Daniel's Dream by Andi Anderson Read Free Book Online Page A

even more appealing.
    Yes, it was a risk; with today’s economy one really never knew. But, Josh was confident that it would be a successful venture for them. Granted, even though many of the townspeople of Charlestown were quite liberal, he knew that there would be some parents who would not approve of leaving their child in a daycare run by an openly gay couple. But, there would be others for whom it wouldn’t be an issue.
    He walked up behind Nick and handed him a beer. Standing there, Josh set his beer on the porch railing, wrapped his arms around Nick and pressed his body close. Nick placed his free hand on top of Josh's arms and leaned heavily back into his arms. They stood like that quietly, and took in the colorful foliage and sounds coming from the birds in the backyard.
    Josh heard Nick take a deep breath and his deep baritone voice barely rose above the sounds of nature around them.
    "I was just standing here thinking about how much my life has changed since I met you and Danny. I never knew how empty my life was until I met the two of you. I love you both so much, Josh. Thank you for making my life complete."
    Josh pressed his eyes closed and took a deep breath, inhaling his lover's clean citrusy smell. He loved the comforting way Nick's body fit perfectly against his own. "I feel the same way, Nick. You know that, don't you?"
    Nick gently disengaged from Josh's embrace and turned around to face him. His indigo eyes shone with sincerity and love. "I do. We're going to be very happy, aren't we?"
    "Damn right."
    Nick laughed and the thoughtful mood was broken. "Come on Green-Eyes, let's check on the fire."
    While Nick checked the coals, they heard a happy bark coming from next door. Josh looked over and saw his next door neighbor's German Shepherd, Shep, running along the fence and barking playfully at Fred.
    Shep was a friendly dog and both Daniel and Fred loved to play with him.
    "Shep! Come here boy!" The masculine voice of his neighbor called over the excited barking.
    "I'll be right back," Josh said as he walked down the steps of the porch and over to the fence to talk to his next door neighbor.
    Jackson Edwards was a quiet man. He and his partner, Ben, had lived next door to Josh for years. Josh remembered the many barbeques they used to throw and they were always surrounded by family and friends, but ever since Ben's death several years ago, Jackson's once outgoing and fun personality changed, and now he was always seemed sad and alone.
    "Hi, Jackson. How've you been?" Josh offered his hand to the handsome man.
    Josh was rewarded by one of Jackson's rare smiles. "Good, Josh. It's been a while, huh?"
    Jackson pushed his long brown hair off of his face and shook his hand. He had dimples on both cheeks that make him look younger than his thirty-something years and his dark green eyes sparkled with amusement.
    "Sorry about Shep. He still thinks he's a pup." Jackson gave him a wink and released his hand.
    "No problem. You know we adore Shep. If Daniel was around, he'd be begging for Shep to come over and play with him and Fred." Josh laughed.
    Jackson nodded. "Where is Daniel?"
    "He's spending the night with a friend tonight. Nick and I actually have the house to ourselves."
    "That's nice for all of you."
    "It is. Did you get the invitation in the mail? We're having our commitment ceremony next week and Nick and I both hope you'll be there." He reached over the fence and patted the top of Shep's head.
    "I did. I'll be there, Josh. I'm thrilled for the both of you." A wistful look fell over Jackson's face.
    "Thanks, Jackson."
    "Well, Shep and I have an appointment with a pot roast and a good book. I'll see you next week. Congratulations, Josh. I hope you have many happy years together." Jackson gave him a small smile and wink and turned away to walk toward his house.
    Josh watched Jackson and Shep walk into their house and was saddened for the man. He wished Jackson would snap out of his solitary shell and rejoin