Page 181 of The Influencer

I raise my brows in amusement.

“Also, I’m thankful to you, Sawyer. I know, it’s weird, but go with it.”

Sawyer looks surprised, and I don’t know the whole story there, but I understand there’s some history.

Jax continues. “You put together a fantastic tour. We enjoyed it a lot, especially Kansas City?—”

“And Miami,” Gideon adds.

“Miami, right… anyway, it was awesome, but I’m very grateful to be home—and here with all of you. And there’s one more thing I’m grateful for besides the fact that Gideon still finds me attractive, but I’ll let him tell it. Cheers, everyone. Thanks for having us back.”

When the glasses finish clinking, Gideon lifts his and sits up straighter again. He holds out his hand, and Jax removes his own from Gideon’s neck and slides it into his husband’s palm. “Thanks for a great tour, Sawyer, it really was remarkable. Best yet. I had a fantastic year.” He swallows hard. Glancing at Jax, in a flat tone, he says, “Obviously, I still find you attractive. You’re the man of my dreams, and I thank God every day for you. Including today. I know how lucky I am that you put up with me.”

“Always,” Jax says with a private smile meant just for him.

Gideon takes a deep, fortifying breath. “And…speaking of babies… Jax and I, this coming year are extremely overwhelmed with gratitude for a woman named Kasey Long, who is the gestational carrier for our first child.”

A collective inhale sweeps across the table. Gideon rushes on. “It’s a boy. He’ll be called Daniel. And we only hadn’t told you because Kasey’s just had the first anatomy scan and confirmed he’s healthy and whole. He’s Jax’s.”

Jax rests his hand on Gideon’s neck. “Ours,” he whispers.

Gideon looks back at his husband, his icy blue eyes shining with love and hope. “Thank you,” he says quietly. “It’s you I’m grateful for really. For your love, and your warm, strong hands, and your trust—I think that maybe more than anything. You’re going to be an amazing father. Thank you for believing in us enough to take this step.”

“Congratulations,” Elio says from the other end of the table. “Cheers. To Daniel!”

“To Daniel,” we all say and meet each other’s glasses in one final toast.

I let out a sigh. Jade’s hand grips mine as Adam passes the first dish, Jax French kisses Gideon, and Elio pours another glass of wine.

I look at my fiancé—my partner—my whole new world and ask, “So…would you like to try some tofurkey?”

He explodes in laughter, and in the end, that’s what I’m most grateful for.

THE END