Free Devoted by Sierra Riley Page A

applications to be processed, and within a few minutes, he could see the certificate being printed. The clerk picked up her fancy pen and slid it with the paper through the gap in the window.
    “I just need you both to sign on this line, consenting to this union. And I’ll sign over here as witness. You can pay by Visa or MasterCard whenever you’re ready.”
    Jake got his card out before Russ could argue. He’d pay his half later; he’d make sure Jake took his money. Picking up the pen, Russ signed his name right above where it was printed, then slid the paper and pen to Jake. His friend’s finger brushed his as he took it, and he felt an odd little sensation run through him. It was the same sort of nervous thrill he’d been experiencing all day, and a shiver raced up his spine.
    Jake signed, defying the idea of a doctor’s signature being completely illegible. His signature looked like someone had taken a calligraphy pen and slaved over it for hours, while Russ’s was complete chaos.
    The clerk signed next, returned Jake’s card, then gave them both a big smile. “You’re all set. Just take this down the hall, and you’ll find the elevators. You want the third floor, Courtroom B-003; same as the couple who went before you. Congratulations, and good luck with your new life together.”
    Russ drew in a deep breath. They had the paper. There was nothing to be nervous about. The rest was just a formality, right?
    He walked with Jake down the none-too-empty hall. He hadn’t let himself think about anything beyond this point. He assumed security would somehow know what they were up to and would tackle them before they got this far. Shit. He hadn’t even written any vows.
    They stopped at the elevators, and Jake turned to look at him.
    “Last chance to back out.”
    He couldn’t back out. It just wasn’t an option. So he gave Jake a little smile and said, “Come on. Let’s get hitched.”
----
    R ay and James ’ ceremony was short, but nice. Their vows were pretty touching, and Russ felt a stab of guilt over not having any of his own.
    It might be a fake wedding, but he still needed vows, right? And a ring. Shit. He didn’t have a ring.
    “Will they marry us without rings?” He whispered, trying not to panic.
    He didn’t need all of this to unravel now. Not when they were so close.
    “I’ve got it covered,” Jake said cryptically.
    Before Russ could ask anything else, the officiant spoke. “By the power vested in me by the state of Missouri, I now pronounce you legally wed.”
    The words brought Russ back to the present, and he watched with a smile as Ray and James kissed. Jake was right. They were good together. It was easy to see even from here just how much love they had for each other.
    He laughed when the kiss went beyond what was proper, until Ray pulled back and playfully swatted his new husband on the chest. The man met his gaze and gave Russ a radiant smile as if to say “your turn.”
    He and Jake rose and walked toward the front, just as Ray and James had done earlier. They switched places, with the newlyweds taking a seat while Jake stood by his side.
    An odd little thrill passed through him, half nervous energy, half excitement. His heart thudded in his chest, and when he turned to face Jake, he wanted to laugh in that nervous way he always did whenever something important was happening.
    Jake reached out, offering him a shy smile. It took him a moment to realize what he wanted, and Russ joined their hands. His friend’s palms were oddly soft and smooth, not callused like Russ’s. They also fit well in his, something he’d never really noticed until now.
    The judge started talking, and Russ followed along as best he could. He could barely hear anything over the sound of his own heartbeat, and he swore he could hear Jake’s, too. Out of all the crazy stunts they’d pulled throughout their time together, this was definitely the craziest.
    But this thrill was different than stealing the