“We’ll help weed this weekend,” Vanian offers.
“Good. It’s almost the end of the season. I have to prepare the beds for winter.”
“See you soon. We’re just going home to change.”
“See you soon.” She winks at Vanian again, then walks away.
“Is she up to something?” I ask.
“What do you mean?”
“She winked at you.”
“She does that every time I see her.” He chuckles. “I always feel like I have a secret with her that only she knows about.”
“That checks out.”
We hurry back to the house, and after a quick shower and shared hand jobs, we dress for dinner. I honestly can’t believe this is my life sometimes. Gone are the long, stressful hours at the hospital, the lonely nights and sporadic hookups that left me more empty than satisfied.
Now I spend every day with the man who has always been my best friend. Even the years we drifted apart didn’t fray our bond at all. We took it to the next level, and I’ve never been happier.
As we step outside again, I inhale the early autumn air. It’s still pretty warm, and the sun is shining. I love this time of year.
By the time we reach the house, there are several cars there—one I recognize as Giuliano’s and one I don’t recognize at all. We enter the house already buzzing with voices, and my chest swells with happiness and pride that I get to be part of this amazing family.
In the dining room, everyone busies themselves setting the table and the food out. I’m handed a pitcher of water while Vanian takes a bread basket. As I set the water down, Brogan bounces over to Vanian and the two of them whisper together for a moment. No clue what that’s about.
We settle at the table, and I finally notice the new face at the table next to Brogan.
“Everyone,” Brogan says, “this is my friend, Aspen, he/him. Aspen, the whole crew.”
Aspen smiles and waves at everyone. “Thanks for having me.”
The way Aspen’s gaze settles on my cousin definitely goes deeper than friendship. I hope it’s finally Brogan’s turn for love. They have such a huge heart.
We dig into the food, and while I enjoy the many conversations around the table, I take a moment to just appreciate it all.
A few minutes in, Vanian taps his knife on his water glass. I turn to him, raising my eyebrows in confusion as everyone quiets down.
“Thanks.” Vanian winks at me. “I wasn’t gonna make a big deal of this, but I realized I wouldn’t get a word in edgewise unless I did.”
Everyone chuckles.
“Thanks, Brogan, for letting me take a little bit of your special night.”
“My pleasure.”
“What’s going on?” I ask.
Vanian doesn’t answer me, but instead, he wraps my hand in his, holding mine on the table where everyone can see.
“I’m sure it’s no secret to anyone paying attention that Nantes and I are close. Even more than we were as kids.”
My chest tightens. What is he doing?
“Don’t worry,” he whispers to me before turning back to my family. “I’m grateful for all of you. You’ve always treated me like one of your own.”
“Because you are,” Nonna says sweetly.
