Epilogue
TRISTAN
The season has rolled around once more, and I'm surrounded by love.
Last year—a far cry from this all-encompassing warmth—I'd settled into a cold bed, alone.
Sleep had held me firmly in its grasp until the shrill alarm next door had shattered the silence.
Who could have guessed that such a jarring moment would mark the start of my life's greatest adventure?
Meeting Myles and Nix, two beautiful souls who now hold my heart.
Who are my family.
My. Family.
I never thought I'd be able to have one, or even want it. But now that I’ve let go of my fears, it feels like the most natural thing in the world.
As I watch my family, a feeling of belonging envelopes me like a soft, familiar blanket. How could I have ever doubted fate's plan?
Thinking back on this incredible journey, it’s amazing how far Myles and I have come.
We're both 100% out now with our sexuality, and completely unapologetic about our love.
And our lives have only gotten better. Our relationship has grown in leaps and bounds, built on honesty and love.
Now living together with Nix in our cozy apartment, it feels like we're exactly where we're meant to be.
Yes, it's our apartment, because as soon as my lease was up, Myles demanded—in that sexy, loving way of his—that I move in with him and our son.
After all, I'd spent most of my time in this apartment anyway.
I'm not gonna lie; at first, I was worried we were rushing things a little, but after all the things we'd been through, we didn’t want to waste any more time.
We both know how precious life is, and how fleeting it can be.
At work, Myles is making great strides in inclusivity, spearheading a queer subcommittee focused on youth sports. My chest swells with pride watching him flourish. Firefighting remains my dream career, but now I race home after each shift, eager to be with my family.
I've got so much to be grateful for, like George and Cynthia, Myles's in-laws, who've accepted me wholeheartedly. Tomorrow, on Christmas Day, we’ll be having them over for lunch. Nix wants to make it a special day for them, just like his mom would have wanted.
And Cara… I am indebted to her for so much in this new life of mine.
Without her, not only wouldn't we have Nix—our adorable little man—but Myles also wouldn't have been the man I fell in love with.
She'd had a hand in shaping and molding him into a man that's the perfect fit for me.
I hope wherever she is, she can sense my eternal gratitude to her.
At present, our apartment buzzes with anticipation. Dinner preparations are well under way, with Myles and Nix playfully jostling in the kitchen.
"Remember last year's disaster?" Nix giggles, teasing Myles about his failed attempt at cooking a Christmas Eve dinner. Their joyful laughter jolts my mind back to the present.
"Hey!" Myles exclaims, mock offense in his voice. "That's the only reason I ended up with your daddy, you know—my amazing cooking skills."
I chuckle, planting a quick kiss on Myles's cheek. "You've come a long way since then, babe."
"True," Nix pipes up, grinning. "This year, we're not having Muscle Mac and turkey hot dogs."
We laugh together, the sound filling the apartment with warmth and happiness. This... this right here is what I live for: the promise of many more happy memories to come.
So much deliciousness is on the menu: juicy roasted ham glistening with a honey glaze, green beans sautéed with garlic and almonds, warm rolls fresh from the oven, and a decadent chocolate cake waiting to be devoured for dessert.
The sweet and savory smells wafting through the air make my stomach rumble in anticipation.
The sounds of sizzling, chopping, and joyous laughter echo all around us, creating a symphony of love and happiness I would have never dared hope for a year ago.
I'm proud of our family, stitched together by love and laughter, a foundation stronger than anything I've ever known.
"Careful, Nix," Myles warns, chuckling as our boy reaches for another cookie.
"Can't blame him," I tease, snagging a cookie for myself. "These are irresistible."
"Hey!" Myles exclaims, feigning indignation before grinning at us. "Save some for dessert." He slides the ham out of the oven. "We're just about done."
"Perfect timing." I wipe my hands on a towel. "The rolls are ready too."
"Can't wait to eat." Nix bounces from one foot to the other.
"Neither can I, kiddo." I playfully bop my son on his nose.
After we ate our scrumptious meal, we drifted to the living room.
Myles and Nix's excitement is contagious. My eyes survey the room admiring the fantastic job we did a few days ago. The apartment is decked out in twinkling lights, ornaments, and festive decorations that make it feel warm and inviting. I’m immediately reminded of the way the twinkling lights and the soft sounds of Christmas carols playing in the background had framed Myles's and Nix's laughter as they'd decorated the tree.
Tonight, it has a pile of gifts beneath it, all waiting to be opened first thing on Christmas morning.
"Can we watch the Frozen movies?" Nix asks, practically bouncing on his toes with anticipation.
"Sure thing, son," I agree, chuckling at his enthusiasm.
Nix's eyes light up, and he rushes over to the TV, eager to start our movie marathon. Myles joins me on the couch, and we exchange a knowing glance. I can see the love in his eyes, no doubt reflecting the love in my own eyes for him. I slip my arm around his waist in a hug.
“Are you happy, sweetheart?” He brushes his lips softly against my cheek.
I hug him tighter, wishing we could stay like this forever. “I’m always happy when I’m with you.”
This is the ultimate level of happiness. Sometimes it’s still surreal to me that this is my life.
"Everything's perfect," I whisper to him, my voice full of emotion.
He nods in agreement, reaching for my hand. "Perfect," he echoes, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.
The hours fly by as we laugh, sing, and enjoy the movies together. Eventually, Nix begins to yawn, rubbing his eyes in a clear sign that it's past his bedtime.
"Alright, buddy," Myles says, ruffling Nix's hair. "Time for bed."
"Okay," Nix agrees reluctantly, clearly still eager to spend more time with us. "Goodnight, Dad. Goodnight, Daddy."
God, that word… Daddy. I'll never get tired of hearing it.
"Goodnight, son." Myles gives the sleepy boy a peck on his cheek.
"Night, kiddo." I give him a tight hug, and then he heads off to bed, but not before he whispers the words, "Dad will say yes" in my ear.
You see, I've already gotten permission from my stepson-to-be, and now the boy is bursting with excitement. Thankfully, he can keep a secret. Because I have a surprise in store for Myles: a proposal. And I know with one-hundred percent certainty, he'll say "yes.”