The Wounded (4 page)

Jase shrugged awkwardly. “He’s my family, too. When my folks told me they didn’t have a son, your family took me in and made
me part of theirs. I think it’s me who owes you.”

Mark chuckled and stroked a finger over Jase’s palm. “Oh, don’t worry. I think we can work out a payment plan.”

Jase rolled his eyes and was about to make a comeback when a sound caught his attention. To his left, Michael’s sister and mother sniffled. A
stereo began to play, “May I Have This Dance.” Michael and Jay stood together in front of their family and friends.

“Wow. Check them out,” Jase whispered.

Jay wore a dark blue suit, an ivory shirt, and a slender, light blue tie. Michael had put on a suit coat that had belonged to his grandfather, which his
mother had said she’d saved, knowing one day her son would wear it. The coat was old and didn’t fit exactly right, but the man in it
still commanded attention. They approached from different sides of the people in attendance and met in the middle. Jay reached out and took
Michael’s hand in his, giving a look that radiated pure love.

“Michael Aaron Ritter… “ Jay began, “everything that I am, all that I own, with all of my being, I pledge my life
to you.”