Tears spill down my face.
“I don’t want a future that doesn’t have you in it. I don’t want a life where I don’t get to wake up next to you, build with you, grow old with you.”
He swallows.
“Will you take my last name? Will you marry me and let me spend forever proving that you are chosen every single day?”
My hands are shaking.
“Yes!” I scream before he can even finish. “Yes!”
The room erupts with cheers, applause, and whistles.
He slides the ring onto my finger and stands just in time for me to throw myself into him. I kiss him senseless—laughing and crying all at once.
When I finally pull back and look around. I’m left with one last question.
“Why here?” I ask breathlessly.
He smiles.
“Because this building,” he says softly, “is yours.”
I blink. “What?”
“We had it built,” he explains. “A safe living apartment building. So that those transitioning can have a safe place to do so. For those in the trans community who need protection and stability.”
My chest tightens.
“In Lena’s name,” he adds gently. “Lena had an insurance policy and a savings. She told me to put every dime towards making your dream come true.”
I completely lose it. Sobbing unashamedly in front of everyone who loves me.
“You built this… for me?”
“We all did. The whole family invested in your dream,” he corrects. “And for Lena.”
I look around again. This isn’t just a proposal. My dreams made reality by my chosen family. I’m not only protected. I’m loved. I’m valued.
I wipe my tears and laugh through them.
“It’s called Soleil Sanctuary,” I say softly.
He smiles brightly.
“Between these walls, you can always find sunshine,” I whisper.
I look around the room. The name feels right. Warm. Safe. Light-filled. Everyone applauds again.
Calil kisses my forehead.
“You thought I was leaving you,” he murmurs.
I laugh wetly.
“I called you a fuck boy.”
He leans and whispers into my ear, “I can’t wait to feel you apologizing all over my dick.”
