Page 193 of Gym Bros
“Don’t worry, angel kitten. I’ll take care of every last grain of it,” he promises.
EPILOGUE
Samuel
My mother’s toast at our wedding reception makes me cry. I’ve long suspected I was her favorite son, but I’m sure of it tonight. While my father looks on from a crowd of people at Calyx and me holding hands to listen to the speeches, I give him a small nod.
His smile trembles at the edges. It’s been a rough few years for him with the divorce and my mom’s new marriage, but it all had to happen for us to get to where we are today. Giving each other the mutual respect and honesty we all deserve.
The only secret we’ll continue to keep is Calyx. Rachel was right all those years ago when she told me it wouldn’t help anyone to know he was casually involved with my father. It hadn’t helped him and me, and it certainly wouldn’t do us any favors now that he’s a permanent fixture in my life—my husband.
It’s my understanding that my father did name names upon her request when he told her about his infidelity, but he left outCalyx’s—atmyrequest. It was the first of many steps he and I both had to take to salvage a relationship with each other, and so we’ve managed. He’s here without a date, cheerfully mingling in the group settings and going off alone on long walks in his downtime.
I joined him for one yesterday and we talked about a lot of things. Marriage and family, traveling, and our futures. It was good. If my mother weren’t so happy, I doubt I’d have been as generous with my forgiveness as I’ve been, but her new husband is awesome.
Apparently he’d been waiting in the wings awhile, pining for her. An old college friend who went through two wives before he realized he wasn’t going to be happy with anyone but my mom.
As soon as the divorce was final, he was stating his intentions, and my mother was shocked. We were on the phone with each other every night for two months while she tried to figure out what to do about him.
I call him Green Flag Greg. There was no question once I saw the two of them together. He’s perfect for her. She was just scared that it was too good to be true, and I get that.
“Sam. I’m so happy for you. You’ve made me so proud, and you finally proved me right after all those years visiting the principal’s office. You really are the sweetest boy. You just have a lot of energy, but you were just busy weren’t you? Looking for where you belonged.”
I pull Calyx in front of me now and put my arms around him. He leans back against my chest, his hand on mine. Our wedding rings connect with a slight clink. His fingers thread through mine.
He smells like jasmine and sea breeze.
My mother lifts her glass as a tear streaks down her face. “To Samuel and Calyx and the home you’ve built together. May itkeep you warm and safe. May it be blessed with all the love you bring to it. May it always be the place you belong.”
Everyone claps as my mom wraps up the final toast, and we all drink a sip of champagne. Calyx and I take turns giving her long, grateful hugs until Green Flag takes her hand and asks her to dance.
We cut the cake. We dance with each other and everyone else. It’s not a huge wedding by any stretch of the imagination. Two dozen friends who made the trip, and my family, including my brothers. Calyx didn’t invite his. Not his biological one anyway. He says everyone he considers family is here. Ryan and Mal. Bailey, Rachel and Pri. Even Marcus. There are a few models he’s remained close with who are also based out of San Francisco. He goes shopping with them a few times a month.
Evan was my best man, and Ryan was Calyx’s. They both did great keeping us on time and throwing two very good parties last night.
All told, the wedding day is the best day of my life. I’ve never felt so much love in one room. I’m on oxytocin overload as I lift Calyx over the threshold to our bungalow and set him down just inside the door. He drags me inside and immediately begins unbuttoning my shirt.
“Hey now, I’m going for a more romantic vibe here,” I say as I let him tug at the fabric.
“What’s not romantic about this?” he asks, entirely focused on each new swath of skin he exposes. “I’m entitled to see my property.”
“Was it a long day without me, angel?”
“Yes. God.”
The wedding was at five, and we didn’t see each other before it, but we’ve been smashed against each other’s sides ever since.
“I made a playlist,” I tell him.
He sighs, letting go of my shirt. “Fine. Let’s hear it.”
“Meet me on the terrace,” I tell him, nodding toward the French doors.
We’ve stayed in the same place each time we’ve come to Hawaii, mainly because the terrace can’t be beat. With it’s enclosed deck and small infinity pool with a view of the ocean, there’s no place in the world I’d rather be, though Calyx thinks that’ll change once I see the place he booked in the Maldives.
I watch him walk outside as I connect my phone to the bluetooth and cue up the playlist. He shrugs his linen shirt off his shoulders, the bright moon making him glow as the water sparkles just beyond him.
I don’t doubt there’s something special underneath his pants. It’s an occasion, and he never fails to dress for an occasion. I’m imagining all kinds of things already. Thigh highs. Lace. Cut outs. A garter, maybe?Garters?
