left his, and there was no real accusation there.
“You did. Why are you here, Jericho? What do you need?” He was tired and sad, and he couldn’t play games.
“To see you. To talk to you about some things. Important things, I hope. Us.”
There wasn’t an us. Was there?
“So talk.” He’d sort of put his cards on the table to have them swept away.
Jericho swallowed hard. “I was wrong. Like, when I freaked out so hard. I—you surprised me. It scared me, trying to think of a different life.”
“I—I should never have sprung the question on you. I just… shit, I don’t know. I’d say I wouldn’t do it again, but that would be a lie.” He would have asked again. He’d wanted Jericho and the kids here.
“Yeah.” Jericho took a deep, deep breath, his chest swelling with it. “So, after you left I was moping around. Oh, woe is me. Missing you awful.”
Good.
What the hell was he supposed to say to that? I’m sorry? Too fucking bad? You want to do this long-distance?
Jericho rubbed his hands on his legs. “You got to understand, Logic. Stuff like this doesn’t happen to guys like me. Or for guys like me. I never even considered it.”
“You don’t have to stay lonely. Even if it’s not with me. You—Jesus fucking Christ, you’re beautiful and a good man. You’re everything I want. You have amazing kids—Travis is smart and funny and clever. Ellie is going to grow up to be the first rodeo princess marine biologist President. What the fuck is wrong with you? Go be happy!”
“I don’t want to go.” Jericho did shrug, because no one had rammed a truck into him. “See, the kids and I talked…”
He waited for Jericho to finish, but when no more words came, he reached out and took Jericho’s hand. “I don’t want you to go either.”
Jericho grabbed his hand like a drowning man, a smile breaking on that serious cowboy face. “Well, see, Travis yelled at me. Told me it was okay if I was gay and that I needed to stop being scared of being happy. And Ellie, she told me I was the worst Disney princess ever. Apparently you’re the prince.”
“Which one? Can’t I be Moana? I like her best.” He held on tight. “Fuck, honey. I’d be your prince.”
“I know you would. I hope you will.” Jericho held up a hand when he opened his mouth, surprising him. “I’m ashamed of myself, Logic. I should have spoken up for us. I should have been proud, but I was so damn convinced I was doomed to be in Cooper forever and that I couldn’t do anything else.” Jericho barked out a laugh. “I still don’t know what I’m gonna do here.”
“I don’t either, but we can figure it out together. Later.” He looked at Jericho, feeling like he was fixin’ to fall down. “Right now I can’t open a Coke bottle or wash my own hair, honey. I’m not in full princely mode.”
“Shit. You need help? I could help you take a shower.” Jericho was on his feet, looking battle ready in seconds.
“I—yes. I’m sorry. I know you didn’t come here for this, but I feel nasty.”
“Baby, I came to do whatever I can.” Jericho helped him up off the couch like he was a baby calf. “Come on. Where are your trash bags?”
“Under the sink in the kitchen.” He made sure the door was locked. “Are you sure?”
“About what?” Jericho frowned before going to go grab trash bags. “You have medical tape?”
“About helping me. And I have a giant bag of shit from the hospital here in the bedroom.” Speaking of bags. “Did you get a hotel?”
“No. I came straight from the airport. I got a carry-on in the rental, but I didn’t want to just assume. You want me to go get one?” Jericho was carefully not looking at him, back stiff as he rummaged through the medical stuff.
“No. I want you to stay.” Simple as that.
“Oh, okay. Good deal. Come here, baby. I broke a bunch of stuff the first year I had the ranch, so I know how to keep it all dry. Sit on the toilet. You got one of those spray hoses, right?”
“I have a crazy shower—a seat with rain and massage and a sprayer.” His cheeks started burning. He was a little spoiled.
“There you go.” Jericho covered all his bandages and cast with plastic and tape after helping tug off his shirt and sweats. “Okay, in on the