Epilogue
Three years later...
Reid’s stomach was in knots as he waited for Gabriel to climb out of the shuttle, nervousness and excitement warring inside him. He was so damnedproudof Gabriel for making a second trip, for putting himself through it all despite knowing what the consequences were.
And he’d be there to help. Every step of the way.
He’d promised Gabriel all the hot baths and shoulder massages he could handle, and he intended to make good on that promise.
The fact that Gabriel had stuck by him for so long meant the world to Reid.
His face broke into a grin as he saw Gabriel climbing down the ladder, his movements stiff, his steps careful, his grip tight.
He took two steps on the ground before he lurched forward alarmingly, leaving Reid darting in so he could catch him, propping him up until he regained his balance.
Gabriel panted against Reid’s chest, struggling to catch his breath.
“I hate gravity,” he complained.
Reid chuckled. “You’ll get used to it again,” he murmured, hugging Gabriel close and kissing the top of his head. “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too.” Gabriel snuggled closer. “It’s good to be home. Minus the gravity.”
“You’re gonna love gravity when we get back to the hotel. You’ve been gone three weeks. I’vereallymissed you.”
Reid grinned down at Gabriel, who was blushing all the way into his collar. “I don’t know if I can…”
“We’ll figure it out,” Reid promised. “You think you can stand by yourself?”
Gabriel blinked at him. “Uh, sure, I guess? I like hugging, though.”
“I just need a second,” Reid said, his stomach bottoming out at what he was about to do.
Gabriel straightened up, bracing himself on his own two feet.
Before Reid could lose his nerve, he got down on one knee, looking up at Gabriel.
“I didn’t get a ring ‘cause I figured you wouldn’t wear it, but… I was thinking… I’d really like you to marry me.”
Gabriel stared down at him, swallowing visibly. He opened and closed his mouth a few times, his lips making shapes, but no sound coming out.
Reid’s heart pounded in his chest while he waited for an answer.
He wanted this more than he’d ever wanted anything. He wanted to be with Gabriel for the rest of his life, to be the person who waited for him when he got back from space, to be by his side, always. Forever.
“Are you serious? Or is this, like, a weird post-space travel hallucination?” Gabriel asked.
“I’m serious,” Reid said. “I want this. I wantyou.”
Gabriel’s face broke into a smile, his eyes softening. “Well, I’m not getting any better offers,” he said. “Can’t improve on perfect.”
Reid laughed, springing up to hug Gabriel again, holding him tight.
“I love you,” he murmured into Gabriel’s hair. “And I missed you.”
“I missed you, too,” Gabriel repeated. They probably weren’t going to get over that for a few days, but that was okay. Reid was looking forward to rediscovering Gabriel, inch by inch.
Repeatedly. For the whole week they’d both agreed to take off after Gabriel got back.
