“George?”
“The reporter Debbie introduced me to so I could make a statement. And before you ask, I agreed to it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still scared shitless that people are going to have a lot of negative things to say. I’m still worried they’re going to hurt you, and I’m gonna attack them like a honey badger. But I decided I can’t live with my walls up forever. I don’t want you to have to either. And I thought about Cedar, from the hospital, and all the other kids like him. Like me. Likeus. And how they deserve to know what’s possible.” I shrugged sheepishly. “Anyway, George is really nice. He’s, um, giving me edit power over the story. He said it’s too important that I have my own say, and he doesn’t wanna put words in my mouth, which is pretty awesome. I think you’ll like him. I mean,” I disclaimered quickly, “if you choose to be part of the story. Which, uh, I guess I kinda drafted you into, but you don’t have to if you—”
“I’m with you, Jay,” he interrupted softly. “Always. I told you that.”
I nodded. I’d known that. I’dtrustedthat. And it meant everything to know I could.
“Uh. Also, George saidPride Magazinewould pay me a hundred thousand dollars for my story.”
“Whoa. They do that?”
“Apparently the money flows differently when you agree to an exclusive interview and don’t have a photographer catching you unaware at a club,” I said with an eye roll. “Anyway, I’m gonna create a charity with the money. Kick some money over to Dr. Dave in Wyoming, since he’s probably going to be my brother-in-law eventually. And maybe start something to help uninsured and underinsured young people get the care they deserve, too. You might say that’s relevant to my interests.” I looked up at him flirtatiously. “I just wish I had a partner who was reallythoroughand responsible who could help me out with that.”
“You already have one,” he assured me. “In everything. You and me, partners in crime. Saving the world from all manner of birds.”
The fact that he remembered the offer I’d made him the other day at Mitchell’s almost word for word made me sigh. “I love you, Rafe. In case that wasn’t obvious.”
Rafe took my face in both his hands and kissed me like I was the most precious thing in his world. “I will never not want to hear it.” He ran his thumbs over my cheekbones and lowered his lips toward mine again. “And I’m glad we’re a team ag—”
“Kiss him, Goodman!” a teasing voice called from way too close by. “Kiss him good! Put some phalluses back into this Extravaganza!”
I heard Beale’s deep, amused chuckle as he pulled his boyfriend away.
“That was Toby,” Rafe began, and then his lips parted in shock. “Oh, fuck. I think there might be one more secret I was accidentally, incidentally keeping…”
“You mean the fact that Beale’s boyfriend was the guy from the paparazzi photos? That somehow the two guys in that picture ended up in the same place, ofallllllthe places in the known universe, and dating brothers to boot?”
“Yeah, that,” Rafe said. “I, uh, take it you two met?”
“Lorenna McKetcham was delighted to introduce us,” I confirmed. “And you know something? I was not as surprised as I’d’ve thought I would be.” I laughed out loud. “Nothingabout this island surprises me much anymore. It’s pure magic, and you just have to go along with it. Though, just FYI, if Lorenna suggests that Toby and I do an act together for the Christmas talent pageant…”
“An act toge— Oh, fuck, no!” Rafe said, shuddering. He started to pull away, but I wouldn’t let him. I clung to him instead and kissed him while I laughed.
“Are yousureyou want this?” he asked in a whisper sometime later. “These ridiculous people? This particular place? ’Cause I’ve heard amazing things about Vegas. We could have waffles daily.”
I laughed. “You meanpancakes, and no. Thisisthe dream, babe. I don’t want a million fans singing along to my songs—I just want one guy who listens to my music and knows the truth behind it. A guy who knows I can’t drive for shit and understands my metabolism is not to be trifled with. A man who loves me and wants me to love him back.”
“All that in one guy?” Rafe whistled. “That’s a tall order.”
“Is it?”
“Mmm. As far as I know, there’s only one man who can do the job the way you deserve. But… I’m thinking he’s gonna need a promotion, Rollins.Maybe possiblyto husband.”
I threw my head back and laughed, staring up at the stars and loving the man in my arms so much I felt drunk on it. “Consider it done.”
Epilogue
Jay
(Almost one year later)
“Falling in love’s not falling behind
When the man I want to be
Is in the mirror staring back at me.
And ‘enough’s enough’ is more than enough
