Pride in the Park

**I previously included this scene in a promotional event after the release of Killer Honeymoon. It may be included or expanded in Felonies and Fatherhood, Sawyer and Royce’s final trilogy.

June in Savannah typically meant suffocating humidity, which was why most Georgia Pride events took place in October. But Mother Nature was looking out for Savannah PD’s queer officers, their families, and friends on the department’s inaugural Pride in the Park. The organizers had spared no expense and accounted for every consideration to make the day spectacular. Well, Royce proposed they have a homophobe dunk tank for a fundraiser, but the committee shot down his idea. As far as the eye could see, it was rainbow colors, food, and festivities. There were fair-style game booths, a giant bouncy castle, slip and slides, water balloons, and several lawn-style games like croquet, cornhole, and volleyball. Royce had too much fun with the giant inflatable dartboard and oversized Velcro darts. He’d used his godchildren, nieces, and nephews as an excuse to act like an overgrown kid, though Sawyer wouldn’t let him take a turn on a Slip ‘n Slide. His husband of two years had given him an intimate look that said, “I’ve got your slip and slide once we get back home.”

There was a large stage for local bands to play live music throughout the day. Several officers volunteered to address the crowd between the sets to express how much the event and support meant to them. Royce was slated to speak soon but still had enough time to fill his plate again. The Hummingbird Café had catered the delicious food, and Royce was almost embarrassed about how often he visited their tents. Just almost.

Sawyer looked at Royce’s plate when he returned to his seat and shook his head. “Where do you possibly have room for more barbecue?”

Royce sank his teeth into a short rib slathered in a sweet, smoky sauce. “So tender it falls off the bone,” he said once he swallowed his bite. Royce scooped up a forkful of macaroni and cheese and held it to Sawyer’s lips. His husband narrowed his eyes and looked like he was about to refuse. Royce thought about the positive pregnancy test Kelsey had presented to them this morning before leaving the house. Their first attempt at IUI was successful, and they were going to be fathers. Royce had been overcome with joy then and now as he looked forward to bringing their little girl or boy to next year’s celebration. So much love and acceptance would surround their little one. God, he couldn’t wait to share the news with everyone, but they’d decided to wait until Kelsey was at least twelve weeks along. Keeping this secret would be the most challenging thing they’d ever done, and they solved crimes for a living.

Sawyer must’ve read his mind because his eyes glistened with unshed tears. He opened his mouth and ate the macaroni and cheese. He moaned just a little and gestured to Royce’s plate for more. “We’ll need dad bods after all.”

Royce kissed him first before feeding him another bite. “And dad jokes.”

Sawyer groaned as if to say he wasn’t looking forward to that part, but his brown eyes danced with delight. They were excited about everything—all the firsts, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. The adventures of Asshole and Dickhead were about to kick into high gear.