“Whatever you say, baby.” He nods.
We start walking toward the house again, but a few feet from the steps Benjamin stops once again. His hand is trembling now.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t do it. I know it’s just only like 10 feet and I’m being silly but I really don’t think—”
“Button.” He rips his eyes off of the house and looks at me. I give him a mischievous smile. “Then I’ll just do it. Bastard hated me anyway—it’ll feel nice pissing him off from the grave while I take his shit.”
Benjamin smiles—relaxing just a bit—looking at me with those eyes that sayalright, Aaron—you take care of it. Of me. Fix it.And I do. I bring the pieceof paper with the combination on it and jump over the two steps that lead to the front door. The broken screen door creaks loudly. I put in the combination and the lockbox opens—giving me a set of keys. I turn the handle, make sure it’s locked, and turn right back around.
“Here ya go.” I walk back over—handing Benjamin the keys. He recoils, staring at my hand in disgust. “Actually—maybe I’ll keep them. If the city needs something, I’ll be the one they answer to anyway.” Slowly—a small little grin replaces the panicked frown he had before.
“You’re so hot when you talk like that.” I raise a brow.
“Like what?”
“Like an overbearing husband talking to his dutiful house husband.”
“Am I not?” I’m grabbing him, pulling him against me as he giggles.
“Right now, it’s an overbearingfiancé.” I roll my eyes.
“Once it’s husband, you’re getting spanked.” Benjamin’s grin grows.
“Yeah?”
“Fuckin’ masochist.”
???
Once we’re all seated for Thanksgiving dinner, I realize I never told my parents I proposed a month ago. Oops. Everything was just so hectic—it happened so fast. At least Felix invited them to the actual event.
The family is gathered around and I’m nervously staring between Tina and Greg. Eventually, Mom puts her fork down.
“Little Bird—” she pries gently. “What is it? Do you want to say something?” Damn it, Mother. I clear my throat.
“Yes—actually. It’s a funny story—um—” I look at Benjamin who must be on the same track as I am as he stares back in fear. “I proposed to Benjamin.”
There’s a moment of absolute silence.
“What!?” Mom jumpsfrom her seat—rounding the table to us.
“How is that a funny story?” Dad questions, continuing to eat.
“Oh gosh, Aaron—it’s beautiful. Aw, my little Bear—you look so beautiful.” She’s crying now, kissing his face all over. Benjamin’s laughing, trying to pry her off.
“It’s funny—hah—because I proposed to him last month.”
Another moment of absolute silence. Then— “Ow!” Mom slaps the back of my head.
“Owww!” Benjamin whines—receiving the same slap.
“YOU’VE BEEN ENGAGED FOR A MONTH?!”
“I feel like you’re missing the part where this is a funny story—not an angry one.” Felix laughs at me—unfortunately drawing attention to himself. As he sees Mom’s eyes land on him, he panics.
“Wait—Mom, wa—Ow! Hey—you knew aboutmyengagement, why am I getting slapped?” She glares down at him where he sits.
“When did you learn of Aaron and Bear’s? You don’t seem shocked.” He looks at me—at Kayla—at Benjamin, eyes wide.
