23. Tristan #3
We dance around each other in the small space, our movements fluid and seamless, like we've been doing this together forever. And when Myles wraps his arms around me from behind, pressing a gentle kiss to my neck, I melt into him.
"Y'know," I say softly, leaning back against his solid warmth, "I love your dimple." I reach up, tracing the indentation with my fingertip. Myles chuckles, nuzzling my ear with his nose.
"Is that the only thing?" he teases, making me laugh. "I thought you loved all of me."
"Of course, I do," I assure him, turning to capture his lips in a tender kiss. "But that damn dimple... it's fucking cute."
"Hey now," Myles protests, feigning offense. "Cute isn't exactly what I'm going for here."
"Too bad," I tease, pressing another quick kiss to his lips. "Because you've got cute all over you."
"Fine," he huffs, pretending to be put out. "But you better watch yourself, Tristan. Or I might just have to prove how not-cute I can be."
"Promise?" I ask, grinning cheekily.
"Definitely," he replies, swooping in for one last kiss before returning to our culinary masterpiece.
In that moment, standing side by side in the kitchen, surrounded by laughter and love, I think I've never been happier. And as long as I have Myles by my side, I know there are countless more happy moments to come.
All too soon it was time for Myles to prepare to pick up Nix from school. The scent of chicken Alfredo still lingers in the air. We'd spent the entire day together, but I was already missing him.
"I'll be back soon, okay?" he says.
"Go get our boy." Oh shit, I shouldn't have said that. "I… I didn't mean to—“
"Tristan," he cuts me off softly, but firmly. "You think I don't know you love my son like half his genes were yours? You think my heart didn't melt when he told you that he loved you?"
I'm too overwhelmed by the sincerity of his words to reply.
Myles smiles at me, that dimple appearing once more. My chest tightens with a blend of fear and love and relief. He presses his lips to mine in a sweet, lingering kiss before slipping out the door.
As it clicks shut behind him, the quiet emptiness of my apartment wraps around me like a blanket. The sound of my own breathing fills the silence, and I'm struck by the sudden, all-consuming realization that I don't want to be afraid anymore.
For most of my life, I've believed it was better to avoid love than to love and lose it.
And then Myles—that wonderful man—and I have shared so much in such a short time…
laughter, passion, vulnerability. And I was terrified of losing it all.
But now, instead of being scared, I'm excited by the possibility of a future together with Myles and Nix.
"Forever," I whisper to myself, daring to believe. "I can see forever with Myles."
My heart races as I imagine the life we could build together. Nix would be an integral part of it, of course. He's already captured my heart, and I know I'd do anything to protect him and make him happy.
"Tristan and Myles, Myles and Tristan," I say aloud, testing the way our names blend together. A smile creeps across my face, warming me from within. It feels right, no matter the combination.
My thoughts drift to the holidays, envisioning cozy nights spent together, decorating a tree, and baking cookies for Santa.
"Maybe we'd start our own traditions," I muse.
I can hear Myles's laughter filling our home as Nix squeals with delight during a snowball fight or as we all snuggle together on the couch, watching cheesy holiday movies.
I chuckle as I envision us sending out Christmas cards to our family and friends with one of those kitschy holiday photos where Myles is dressed as Santa and Nix and I are his trusty elves.
Then, completely unbidden, an image of Myles dressed as a sexy firefighter Santa fills my mind, and suddenly I’m not laughing anymore.
My mind has taken a sharp left turn from the wholesome to the X-rated.
I imagine him trussed up in my firefighter gear—Myles shirtless, wearing the suspenders and pants (open, of course) from my gear, helmet atop his head, holding a strategically-placed Christmas gift over his own um…
gear. Wow! That definitely took a turn… one I plan to explore later with my gorgeous boyfriend.
My boyfriend. My boyfriend. I’ll never get tired of saying that.
I can’t help hoping one day I’ll be able to call him something more…
like fiancé or husband. And I’ll officially adopt the little man.
My heart swells with love for these two people who have quickly become my world. The fear of losing them remains, but it's tempered by the hope and joy they bring into my life.
"Forever," I repeat, more certain now than ever before. "I can see forever with him… with them."
With each passing moment spent in the comforting silence of my apartment, I grow more confident in our future together. It won't always be easy, but love—true, deep, soul-stirring love—is worth fighting for.
And as I stand here, surrounded by the echoes of our laughter and the warmth of our passion, I know I'll fight for Myles and Nix with everything I have. Because they are my forever.