I exchange a smile with Aisen and nod at the camera. “You’re always welcome to visit,” I say. “Just call in advance, please.”
We all chuckle, and Aisen says, “Have a Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad.”
They wave. “Have a Merry Christmas, too,” the couple says in unison. With that over, I breathe a sigh of relief. I have my nephew and my boyfriend, the two best things in my life; I’m truly blessed this holiday.
Aisen and I decide to spend the evening on the beach. Skyler brings towels and sits on the sand while we sea monsters return to our love, the ocean. We swim around in our kraken forms, and he shows me all the juggling tricks he learned in his octopus form as well. It’s our first time swimming together in ages. I always thought I was too busy for fun, but losing my nephew made me reevaluate everything in life. I need to make it a point to let my kraken out more often in public.
When we return home, I let Aisen get washed up before dinner. I happily reheat leftovers, then head back to my bedroom, where I assume my boyfriend is showering. Instead, I find him frozen, staring out at the evening sun, a neutral expression on his face. This gives me pause.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, um…” He fidgets on the bed. “I think I’m gonna go home.”
“Oh, no need. You can borrow my clothes,” I reply with a grin.
“No, I mean, just because.”
He shrugs, and concern blooms in my chest. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” He stands up, but I block the doorway. I know a lie when I hear one, and he’s avoiding my gaze. This won’t do.
“Skyler, please.”
“Look, this has been so fun.” He looks at me and kisses me slowly. Then, he pivots around me and power-walks away. “But goodbye.”
“I thought you were gonna spend the whole weekend?” I ask as I chase after him.
“It’ll be easier if I just go.”
“What’s easier?”
“You know…”
I shift and block him from exiting with my tentacles. “Skyler, talk to me.”
He gazes at me, precious blue eyes behind glasses. “Reed, you have your nephew back. You’re a strapping, successful sea monster single dad again.” He laughs softly and looks down. “You’re too busy for me.”
“Too busy?” I lift up his chin with a tentacle, forcing him to look at me. “Skyler. Look at me.”
He sighs and gazes at me. “I thought I told you: Baby, I want you, family or no family.”
“But before you said you didn’t have time?”
“That was before I kissed you!” We share a laugh. I wrap my tentacles loosely around him, and he gazes at my appendages in interest.
“Now I’m addicted to you, baby. My life is so much better with you in it. I don’t wanna let you go. I want to continue dating you, to keep making this work, and continue to make love,” I lean into his space and kiss him slowly, gently, hoping he feels my promises of the future.
“I’m already falling in love with you, Skyler Dillinger.” I smile against his mouth and hold him closer. “It’s not about being a single dad, or having enough time. It’s about me, wanting to keep seeing you.”
He gasps and pulls back. “Really? You’re…f-f-falling in love?”
“Yeah! I thought you knew.” We both laugh as I hold his shoulders.
He rubs my tentacles and beams at me. “I didn’t think a wealthy monster like you would fall for me.”
“Skyler, you are so much more amazing than you give yourself credit for.” Shifting back to human, I hold my boyfriend close. I rub his arms and pray he knows I mean every word I say. “I can see us getting serious. So yes, I love you.”
He gasps. “I love you, too.”
