Page 47 of In the Middle of No(ah)where
"I've been thinking," I begin, my voice barely above a whisper, "about us.About the future." The silence that follows isn't awkward but comfortable, filled with the unspoken understanding that lies between us. I glance at Noah, illuminated by the string lights.
Noah's gaze meets mine, his eyes reflecting unspoken questions. He nods a silent invitation to continue.
"I know it may seem soon," I continue, "but I...I feel like we're building something real here, something special.Something I want to nurture and grow."
I take a deep breath.
Noah squeezes my hand, a sign of affection and support. Encouragement to continue. "I feel the same way," Noah says softly, his voice husky with emotion. "This isn't just a fling, Marcus. This feels…different.Always has. Like it's meant to be."
"I want to make plans," I tell him, my voice filled with confidence.How his Daddy should sound. "Real plans.About living together."I pause, letting the words sink in. Suddenly, Iwonder if it's too soon. The idea was once a distant fantasy, but now it feels tangible.
Noah's smile is radiant, brighter than the Christmas lights around us. "I'd like that." His voice brimming with joy. "More than anything, Daddy."
We continue walking but bypass the last few vendor booths.
"I never thought I'd find you again," I whisper, voice thick with emotion.
"And I never thought I'd see you again, either," Noah replies, his voice equally choked with emotion."You're everything I've ever wanted and more. Someone who understands me, who accepts me, who loves me unconditionally."
I pull him into my arms, shopping bags and all, and kiss him passionately.
As we drive home, soon to be our home, beneath a sky dusted with snowflakes, I feel an overwhelming sense of calm. The future, like this road, stretches out before us.
Our love story is still in its early chapters but already filled with love, laughter, and warmth. It's a love story that hasn't been a fairytale, but it has surpassed all expectations.The future may be unknown, but with Noah by my side, I'm ready to face whatever comes our way. Hand in hand, hearts intertwined, prepared to embrace the possibilities that lay ahead.
The future is ours to create. Together.
Epilogue
(Three Years Later)
Noah
Classes are finished, and I’m officially done with my associate of Science in Astronomy. There isn’t much I can do with that degree, but I wanted to learn about something I’m interested in. Once I got through that first semester, I began to enjoy school. Marcus continued to ground me before my exams even when I didn’t need it. Who was I to deny him this ass? Learning about the evolution of the solar system was probably the most fascinating thing I learned, aside from the multitude of galaxies. Marcus even set up the second bedroom in our house as a game room with a space theme–shelves display my Lego creations, stacks of our favorite books, and a painted solar system mural on one wall. We spend a lot of time in there as it feels like our own little escape whether I’m in a big headspace or a middle one.
During my time earning my degree, we discovered a balance between work, studying, personal time, and nurturing our relationship. We found joy in the small things: exploring new restaurants in neighboring towns, cute boutiques, and even a vintage bookshop with a nice selection of fantasy books. Marcus even discovered a park not far from our house that is perfect for stargazing with the telescope he bought me for our first Christmas together.
These small moments of quiet intimacy and shared experiences became the threads that wove the fabric of our lives together.
Stepping into the kitchen after showering and getting dressed, Marcus treats me with a healthy-ish breakfast.
“There’s my graduate,” he says, leaning in to give me a morning kiss.
“Good morning, Daddy. Something smells wonderful,” I tell him as I step over to the fridge to pull out the orange juice.
“Ready for your big day?” He asks with a grin.
“I think you’re more excited than I am.” I take a sip of the sweet juice from the carton. Marcus clears his throat.
“Noah. Glass.” He points to the cabinet with the spatula in his hand, and I roll my eyes. I give Marcus a kiss on the cheek, and I pull a cup down and pour my juice. “You know I’m the main character today. You didn’t even show up to the auditions,” I quit, letting out a little of my bratty side.
“When were the auditions?” He sasses back, not skipping a beat. My mouth hangs open in shock. Marcus laughs.
Sitting here eating breakfast, I think back to a few years ago when I graduated from high school. How both mornings started with breakfast, but the mood of the day seems lighter now.
The day is bittersweet.
As the graduation ceremony approaches, it marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. A new chapter filled with endless possibilities. Future plans no longer feel suffocating like they did years ago. Instead, my life map is charted and ready for Marcus and me to embark on this new journey together.
