21. Epilogue
Friday (Saturday) Night Dinner
Jaxon
It seems fitting that tonight is a night that Spencer shuts down Dragonfly Books and Cafe for our weekly dinner. We don't hold dinner here often, but occasionally he closes the place down and we all take up residence in our usual spots on the couches. And tonight there is an extra sense of family in the air.
The couch dips beside me and Dom nudges my shoulder.
“You know, if you take a picture it will last longer.”
I turn and gawk at him, “How old are you? ”
“The same age as you but I’m not the one staring at a boy like some lovesick teenager.”
I turn my gaze back on Alex who is sitting over in the bookstore with Spencer and Chester who is soaking up all the attention. Spencer even got him a fluffy dog bed to lay in when he's here. I swear the animals in the group are more spoiled than the humans.
“Why is Chester wearing a sweater like some 60 pound pocket dog?” Dom asks.
“Listen, he was cold! He's getting older and could use the extra warmth. And why are you giving me shit? I saw the dog bed that got delivered today.”
“Well, when you two go on your honeymoon, Chester needs a place to sleep when he comes to stay with uncle Dom.”
I roll my eyes, “Alex is just moving in with me, slow your roll.”
“I got 20 bucks that says they are engaged within the month,” Beckett says, plopping his butt down in the sofa chair.
“Technically they are already engaged,” Finn says, from the opposite couch where Jules is perched on Mira’s lap.
“We are not. It was fake!”
“But was it?” Finn asks, “Do we have any proof that it was? Because technically, in the eyes of Mr. Withermore you are.”
“Okay, so that is one small detail that will have to be ironed out, especially now that Mr. Withermore is funding House of Arrows 2.”
Excitement flashes in Beckett’s eyes, “Does this mean you know who the evil boss man is?”
A pair of arms wrap around my neck from behind.
“Nope, you have to wait to find out with the rest of the world,” Alex says, kissing my cheek.
“That's not fair,” Beckett whines.
Alex laughs and moves away, but not before I wrap my hand around his neck, pulling him down for a deep kiss.
The bell over the front door jingles as Jasper strides through with Olly behind him.
“I’m just saying, Jasper, if you would lay off the caffeine maybe you would sleep better. ”
Jasper does an eye roll accompanied by a groan that can be heard all the way over here before turning about face.
“Olly, can you just stop! Please,” he says, his hands up in the air in surrender.
Olly's shoulders slump, “I just… I’m sorry,” he says quietly and turns to head into the bookstore, where he sits down on the floor and softly pets Chester.
Jasper hangs his head with a “Fuck.”
Alex squeezes my shoulder before he walks over to the bookstore, sitting next to Olly.
Jasper moves to sit on the couch next to me.
“Are you doing alright?” I ask.
“Yeah, I’m fine, but can we please not talk about this all night? I’m just…” he says trailing off.
I give his leg a squeeze, “Yeah man, I know. But when you are ready to talk about it, we are here for you.”
“Good thing you're right on time, we were just talking about how Alex and Jaxon are going to have babies soon.” Mira winks at Jasper, who gives a small smile in appreciation.
“You are all ridiculous, he's just moving in. Besides, if anyone is going to have babies it would be Finn and Spencer.”
Finn coughs like he's choking on imaginary air. “What?” He scoffs, as he fidgets with the hem of his jeans. “We are not going to have a baby. I mean, why would you think that?” He looks up at no one. “What's that, sweetheart? Oh you need me to…umm… reach that bag of napkins for you?” he says, getting up and walking away. We all look around to see who in the fuck he's talking to because Spencer is still with our little belly rub whore of a dog.
My eyes catch on Alex, his whole face lit up with a smile as he peppers Chester with kisses. When he turns and looks my way, his smile radiates through me, bigger than before. My whole world lights up from his glow and I smile right back at him, shaking my head. God, why did it take me so long to see him? He deserves to have that smile on his face every fucking day, and I vow to be the one to put it there .
Alex
“Are you okay?” I ask Olly,
“Pfft, yeah I’m fine.” His rarely misty eyes tell me he's lying. “I’m not really in the mood to talk about it. I just want to enjoy my night with my friends.” Spencer raises an eyebrow at him, “Sorry, family.” Spencer nods and I chuckle but still nod my head right along with him.
“If you ever want to talk about it, just know we are here,” I say, flipping my hand back and forth between Spencer and I.
“I know, and thank you,” he says quickly, wiping a tear. “Now, can we discuss the fact that you finally brought Chester home?”
“Ummm, can we maybe discuss the fact that the whole town knew and you all never said a freaking word?”
“Hey, we were trying to be respectful. I figured if you wanted us to know you would have said something. But Alex, why did you keep it a secret? You could have at least told us you own part of the shelter. That's big news.”
I sigh, “I don't know, in the beginning it was something I started doing when I was sad and everyone was busy with their lives. You had a lot going on with your mom. And I didn't feel right bringing my problems to you when you were already dealing with so much. Then it sort of developed into something bigger.” I lean down and give Chester a kiss before continuing. “When I bought into the shelter, I did it for Marge. Not wanting to spread the shelter's money problems all over town, I just kept it between us.”
With the strength of an old dog, who is still laying on his throne, Spencer tackles me with a hug.
“Oh Alex, I think what you are doing is wonderful. I’m so proud of who you have become. You are nothing like your parents and everything like your grandmother.”
“You know,” Olly pipes in, “Sometimes when people have money, they spend it on frivolous things. They stick their noses in the air and do nothing to better the world around them. You did the exact opposite, you still live a normal life and you choose to use your money for good. ”
My cheeks redden. All this talk is making me feel shy. I don't like attention on me. I’m the sit on your ass and play video games all day guy. Remember?
“Thanks guys.”
“And Alex…” Spencer says, grabbing my hand. “You will never be a burden to me. I don't want to be here just for the good, I want to be here for the bad stuff too.”
I nod my head, emotion stuck in my throat.
“And…” Olly says, “Look at all these people you have. You will always be far from alone.”
I look around me, a smile staking its claim on my face as I see Dragonfly filled with all my friends. My eyes catch on Jaxon and my stomach swoops. I don't know how my smile can get any wider, but it does. I choke back the tears that have been sitting on the edge all night. I love him and he's mine. Somehow I ended up with a life I could never let myself even dream of.
“Psst… Psst… Alex,” Finn says from behind one of the book stacks. “I think that scary dude in the back is ready. I contemplated taking away all the sharp knives but I figured he needed them to cook.”
I laugh, “Okay, thanks.”
“Ummm, sweetheart…” Spencer says, “Why are you hiding in the stacks?”
“I just panicked, okay?”
We all shake our heads in confusion, or so I think until I look at Spencer, his eyes wide. I don't know what those two have going on but if it's some kind of sex in the stacks thing, I don't want to be here to see it.
I stand up and give a loud whistle. “It's time to eat, everyone at the table, please.”
Jaxon walks over to me. “Damn baby, I didn't know you could do that?”
I give a little wink, “It's all in the tongue.”
“Oh really,” he says, lacing his arms around my waist, pulling me close. “Do you think you could show me what else your tongue can do?”
I stand up on tippy toes, my lips close to his ear, “This time you will be the one screaming uncle.” I hear him whimper as I walk away with a chuckle .
Once everyone is gathered around the table I stand up from my seat next to Jaxon and clear my throat. “When I asked Spencer if I could be in charge of this week's dinner he laughed, and then when he realized I was serious he cried.”
“I could see wh…”
“Casserole debacle of 2022,” I say, cutting off Jaxon and narrowing my eyes. I can't hold the angry face very long because it’s 100 percent valid.
“Anyways,” turning my attention back to the group. “You have all been there for me these last couple months. Driving me places when I needed a ride, putting together a desk,” I nod at Mira. “Picking up more dog supplies than any one animal should have.” Dom bristles, and my chest fills with gratitude for the big man. Even if he could snap me like a twig.
“Jaxon,” I turn to him, “You have given me the greatest gift of all. A roof over my head and healing in my heart. Thank you for seeing me at just the right moment, right when I needed you. Now it's my turn to do something for you.”
I motion my hand to the kitchen door, “Ladies and Gentlemen, tonight's meal has been prepared by Chef Marco Davis.”
The kitchen door swings open and out walks Chef Marco Davis, carrying a plate of fried chicken.
“You didn't,” Jaxon says, “How?” Chef Marco sets a plate down in front of Jaxon. He looks up at him, jaw slack with freaking heart eyes.
“Sir it's an honor to be in the presence of greatness. I will savor every last bite.” Jaxon tries to grab for his arm. I have to hand it to the man. He's still displaying a friendly smile even as he wrestles his arm away from Jaxon, slowly starting his retreat back to the kitchen.
“Um, Chef Marco, it is an honor to meet you. I’m Beckett.”
“Ahhh, yes, Chef Beckett. I would say the honor is all mine. Your kitchen is beautiful, and a joy to work in. Thank you for lending it to me for the night.”
Beckett waves his hand like it's no big deal. “Anytime.”
“Would you like to help me bring out the rest of the plates?”
“Yes,” he says, faster than Chef Marco can even get the words out.
Dom lets out a not so subtle growl. Well, now, that's interesting. I’ll just pocket that little nugget away for a rainy day.
“Also,” I stand back up, “before I forget. If you know anyone who is selling a car can you please let me know?”
All the mouths drop, and I roll my eyes. “Yes, I’m getting rid of Trixie. It's time.”
Jaxon pulls me down into his lap. “Baby, are you sure?”
I place a soft kiss on his lips. “Yes, it's time.”
“I’m sorry, I know what that car means to you.”
“She does mean a lot to me. She represents the first love I ever had in my life.” I nuzzle into his neck. “But I think she was just a placeholder for you.”
It was always supposed to be Jaxon.
THE END