Axel’s hand finds mine. “I don’t know what to say. That’s an incredibly generous offer.”
“Just say yes.”
“I’ve been worried about what’s next for Rick, and it’s great to have some options. He’s not sure he wants to go back to school, but he doesn’t know what else he wants to do. I don’t want him hanging around the house aimlessly. You know, idle hands and all that.”
“Well, he certainly wouldn’t be idle if he was here. There’s always so much to do. Hell, he might not even want to hang around.”
Axel snorts a laugh. “I think it could be really good for him, being here with you and the family. Having a sense of purpose, of belonging. The more I think about it, the more it feels like the perfect solution.”
“It’s not entirely selfless,” I say. “I think it could be good for the farm, having an extra set of hands around, take some of the load off John and me. Plus, it’s nice having company. He can continue to stay in the spare bedroom at the cottage. What do you think?”
“I think it’s a brilliant idea.”
I grin. “Then it’s settled. We’ll talk to him about it tonight, see what he thinks.”
Axel smiles, a soft smile that makes my heart skip a beat. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank me. This is what you do for the people you care about, for the ones who matter most.”
He leans in, pressing a kiss to my lips. “Thank you,” he whispers against my mouth. “For being so wonderful, so understanding. For being so willing to help my family.”
“I’m just doing what feels right. And having you here, you and Rick… it’s been amazing.” The words tumble out before I can stop them, my heart taking control. “I wish you could stay longer.”
His hand tightens around mine. “I wish I could stay longer too. Being here with you has been a dream come true.” He sighs, a hint of sadness creeping into his voice. “But I have to go back. There’s a new album, stuff to short out with my support band, and the shit storm with rearranging the tour…”
“I know. Axel, your music, your career… it’s a huge part of who you are and I want you to know that I support you, no matter what. I’ll be here, cheering you on every step of the way. And if Rick stays here, I’ll keep an eye on him so you have one less thing to worry about.”
His eyes meet mine, a depth of emotion swirling within them. “Knowing I have your support… it means everything to me. Listen…” He takes a deep breath. “I know this might sound crazy, but the time we’ve spent together, the bond we share, it’s… God, I don’t know. It’s unlike anything I’ve experienced before. I know we haven’t known each other long, but I think we have something really special.”
My heart races at his words. “I feel the same way.”
He reaches up, his hand gently cupping my cheek, his thumb brushing against my skin. “I don’t want this to end, Kyle. I don’t want to lose what we have. I know it won’t be easy, with the distance and the demands of our lives, but… I know it’s a lot to ask… but would you be willing to try a long-distance relationship? To see where things go?”
My breath catches in my throat. “I’m willing to make it work, no matter the distance. I want to be with you. I believe in us.”
A smile spreads across his face. “Fuck that makes me happy. I have no idea how it will work but I’ll make sure it does. I’ll come and see you whenever I can. Maybe you can visit me in the city, come to a couple of shows.”
Laughter bubbles up at his enthusiasm. “God knows what the future holds, but we’ll figure it out.”
Axel leans in for another kiss and I kiss him back. It’s a kiss filled with hope and the promise of love.
We stay like that for a long moment, lost in each other, in the perfect rightness of this moment. The future may be uncertain, but my feelings aren’t.
“We should head back,” I murmur at last. “Before they send out a search party.”
Axel chuckles softly. “Probably wise,” he says, standing and offering his hand. “Though I could stay here with you forever.”
I grab hold, his fingers lacing through mine as I rise to my feet. “Forever sounds pretty perfect to me.”
As we walk back to the house, it feels so right to have him beside me.
“What are you thinking about?” he asks, catching me staring.
“Just…how happy I am,” I admit. “How lucky I feel to have you in my life.”
Axel stops, turning to face me. “I’m the lucky one,” he says softly. “You’ve given me so much. Made me see things in a new light. Shared your home and family.”
“It’s only the beginning. We’ll make it work,” I say as I reach out and tuck a flyaway strand of hair behind his ear. “No matter what it takes.”
