Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Carlos lingered by his father's grave for a moment longer, the warm Texas breeze brushing against him as if Gabriel himself was offering a quiet blessing. His heart felt heavy, but lighter somehow—grief mingling with a sense of justice finally served. He exhaled shakily, whispered a final, "I love you, Dad," and turned to leave. When he lifted his head, TK stood waiting a few feet away, hands tucked into his pockets. The sun had begun to set, casting golden hues around him, and for a second, Carlos forgot how to breathe. TK's soft, comforting smile—the same smile that had grounded him for years—was steady and certain. Carlos offered a small smile back as he approached, the distance between them melting away.

When Carlos reached him, he took TK's hands gently, squeezing them. His thumb traced soft circles over TK's knuckles as though memorizing their warmth. Carlos leaned in, but his cowboy hat got in the way, bumping TK's forehead. "Damn hat," Carlos muttered with a quiet laugh as he pulled it off, holding it loosely at his side. This time, there was nothing in the way as he pressed a soft kiss to TK's cheek. The kiss lingered—gentle, grounding—and when Carlos pulled back, he wrapped his arms around TK's waist. TK sighed, his arms finding their place over Carlos' shoulders, holding on as though he'd been waiting for this all day.

They didn't speak, but the silence between them felt full. Their foreheads pressed together, Carlos closing his eyes as TK's hands traveled up to cradle the back of his neck. "Let's go to the ranch," Carlos whispered. TK nodded, and they walked back to Carlos' truck, still holding hands.

The drive to the Reyes ranch was quiet but comforting. Carlos rested his hand on TK's thigh, his thumb occasionally tapping against the fabric of TK's jeans as though he needed the reminder that TK was there. TK placed his hand over Carlos', fingers brushing over his knuckles rhythmically. His gaze stayed fixed on the window, but his mind spiraled with thoughts. "When I have to choose between my husband and my brother, I will choose my brother." The words he'd said to Tommy and Nancy echoed in his head like a vow. Jonah couldn't be sent away to a boarding school thousands of miles away. Not when he had TK. Jonah was the last tangible piece of his mom, and TK couldn't lose him—not this time. If Carlos wasn't ready, TK wouldn't push him, but he'd do it alone. That thought terrified him, but the alternative? Losing Jonah? That wasn't an option. Never will be an option.

When they reached the Reyes ranch, Andrea was already waiting on the porch. The moment Carlos stepped out of the truck, her expression shifted to one of deep concern. She didn't need to ask; the answer was written in her son's tired eyes. Carlos held her tightly when she embraced him, burying his face in her shoulder. "Chief Bridges," he started, voice steady but hoarse. "He was the one, Má. He killed Dad. He... covered his tracks for years, but we got him."

Andrea gasped, tears welling in her eyes as her hand flew to her mouth. "Oh, Carlitos..." she breathed, her voice breaking. "Mi hijo..." She wrapped her arms around him again, sobbing quietly. "You gave your father justice. You gave us peace. Do you know how proud I am of you?" She pulled back to look at him, brushing tears from his cheeks with trembling hands. "And do you know how proud he would be of you?"

Carlos' voice cracked. "I just wanted to do right by him, Má. That's all I wanted."

Andrea smiled softly through her tears, cupping his face. "You did. More than anyone else could. Your father is smiling down on you right now, Carlos. I know it." She kissed his forehead softly before pulling TK into the embrace as well. "And you," she said, squeezing TK tightly. "You are family, too. Thank you for standing beside him."

Dinner that night was light and full of love. Andrea spoiled her two sons, doting on them with food, stories, and laughter. TK felt lighter than he had in months. Carlos seemed more like himself—like the man he fell in love with—and it warmed TK to see Andrea's soft smile every time Carlos reached for TK's hand or refilled his plate. For the first time in a long time, TK felt like his family was whole again.

The next morning, Carlos left early to give his statement. TK stayed back at the loft, the quiet gnawing at him. He wandered aimlessly through the apartment, picking up things and putting them back down without thought. His mind spun in circles, replaying the quiet moments of their marriage. He found himself staring at their wedding photo on the shelf—the two of them smiling like nothing could ever go wrong. He traced the edges of the frame with his thumb. When they promised forever, it felt unshakable. But now, with Jonah's adoption looming and Carlos still hesitating, forever didn't feel so certain anymore.

At half past three, his phone buzzed. A message lit up the screen:

           Babe ❤:

          Mi amor, meet me at Café Josie at 6pm. Let's have a date night! 😍

TK froze. A date night. How long had it been? He almost cried as the weight of it hit him. He missed Carlos so much. For a moment, hope flickered in his chest, but then reality came crashing down again. What if tonight was the end?

He spent the next hour preparing, pulling out his best shirt and pacing in front of the mirror. He practiced the words he dreaded saying—the ones that sat like lead in his chest. "Carlos, I can start the divorce papers. The adoption procedure starts next month, and I... I can't let Jonah go." The words stuck, choked by the tears he couldn't hold back. "I love you, but I can't lose him," he whispered to his reflection, tears rolling down his cheeks.

By the time he arrived at Café Josie, he was composed but fragile. Carlos was already waiting, standing when he saw TK and smiling the way he always did—as if TK was the only thing in the world.

Their dinner started light. Carlos asked about Tommy, complimented Nancy's leadership. TK asked how Campbell was doing. Carlos took one bite of his food and answered, "He was discharged today. He's actually bugging me to introduce you." Then Carlos chuckled, "Can you believe he has four kids?"

TK tensed, the elephant in the room now fully present.

When their plates were nearly empty, Carlos set his fork down and looked at him, his expression soft but serious. "Okay, TK, let's do this."

TK blinked. "Do what?"

Carlos smiled, his eyes shimmering. "Let's proceed with Jonah's adoption."

TK froze, his breath caught somewhere in his chest. "What?"

Carlos stood, moving to TK's side and kneeling beside him. He took TK's hand, his voice steady but tender. "I'm still scared, TK. The idea of raising a child terrifies me. But I think I'm ready. My dad's case is solved now. I can be present—for you, for Jonah. I already love him. And I can't let him go. I know what he means to you, and I get it now. He's your connection to your mom, and you need this. I can't lose you, TK. I won't."

Tears streamed down TK's face as he choked on a sob. Carlos pulled him into his arms, holding him close. "I'm sorry for everything," Carlos whispered. "For shutting you out. For being a terrible husband. Thank you for being so patient with me."

TK shook his head, his voice breaking. "I missed you so much, Carlos. I almost lost my mind today, thinking I was going to lose you."

Carlos cupped TK's face, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "You don't have to thank me for this. I love you. We're doing this together."

TK clung to him, crying softly against his chest. "I love you, too," he whispered. "Thank you for coming back to me."

Carlos smiled, holding him tighter. "Forever, TK. I promised you forever."

Chapter Text

After their dinner date, Carlos and TK returned home, a quiet anticipation thick in the air. The door had barely clicked shut when Carlos pulled TK into his arms, his lips finding TK’s in a kiss that spoke of longing and devotion. It wasn’t rushed; it was deliberate, filled with the unspoken promise that they were finally back to each other. As the night unfolded, Carlos couldn’t keep his hands or his words to himself, murmuring sweet nothings into TK’s ear as they moved together. “You’re everything to me, mi amor,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. TK blushed, the heat of Carlos’ touch and the weight of his words overwhelming him in the best way. They made love like it was the first time and the last, rediscovering every inch of each other. For both of them, it felt like forever since they had shared this level of intimacy, and it healed parts of them they didn’t realize had been broken.

In the following days, the focus shifted to their future. The adoption process loomed ahead, but this time, Carlos was fully present. He took the lead in researching the best attorneys and setting up meetings, ensuring TK never felt alone. Their first meeting with a prestigious adoption expert attorney was nerve-wracking but necessary.

The attorney leaned back in his chair, his expression professional but warm. “Adoption is a life-changing process, but it does come with its challenges,” he began, folding his hands on his desk. “There will be a home study, interviews, and court proceedings where everything about your lives will be examined. It’s designed to ensure the best interests of the child are met. That said, there are a few things that may come up in your case that I think it’s important to address now.”

Carlos straightened in his seat, his hand tightening slightly on TK’s. “What kind of things?” he asked, his tone firm but calm.

The attorney nodded, as if expecting the question. “First, Mr. Strand, your history with addiction will likely be brought up during the evaluation. It’s standard practice for the court to look into any factors that could potentially impact the child’s wellbeing. They’ll want to see evidence that you’ve maintained your sobriety and that you have a strong support system in place.”

TK froze, his grip on Carlos’ hand tightening as the words sank in. His mind raced, fear and doubt creeping in as he imagined his past being laid bare in a courtroom. The attorney must have noticed, because he quickly added, “Let me be clear—your history doesn’t automatically disqualify you. In fact, the fact that you’ve been sober for years and have a stable life will work in your favor. But it’s something that will be discussed, and I want you to be prepared for that.”

TK’s voice was shaky when he finally spoke. “And... and us being a same-sex couple? Will that be an issue?”

The attorney hesitated for a moment before answering carefully. “Legally, no. There are no laws that prohibit same-sex couples from adopting in Texas. However, biases can sometimes surface, especially depending on the judge assigned to your case. That’s something we’ll navigate together, and I’ll make sure you’re fully prepared for any potential questions or challenges.”

TK’s stomach twisted, his thoughts spiraling into worst-case scenarios. What if the judge didn’t see them as fit parents? What if his past overshadowed everything else? Carlos noticed immediately, his free hand reaching up to cup TK’s cheek. “TK, look at me,” he said softly, his voice steady. When TK’s wide, fearful eyes met his, Carlos continued. “You have nothing to be afraid of. You’ve worked so hard to get to where you are, and no one—no one—can take that away from you. You’re strong, you’re sober, and you’re the most incredible person I’ve ever met.”

TK’s voice trembled as he whispered, “But what if it’s not enough? What if they see me as the person I was, not the person I am now?”

Carlos shook his head, his thumb brushing gently over TK’s cheek. “Then I’ll make them see you for who you are now. We’ll make them see it. You’re not in this alone, TK. We’re a team, and we’ll face this together.” He turned to the attorney, his tone resolute. “You’ve seen cases like this before, right? Couples with challenges in their past who still succeeded?”

The attorney smiled slightly, his demeanor softening. “I have, and I can tell you that families like yours—strong, committed, and prepared—are exactly what judges want to see. Sobriety and stability are powerful narratives, Mr. Strand. The fact that you’ve maintained both for years shows growth and resilience, which is something courts respect. And, to be honest, your relationship will be a strength in this case. The way you support each other, the way you present yourselves as a united front—it’ll make an impression.”

TK’s eyes darted between Carlos and the attorney, his fear slowly giving way to a flicker of hope. “You really think we can do this?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

The attorney nodded firmly. “I do. You’ll need to be honest, transparent, and prepared, but I have no doubt that you’re capable of seeing this through. And I’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure everything is in order.”

Carlos squeezed TK’s hand, a small, reassuring smile on his face. “See? We’ve got this, TK. You and me. Always.”

TK’s eyes welled with tears as he nodded, leaning into Carlos’ touch. “Thank you,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Carlos pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, murmuring, “You don’t have to thank me. We’re in this together.”

The attorney cleared his throat gently, giving them both a moment before continuing. “There will be some paperwork to start, as well as a home study. I’ll guide you through everything, and if any challenges arise, we’ll address them head-on. Just remember, the goal is to show the court that you’re the best possible family for Jonah, and from what I’ve seen today, I believe you are.”

Carlos nodded, his grip on TK’s hand never faltering. “We won’t let you—or Jonah—down.”

Carlos’ commitment extended beyond words. He rearranged his schedule, ensuring he was home on time every evening and aligning his off days with TK’s. The changes were small at first—a text in the middle of the day just to check in, a surprise visit to TK’s station with lunch—but they grew into something more intentional. Carlos wanted to make up for the time they had lost in the past year, to remind TK every single day that he was his priority.

One night, Carlos walked into the loft to the unmistakable smell of something burning. His brow furrowed as he set his bag down and followed the scent into the kitchen, where he found TK frantically waving a towel at the smoke alarm. On the counter was a charred pan of what Carlos could only assume had once been dinner. 

TK turned at the sound of Carlos’ laugh, his face flushed, and groaned. “Don’t say a word,” TK muttered, glaring at Carlos even as his lips twitched into a sheepish smile.

Carlos stepped closer, pulling the towel from TK’s hand and silencing the alarm. “You’re trying to cook for me,” Carlos said, his voice soft with affection. “That’s adorable.” 

TK rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. “It’s not adorable. It’s embarrassing. I wanted to surprise you with dinner, but apparently, the oven hates me.” 

Carlos chuckled, wrapping his arms around TK’s waist and pulling him close. “I don’t care if you burn the entire kitchen down. The fact that you wanted to cook for me means everything.”

TK huffed but leaned into Carlos’ embrace, his head resting on Carlos’ shoulder. “I just wanted to do something nice for you,” he admitted quietly. 

Carlos pressed a kiss to TK’s temple. “You do nice things for me every day, babe. Just being here when I walk through that door makes my day better. But if you really want to cook, we can do it together. Teamwork, right?”

TK glanced up at him, his eyes softening. “Yeah. Teamwork.”

They ended up ordering takeout that night, sitting cross-legged on the couch with cartons of noodles and a bottle of wine between them. Carlos couldn’t stop smiling as TK recounted the chaos of his failed cooking attempt, complete with dramatic reenactments. 

“I had no idea lasagna could catch fire that fast,” TK said, laughing at himself. 

Carlos leaned over, kissing him softly. “I love you,” he murmured, his voice filled with warmth. “Even if you’re a terrible cook.” 

TK smacked his shoulder lightly, but his laugh was genuine, and Carlos felt like he had won a piece of him back.

As the Christmas season approached, TK’s mood was still weighed down by the looming adoption process, but there was something about the holiday atmosphere that lifted his spirits. One evening, they sat on the couch with mugs of hot chocolate, the twinkling lights of the city visible through their window. 

Carlos nudged TK gently. “What do you think about decorating the loft? We could make it festive, and maybe invite Jonah and Sophia for Christmas dinner. Jonah could even stay the night.”

TK’s eyes lit up, a spark of excitement breaking through his subdued demeanor. “You sure?” he asked, his voice tinged with hope. 

Carlos nodded, his smile soft and genuine. “Of course. I want to make this season special—for all of us. Jonah deserves a magical Christmas, and so do you.”

TK set his mug down and leaned into Carlos’ side, his head resting on his shoulder. “You’re really making up for lost time, aren’t you?” he teased, though his voice was filled with affection. 

Carlos pressed a kiss to his hair. “Damn right I am.”

The next day, they went shopping for decorations. The store was packed with people, a chaotic hum of Christmas music, chatter, and carts clattering down the aisles. But Carlos and TK navigated the frenzy with an ease born from years of knowing each other. Carlos pushed the cart with a steady hand, letting TK lead the charge. His husband darted between aisles like an excitable child, grabbing ornaments, garlands, strings of lights, and anything else that sparkled.

“Do we really need more lights?” Carlos asked, raising an eyebrow as TK added yet another box of twinkling fairy lights to the cart. 

TK turned, grinning like a kid caught sneaking an extra cookie. “You can never have too many lights, Carlos. Christmas is about sparkle!” 

Carlos rolled his eyes fondly but couldn’t hold back his smile. “Fine,” he said with mock exasperation. “But if our electric bill triples, you’re explaining it to me in January.”

TK shrugged, unfazed, and tossed in a set of snowflake-shaped lights for good measure. Carlos shook his head, but his heart swelled at the sight of TK’s pure joy. There was something magical about seeing him like this—unguarded, happy, and carefree. It reminded Carlos of why he fell in love with him in the first place.

They turned a corner into another aisle, and TK gasped audibly, stopping so abruptly that Carlos nearly ran the cart into him. “What is it now?” Carlos asked, bemused, as TK pointed upward. Following TK’s gaze, Carlos spotted it—a sprig of mistletoe hanging from the store’s ceiling. 

TK turned to him, his face lighting up with a giddy grin that made him look years younger. “Carlos, do you see that?!” TK asked, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet. His excitement was so infectious that Carlos couldn’t help but laugh, setting the cart aside as he stepped closer. 

“I see it, mi amor,” Carlos said, his voice warm with affection. “You’re adorable, you know that?”

TK’s cheeks flushed, but the grin on his face only grew. “It’s tradition, Carlos. You can’t ignore the mistletoe.” 

Carlos chuckled, his hands gently cupping TK’s face. “I’d never ignore you. I don’t know what I’d do without you, TK.” His voice softened as he leaned in. “I thank my lucky stars every day that your dad took that job in Austin. It brought you into my life, and I’ll never stop being grateful for that.”

TK’s breath hitched, his eyes shimmering with emotion. “You’re such a sap,” he whispered, though his voice was full of affection. 

“You love it,” Carlos teased before leaning in and kissing him softly.

The kiss was unhurried, filled with all the love and gratitude they felt for each other. Around them, the store bustled with activity, but in that moment, they were in their own world. When they finally pulled apart, they were both smiling, their foreheads pressing together. Carlos brushed his thumb over TK’s cheek, marveling at the man who had completely changed his life.

As they continued shopping, TK’s enthusiasm didn’t waver. At one point, he spotted a display of stuffed Christmas animals—reindeer, penguins, polar bears—and practically sprinted over to inspect them. “Carlos, look at this!” TK exclaimed, holding up a plush penguin wearing a Santa hat. “Isn’t he the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?” 

Carlos crossed his arms, his expression fond but teasing. “Are we decorating the loft, or are you planning to adopt every stuffed animal in this store?” 

TK pouted dramatically, clutching the penguin to his chest. “But he belongs to us, Carlos. Look at his little face.” 

Carlos chuckled, stepping closer and tapping TK’s nose. “Fine, but only because I can’t say no to you when you look at me like that.” TK’s pout transformed into a radiant smile, and he hugged the penguin tightly before adding it to the cart.

Carlos couldn’t stop watching TK as they moved through the aisles. Every laugh, every sparkle of excitement in his eyes, every little quirk that made him who he was—it all filled Carlos with a profound sense of gratitude. He found himself thinking about the night they met, how he had mustered up the courage to ask TK to line dance despite his nerves. If he hadn’t, he might never have known this joy, this love. And God, was he thankful he took that chance.

The final moment of the trip came when they reached the checkout line. TK noticed a small display of candy canes by the register and grabbed a handful, placing them on the conveyor belt with a proud smile. “What are those for?” Carlos asked, raising an eyebrow. 

TK shrugged. “To hang on the tree, obviously. And maybe to eat if we run out of cookies.”

Carlos shook his head, laughing softly. “You’re impossible.” 

TK leaned in, brushing a kiss to Carlos’ cheek. “You love me anyway,” he said with a wink. 

Carlos smiled, pulling TK close and resting his chin on top of his head. “More than anything,” he murmured, his voice full of quiet truth.

That night, as they unpacked their haul and began decorating the loft, Carlos couldn’t help but pause to admire TK. His husband was standing on a step stool, attempting to drape lights along the top of the bookshelf, his tongue sticking out in concentration. The sight was both endearing and hilarious. “Need help?” Carlos called, his tone amused. 

TK turned, nearly losing his balance in the process. “Nope, I’ve got it!” he insisted, though the precarious way he was wobbling told a different story. Carlos stepped forward, steadying the stool with one hand and TK’s waist with the other. 

“If you fall, we’re spending Christmas in the ER,” Carlos teased. 

TK rolled his eyes but smiled down at him. “I’m fine, Officer Protective.”

Carlos smirked, squeezing TK’s side playfully. “I’m just making sure my favorite person survives the holidays.” 

TK’s cheeks flushed as he climbed down, and he pressed a quick kiss to Carlos’ lips. “You’re sappy and overprotective,” TK said, shaking his head. “And I love you for it.”

As they finished decorating, they stood back to admire their work. The loft sparkled with lights, ornaments, and garlands, and the tree stood proudly in the corner, topped with a shining star. TK sighed contentedly, leaning into Carlos’ side. “It’s perfect,” he said softly. 

Carlos wrapped an arm around him, pulling him close. “It is. You are.” 

TK tilted his head up to look at Carlos, his expression tender. “How did I get so lucky?” he asked. 

Carlos smiled, brushing a kiss to his forehead. “I ask myself that every day.”