[hockeypreg2]

One year after Noah was born, Zach got nominated for an Oscar for Solar, the movie he had been filming when he had met Caleb. At that point, he'd had Caleb on his arm for the Emmys and Golden Globes but the Oscars were another thing entirely. He wanted to drape Caleb in diamonds for that and he had a particular diamond ready for the occasion.

He had been ready to marry Caleb for ages now but Caleb had wanted to finish school first. He had just graduated in December and though he didn't have a job lined up, had passed his state license to practice as an RN in California. It turned out Zach really loved having his family with him when he traveled for work - the complete opposite of what he had expected - and Caleb, Noah, and Leo were joining him when possible. They were heading to Spain next month - Leo included - to film a sequel to an action movie Zach had done a few years ago.

So now was a good time. And he was going to get his son to help. He had the enormous ring tied to Noah's pacifier and they were all playing in the backyard. He sent Noah toddling over to Caleb, pacifier in his mouth and ring dangling from it, glinting in the sunlight.

"Daddy," Noah said with a cheeky smile. He took out the pacifier, wet and drooled on, and gave it to Caleb.