediately handed a small pack of crayons and a coloring sheet featuring cartoon sea creatures, which kept him contentedly occupied while the adults perused their menus. The waiter approached with practiced efficiency, ready to take their orders.

"I'll just have the calamari and maybe some bruschetta," Nathan said when his turn came, closing his menu with decisive finality.

"That's it?" Natalie asked with concern. "You're not getting a main course?"

Nathan shrugged, his eyes finding Trevor's across the table with a look that made Trevor's cheeks flush slightly. "I'm not that hungry."

The implication in Nathan's voice was subtle but unmistakable, and Trevor nearly choked on his water as he realized exactly what Nathan was suggesting about their evening plans. After two weeks of careful emotional navigation and legal stress, Nathan was apparently ready to reconnect in more intimate ways.

Trevor cleared his throat and focused intently on his menu, trying to ignore the amused looks he was getting from both Neil and Jay, who had clearly picked up on the undercurrent of the conversation.

When the food arrived, Nathan stuck to his plan of light appetizers while the others dove into substantial entrées. Instead of eating heavily, Nathan nursed a series of well-crafted cocktails, each one loosening his posture and brightening his smile as the evening progressed.

The conversation flowed easily, touching on work, family updates, and the comfortable catching-up that marked successful reunions.

"So how did you end up working in Montana, Nate?" Jay asked between bites of his pasta. "That's quite a career change from LA veterinary clinics."

Nathan swirled his cocktail thoughtfully. "The ranch owner's daughter barged into my clinic one day and basically persuaded me to become their live-in vet. I accepted on the spot."

Jay's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Just like that? No interviews, background checks, negotiation?"

"Sort of," Nathan said with a slight smile. "I think they were in a pinch, and I was... ready for a change." He glanced at Trevor, both of them understanding the massive understatement contained in those words.

Natalie turned her attention to Trevor. "What about you? How did you end up there?"

Trevor set down his beer, choosing his words carefully. "The ranch foreman hired me for security work. He came to Alabama where I was at the time, and I was out of a job. He offered me a position at the ranch when the job was done. I needed a clean slate."

Natalie's expression grew thoughtful as she processed this information. "Wait, this powerful family hired you two separately, from completely different places, and you ended up together? The parallel is kinda crazy."

Nathan paused mid-sip, his cocktail glass frozen halfway to his lips as the realization hit him. "Yeah... I never thought about it that way."

"And you two got to the ranch around the same time?" Natalie pressed, clearly fascinated by the cosmic coincidence of it all.

"Yeah, only a few hours apart," Nathan confirmed, his voice growing softer with memory. "I remember when you stepped out of that truck."

Trevor's smile was gentle as he met Nathan's eyes. "And I remember you standing on that porch, looking like you were ready to bolt back to California."

Neil leaned forward with paternal curiosity. "Was it love at first sight?"

Nathan chuckled, shaking his head. "Uh... no. Unless it was for you?"

"Yeah, no," Trevor agreed, his Alabama drawl thickening with amusement. "I don't think either of us could think about romance when we first got to the ranch. We had too much other stuff to work through."

"Right," Nathan nodded. "We were the new guys, so we had to prove ourselves. There was work to focus on, people to get to know. But then things happened over time, and now we're here."

Natalie's smile was warm with understanding. "Where do you stay at the ranch?"

"In a bunkhouse," Trevor replied.

"With four other people," Nathan added, grinning at the memory of their cramped but familial living situation.

Neil's expression showed a mixture of amusement and disbelief. "That sounds chaotic."

"It is," Nathan confirmed, "but they're good people. Like having four older brothers who give you endless grief but would also die for you."

Jay, ever curious about the practical aspects of ranch work, turned to Nathan. "Do you only do veterinary work there?"

Trevor jumped in before Nathan could downplay his contributions. "No, he's pretty much a ranch hand too. We tend the animals together, fix fences, move cattle. And he's also an assistant for the executive side of the ranch sometimes. Nathan's honestly the busiest worker there."

"You ride horses and stuff?" Natalie asked, clearly trying to picture her brother in full cowboy mode.

"Yeah," Nathan said, glancing at Trevor with affection. "Trevor taught me."

Natalie shook her head in amazement. "I can't believe my brother's a cowboy now."

Trevor's grin turned mischievous. "He is. But he still won't wear a cowboy hat, and he can't rope to save his life."

"Oh, shut up," Nathan protested, but his tone was fond rather than defensive.

As they finished their meals and the evening wound down, Nathan looked around the table at his family, his biological family and Trevor, who'd become family in every way that mattered. The reunion was coming to an end, and he could feel the bittersweetness of temporary goodbyes settling over the table.

"Hey, uh," Nathan began, his voice growing more serious, "our employers are generous enough to let us take leave this long, so I don't know when we'll have a chance to take another trip like this. And just because I can't handle coming back to this city doesn't mean we can't meet somewhere else."

Natalie immediately leaned forward with interest. "A family trip is definitely something we can plan. Just tell us when you're free, and we'll figure out the logistics."

Neil nodded with enthusiasm. "I'll look forward to it. I'm mostly retired now, so my schedule's pretty flexible."

"Maybe somewhere with mountains," Nathan suggested, thinking of how much more comfortable he felt in landscapes that reminded him of Montana. "Colorado, maybe? Or even closer to us."

"Wherever you want," Neil said simply. "We'll make it work."

As they gathered their things and prepared to leave the restaurant, the farewells carried the weight of eight years of separation finally healed, mixed with the anticipation of future reunions that would be planned rather than desperate. Hugs were exchanged, phone numbers double-checked, and promises made to stay in better contact.

During the drive back to their downtown hotel, Nathan found himself studying Trevor's profile in the passing streetlights. Trevor's relentless support had played a huge part in Nathan keeping it together during the past two weeks in Los Angeles. The legal proceedings, the family reunions, the emotional weight of confronting his past. All of it would have been overwhelming without Trevor's steady presence beside him.

Had it not been for Trevor being there, Nathan didn't think he could have gone through any of it. And now, with the worst behind them and freedom finally within reach, Nathan was ready to show Trevor just how grateful he was for that unwavering loyalty.

The hotel room was waiting for them, private and comfortable, and Nathan had very specific plans for how they would spend the rest of their evening together.

—

The elevator ride to the fifteenth floor felt eternal under different circumstances than their previous trips. Nathan stood close enough to Trevor that their shoulders brushed with each small movement of the ascending car. But this time, Nathan's proximity was deliberate, calculated. His hand found Trevor's, fingers intertwining before sliding up to trace along Trevor's wrist, then his forearm, small touches that seemed innocent but carried unmistakable intent.

When Nathan's thumb brushed across the sensitive skin at Trevor's pulse point, Trevor's breathing shifted almost imperceptibly. By the time they reached their floor, Trevor's body was hyperaware of every point of contact, every casual caress that Nathan had been strategically delivering.

They entered their hotel room with the kind of charged silence that came from shared understanding of what was about to happen. Nathan walked directly toward the bathroom, but paused at the threshold, turning back to look at Trevor over his shoulder.

"Make yourself comfortable," Nathan said, his voice carrying a seductive undertone that made Trevor's pulse quicken.

The look Nathan gave him was unmistakable: hungry, confident, purposeful. It was the expression of someone who knew exactly what he wanted and intended to get it.

While Nathan disappeared into the bathroom, Trevor quickly moved to his duffel bag and shoved the ring box deep beneath his folded clothes. The last thing they needed was for Nathan to discover his proposal plans during an intimate moment. Once the evidence was safely hidden, Trevor settled onto the bed, anticipation building as he listened to the sounds of Nathan moving around in the bathroom.

When Nathan emerged, he looked like a man with a mission. His eyes locked onto Trevor's with an intensity that made Trevor's breath catch, and he crossed the room with predatory grace before climbing onto the bed and positioning himself directly on top of Trevor.

The kiss that followed was passionate, demanding, full of two weeks' worth of suppressed desire finally given free rein. Nathan's hands framed Trevor's face as he deepened the contact, his body language communicating exactly what he wanted.

"Fuck me." Nathan said against Trevor's lips, his voice carrying seductive authority.

It wasn't a request. It was an order that made Trevor's eyebrows shoot up in surprise and arousal. Something else shot up as well, his body responding immediately to Nathan's commanding tone.

Every now and then, Nathan took charge of their intimate moments, and every time he did, Trevor's mind got blown from the intense euphoria. Tonight was no different. Clothes came off with urgent efficiency, and Nathan proceeded to give Trevor the ride of his life, taking control with the kind of confidence that left Trevor completely undone.

An hour later, they lay next to each other on the hotel bed, sweaty and breathing hard, their bodies completely satisfied from the intense connection they'd just shared. It was their last night in Los Angeles, and it would be a while until they had this kind of privacy again. They were glad they'd used the opportunity properly.

As their breathing slowly returned to normal, the comfortable intimacy of pillow talk settled over them.

"Hey," Trevor said, his Alabama drawl soft in the climate-controlled quiet of their room, "when we talked about getting our own place, it doesn't have to be anytime soon, right?"

"Of course not," Nathan replied, his voice equally relaxed. "We were just dreaming out loud. We still have responsibilities to the ranch."

Nathan traced the brand on Trevor's chest with his finger. The Y that marked Trevor as permanently belonging to the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, the same mark that adorned Nathan's own chest.

"We're bound to it." Nathan said quietly, his finger following the raised lines of the healed brand.

Trevor nodded, understanding the weight of what that mark represented. "I know. But that doesn't mean we can't leave eventually, right? I mean, Jimmy did. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad the ranch fixed us, but I don't wanna spend the rest of my life there. I don't wanna be like Lloyd. No offense to Lloyd."

Nathan considered this, his finger still tracing patterns on Trevor's chest. "Maybe after a few years we could rent a place in Bozeman and still work at the ranch?"

Trevor shook his head immediately. "I don't wanna rent. I wanna buy."

"Okay, then we're gonna have to stay at the bunkhouse longer," Nathan said practically. "Save up enough for a down payment."

"That's not a problem for me." Trevor replied.

"Me neither. I've never been impatient anyway." Nathan leaned in to kiss Trevor again, soft and grateful. "Thank you for being here with me. For everything, really."

Trevor's expression grew mock-stern. "I thought we agreed to stop saying thank you to each other?"

Instead of responding verbally, Nathan started kissing Trevor's chest, his lips moving downward with obvious intent.

"Nate," Trevor said with a chuckle, "I'm drained."

Nathan looked up with amusement. "Right. Anyway, I'm dying for a cigarette."

Trevor frowned. "Aren't you supposed to be a doctor?"

"Only for animals." Nathan replied with a grin.

"You literally pulled bullets out of me." Trevor pointed out.

"That's different. So can we go down to smoke or what?"

Trevor sighed in defeat. "Fine. It sucks that we can't do it here in bed."

They both put their clothes back on, moving with the lazy satisfaction of people who'd just had incredible sex. During the walk to the elevator, Trevor noticed Nathan was moving with a slightly awkward gait.

"You alright?" Trevor asked with concern.

Nathan shot him a look that was half exasperation, half amusement. "Don't act like you didn't cause it."

"Oh..." Trevor said, his cheeks flushing with a mixture of pride and embarrassment.

They rode the elevator down to the lobby, then walked outside to the sidewalk in compliance with California's smoking laws. The street was relatively quiet at this hour, with only occasional traffic passing by as they enjoyed their cigarettes in comfortable silence.

That's when a car pulled up to the curb in front of them. The window rolled down to reveal a middle-aged man with a predatory smile that immediately set both their nerves on edge.

"Two for one?" the man asked with casual confidence.

Nathan frowned in confusion. "What?"

The man shrugged as if the question was perfectly reasonable. "The two of you for one night. How much?"

Trevor's voice exploded with outraged disbelief. "We're not what you think we are! Fuck off!"

The man looked annoyed at the rejection, as if they were being unreasonable for refusing his business proposition. He rolled up his window and drove off into the LA night, leaving Nathan and Trevor standing on the sidewalk in stunned silence.

Trevor looked at Nathan in complete disbelief, shaking his head. "This fucking city..."

Nathan burst out laughing, the absurdity of the situation hitting him all at once. After everything they'd been through: the legal proceedings, the family reunions, the emotional weight of confronting his past, being mistaken for sex workers was somehow the perfect ridiculous capstone to their Los Angeles experience.

"I can't wait to get home." Nathan said between chuckles, taking another drag from his cigarette as he watched the car's taillights disappear into the urban sprawl.