Page 60 of The Lonely Hearts Guide

Eventually, Honey closed her eyes and fell asleep, and when she did, color returned to Elliot’s belly, tucking her away like a cozy blanket.

Alexander wasn’t sure how Elliot’s skin morphed into a window to the womb, but seeing little Honey inside him made everything real. Granted, it was already real, but seeing an actual child smiling back at them felt like being pummeled with truth and expectation. A father. Alexander was going to be a father. A little life was going to be placed into his hands, and he needed to keep that life safe. To ensure Honey flourished in their home. The sense of intimidation over his role in her life was unmistakable, but when their little girl smiled widely and brightly at them, it lit a fire under Alexander’s feet, launching him into action.

As they walked toward the general store, Elliot’s hand in his, Professor Plum resting on Alexander’s shoulder, Alexander was talking a mile a minute, unable to contain his excitement. “We’ll get her the best crib we can find. And she’ll need toys and onesies and diapers.” Alexander paused, taking a deep breath as he took in the moment. “I think we’ll have to order most of it online, but there will probably be some good finds in the general store.”

Alexander held the door open for Elliot, hoping Duck and Goose were working that morning. It had been ages since they spent any real time together. Truthfully, they were his closest friends and he wanted to share his new life with them. He wanted them to be a part of that life. Friends. Uncles, actually, considering they were both Elliot’s brothers.

There was no one at the counter, so whoever was on shift must have snuck into the employee restroom. Taking a cart from the corral, Alexander whirled it around on its wheels, surprised to see Elliot staring at it like it was the most fascinating thing in the world.

“What is that?”

“It’s a shopping cart. Well, some people call it a buggy.”

His eyebrows furrowed. “Why?”

Alexander shrugged. “I’m not really sure. I guess because carts and buggies used to carry people—”

Elliot groaned, and the sight of him with his hands fisted at his sides in frustration was the most adorable thing Alexander had ever witnessed. “I understand the concept of carts and buggies,” he huffed with a chuckle. “I just mean, what is its purpose here?”

Alexander arched an eyebrow. “Have you never been to the store before?”

Elliot shook his head. “Jared didn’t want me away from him. He was scared I would take a lover.”

Alexander waggled his eyebrows ridiculously. “One might say you already have.” Elliot cocked his head to the side, seemingly confused. “I mean me. I’m the lover.”

Elliot mouthed the word, “Ahh,” before turning his attention back to the cart. “Yes, well, that’s certainly true, but I’m still not sure what the purpose of this is. He wouldn’t allow me to leave the house without him. Especially not after the night I missed my ferry.” He looked down, but he couldn’t hide the shades of blue light flickering in his eyes.

“I’m sorry, Elliot,” Alexander whispered. “That morning, I knew something was wrong. I knew I shouldn’t have let you go.”

Elliot shook his head. “I’m glad you did. While I hate we lost so much time together, I’m happy. We’re having a baby. We’re starting a family. I’ve wanted to be a part of a family for so long.” Sniffling, he steeled his face, hiding his emotions away like he’d simply painted over the emotional blemishes with makeup. “Stop deflecting and answer the question, please. The cart. What is its purpose?”

“You put whatever you want to buy inside, then you take it to the register.” He pointed at the still-unmanned checkout counter. “Right there.”

Elliot took a step back and eyed the cart. “And the little compartment at the front?” He pointed at the children’s seat.

“You can put kids here. There’s even a seatbelt.”

Elliot glanced down at it like he was studying it for minor imperfections. “Once Honey is born, I would like you to place me in the spacious back section of this shopping cart, and I would like you to wheel me around the general store at a rapid speed.” Elliot nodded at the cart. “If you wouldn’t mind.”

“I think that can be arranged.”

Elliot approached the cart and sneered at it. “You heard him. You and I have a date with destiny. Don’t be late.”

Alexander couldn’t contain himself. Seeing Elliot finally let go—watching the man he loved come alive—felt like he was witnessing the birth of sorts. A new man was taking form before him, and that man was silly and ridiculous and adorable. He was everything Alexander had ever hoped for. Unable to control his actions, Alexander bridged the distance between them, picking Elliot up in his arms, cradling him like a newborn.

Elliot stared up at him, awestruck. “You’re very strong, Alexander Davenport.”

Alexander’s smile widened. “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

When their lips met, the rest of the world faded away. The kiss went on for days and hours and months, tongues twirling, hearts racing like mad. Elliot was the one to break the kiss, and when he did, his cheeks were scarlet.

“I have an erection,” he whispered. Looking around the store, he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw they were still the only two there.

“I want to do things to that erection.”

Elliot trembled. “Alexander.” His voice was a whine. A long, high-pitched sound that sent a chill down Alexander’s spine. Once he placed Elliot’s feet on the floor, they both stared at the tent in his shorts.

“Fuck,” Alexander mumbled

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