Sequel to Loved by the Boss
Life is good for Luca Lowe. Better than good, actually, practically close to perfect. Zac has agreed to marry him, and the countdown is on for their wedding. But something is nagging at Luca, something he's scared to raise with Zac: he wants a family with him.
Zac Brown knows his fiancé better than anyone else in the world. Which is why he knows something is up, and he's determined to get to the bottom of it before their wedding day.
Will their wishes and dreams align?
The term wedded bliss? Yeah that was a thing. They hadn’t needed to take a honeymoon, it being Christmas time and all, but in between running to the bedroom, and relaxing, Luca raised the issue. He tried again now. Luca pulled his laptop closer to them as they lay in bed. Zac snuggled closer into him.
“What about this one? It’s all inclusive. We could get some sun. It looks amazing.”
Zac conceded it did look amazing. A honeymoon to the Maldives was a once in a lifetime opportunity. His eyes scanned over the photos of luxury; white sands, crystal clear waters and smiling families. It was the last photo that solidified what he wanted to do. But he wanted it to be a surprise. Which is why he knew they wouldn’t be able to afford any fancy trips.
Zac murmured. “I’m just not sure.”
Luca looked down at him, arching a brow. “Not sure? Not sure you want a trip to paradise?”
Zac bit his lip. It was Christmas Eve. Only one more sleep and then he could stop pretending like he didn’t want a honeymoon with his new husband.
“Maybe we can talk about it later? I’m a little tired.”
Zac didn’t miss the look of hurt that flashed across Luca’s features. He played it off well, but he could read Luca like a book now. A stab of guilt permeated his stomach, but he had the best surprise for him in the morning.
Zac went to sleep in his husband’s arms with a smile on his face.
The next morning rolled around quickly, and Zac padded out to the living area, leaving Luca asleep. After all, without his coffee, Luca wouldn’t be up for at least another hour. Zac put the coffee maker on and got to work. They had had their Christmas decorations up for a few weeks now, so all he had to do was turn the lights on and tidy up a little. Luca had taken a little persuading to put decorations up, as he couldn’t see the point. But Zac was sure that he had enjoyed choosing their tree. It was his mission to melt Luca’s Grinch-like heart all ready for next year. Zac adjusted some of the tinsel, and moved a few of the ornaments around, straightening the angel on top of the tree.
Still no sign of Luca. Zac grinned and filled a coffee mug. He would wave it under Luca’s nose smelling salts style.
Luca frowned then blinked away his sleep. His gaze fell on the clock and then back at Zac.
“It’s seven A.M. and we are in our mid-thirties. Don’t you think Christmas could’ve waited for a little longer?” He took the mug of steaming coffee from Zac’s hands, taking a big gulp.
Zac chuckled, dropping a kiss to his lips. “Nope. It’s our first Christmas as a married couple and I want to spend every second making it count. Besides, you know next year we won’t be able to get out of any family obligations and invitations. They are only giving us this one because of how close it was to our wedding day.”
Luca’s lips quirked, his eyes beginning to brighten a little as he woke up. “Can’t argue with you there. But even our parents aren’t as demanding as Pauline. I think next year she’s going to demand an invite.”
Zac chuckled. “To be fair, what with my parents living so far away, I’ve spent the majority of my Christmases in New York with Pauline.”
Luca frowned, all the mirth disappearing from his face as if it had been scrubbed with a cloth. “Oh, is she going to be okay this year?”
Zac’s heart warmed at how much he cared about Pauline. “Yes, don’t worry, she’s spending it with her sister.” His heart hammered against his rib cage as he uttered his next words. “So, presents?”
Luca drained the last of his coffee. “Presents,” he agreed.
“I’ll make us another cup,” Zac said, taking the empty mug from Luca’s hand.
Luca pulled on his dressing gown and followed him out to the living area. While Zac busied himself with the coffee, a rush of excitement fluttered in his stomach. After all, he had no clue what Luca had bought him for Christmas. Spending time together was enough, but Luca always gave him the most thoughtful presents.
“Okay,” said Zac, passing Luca his coffee and settling on the couch. “Let’s do it.”
After a few minutes of opening presents from friends and family, they got to the ones that really mattered.
Luca smiled shyly, passing him a large flat present, tied neatly with a red sparkly bow.
“Thank you,” said Zac.
“You don’t know what it is yet.” Luca chuckled as Zac pulled off the paper eagerly to reveal ... them. It was their favorite photo from their wedding day, and one that their photographer had provided to keep them ticking over until she sent them all through. But it wasn’t a photograph, it was better than that. It was a painting of the photograph. They stood, dancing, arms wrapped around each other with a sea of lights surrounding them. It wasn’t a posed shot; it was natural and oozed pure love. Zac had never been looked at like that before.
