Painted On My Heart

Just before they made it to the living room, Arik stopped him and took his face between his palms. “Do you promise me that you’re all right?”

“I’d be better if you kissed me again.”

Arik did, sweetly, on the lips.

“If that changes, you’ll tell me first?”

“Of course, but it’s not gonna change. Everything that happened with John led me to you. You’re my future.”

Arik stared intently into his eyes for several long seconds, a small, loving, and thankful smile spread across his lips. His guy cared so much about him.

“I’m good. Honestly. I’ve expected a call every day since the accident. We did all we could do. I’d also like to believe that he’s found the peace he could never find here.”

Arik nodded. “I’d like to believe that too.”

“Now, come on. The party needs one of your toasts,” Kellus said, giving Arik a quick peck on the lips.

“Stay close,” Arik whispered, doubling back for the champagne flute he’d discarded on the counter earlier.

“Always,” Kellus said, letting Arik take the lead as he threaded their fingers together.

As he stood by Arik’s side, listening to him speak, he thought about the past year and how Arik had swept into his life and given him the courage to breathe again. He looked around the room, taking in all the smiling faces of their family and friends gathered together to celebrate the start of a new year. They were a huge, loud, diverse group of loving people. He was lucky to be a part of them.

Kellus lowered his head to Arik’s shoulder and said a silent prayer of thanks to the universe for putting this strong-willed man in his path. Arik’s arm tightened around him, reminding him of just how much life could change from one year to the next, and that sometimes, what may feel like an end…was really just the beginning.

Happy New Year!