Page 118 of One Night of Bliss

“I want to believe that invisible strings connect us all.” I sweep my gaze over the crowd, then direct my eyes on Ever. I don’t look away when I say my next words. “Through these invisible strings, Carlos brought us together. We’re here today to throw Carlos’s strings into the air, have them soar, and let his influence and passion for bringing people together spread and inspire others to do good by one another and for one another. Everyone, please join me as we open the doors to the International District’s Carlos Sanchez Community Center, where all are welcome.”

The tears flow, and I can’t see jack shit when José hands me a pair of scissors. Ever takes the scissors and my hand. She reaches for José, gesturing for him to stand next to me.

My girl, my woman, she steps up to the mic, and with one word, she robs me of breath and steals my heart forever.

“Together.”

José and I lean into the mic and repeat Ever’s word.

Such an important word.

One I never thought I’d hear in my lifetime of rejection and self-doubt.

The crowd chants, “Together. Together. Together.”

I take José’s hand in mine and Ever’s in the other. We raise our arms in the air and shout, “Together.”

Happy. At peace. I turn, and wrapping her in my arms and lifting her feet off the ground, I kiss her until she melts against my body.

“I love you, Mrs. Bliss.”

“And I love you, Bobby, my husband, my dominant lover, my best friend.” She skims her finger over my scarred brow. “I love you so much.”

Smiling, I murmur on her kissable mouth, “Oorah.”