His eyes widened, and he seemed genuinely touched. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“I know I didn't have to. I wanted to,” I said warmly. “Come on, sit down.”
We sat together, relishing the breakfast and each other’s company. We chatted about little things and laughed. It would be far too easy to get used to starting my days this way.
After we finished eating, I cleared the dishes and spoke up. “I thought we could head over to the farmer's market before we pick up Henry from my mom’s house. Unless you're jonesing to get back to him.”
The mention of his son brought an immediate smile to Michael's face. “Sounds great! It’s still weird not having him talking my ear off this morning. I hope he’s having a good time.”
I kissed Michael’s temple. “I’m sure he’s having a blast.”
We worked together to clean up after breakfast, wanting to make the most of a kid-free morning. We drove with the windows open, letting the fresh air in, as we chatted about which stands we wanted to hit up.
Michael tentatively slipped his hand into mine as we made our way through the bustling crowd. The earthy smell of fresh produce filled my nose, and it felt like a little slice of heaven here amongst everyone enjoying the early summer morning. It hit me as I took in the minute details that Michael wasn’t the only one who needed to slow down and take time for himself.
It felt special being there with him, sharing an intimate moment in this public space without even speaking a word or saying what it was that made this day so meaningful for us both. It wouldn't be long before we'd have to figure out how to come clean with my family, because there was only so long we could avoid running into anyone from Harmony Grove.
On our way home, we stopped for lunch at a local dive bar to refuel before picking up Henry. As soon as we stepped foot inside the bar, it felt like home - lively conversations emanating from all corners of the room while classic rock blasted on the speakers overhead.
We ordered wings and fries with beer on tap and headed back outside to find a picnic table in front where we could sit together and enjoy our meal under the shade of an oak tree overlooking a lake nearby. It was like stepping back in time to before he had Henry, before our friendship had started morphing into something deeper without either of us realizing what was happening.
As we sipped our beers, Henry's little face popped into my head once again-how excited he'd be when we picked him up after a rare overnight and, more than likely, a morning spent playing with the animals. The thought put a smile on my face, and I turned to look at Michael who smiled right back at me.
Eventually, we had to come back to reality. As much fun as it was sharing some grown-up time, Michael was probably missing Henry.
When we reached my parents’ house, my mom greeted us with open arms and a knowing smile.
“Oh, look at you two!” she exclaimed. I narrowed my eyes, praying she wasn’t about to say something stupid, even though it was obvious she’d caught onto something.
We entered the house and saw Henry playing in the living room with Max, my parents’ golden retriever. His giggles were infectious.
“Daddy!” Henry squealed as he ran into Michael’s arms. The sight melted my heart.
After chatting with my mom and letting Henry play a bit more with Max, we thanked her and headed back to Michael’s house.
“I have an idea,” I said as we drove. “Let’s go back to the house for a lazy afternoon for all. We can watch movies, play games, and not think about anything big. How does that sound?”
Michael smiled. “That sounds perfect.”
We spent the afternoon in the living room with Henry building pillow forts and watching movies. We laughed, shared stories, and Michael and I exchanged glances that spoke volumes.
At one point, as Henry was taking a nap, Michael whispered to me, “Thank you, for everything. I honestly don’t know the last time I felt this chill.”
I simply squeezed his hand and whispered back, “Always.”
The day was simple but meaningful. As night descended, I realized that this was just the beginning of our journey together.
9
BILLY
When I pulledup in front of Michael’s house, I could see him through the window, pacing as he talked on the phone. His gestures were animated; he was practically unraveling before my eyes. I knew that work stress was taking its toll on him, and little had the ability to make him twist his fingers through his hair to the point it stuck out at every angle like Mayor Thompson and his bullshit.
As I got closer to the house, the kitchen was bathed in the glow of the evening sun. Through the window of the back door, I spotted Henry drawing at the kitchen table. The sheer concentration on his face was adorable. The vibrancy of the colors on his paper, and the haphazard way his colored pencils were scattered around him, painted a picture of unadulterated joy and creativity.
I felt a swell of gratitude toward Michael for encouraging Henry’s passion. He was a dedicated father, and it showed in the ways he lifted up Henry to be the best little person he could be.
I opened the door to the kitchen and was immediately overwhelmed by the scent of roast in the slow cooker and freshly-cut lilac blossoms from Michael’s garden. It reminded me of so many afternoons when I was younger and we’d hang out at my parents’ house.
