Under the Stars and Stripes (Under Him)

It was a scenario that seemed increasingly absurd the more I thought about it. The only thing that had really kept us apart, at least after I came back to New York, was my own foolish pride. Granted, I didn’t know if any of her information was the same, but that was easy enough to find out. A scenario I actually did have a frame of reference for was seeing Ada again. Of course it had gone that way. I wasn’t particularly a determinist.

I didn’t think there was a grand plan or cosmic schedule of any kind. However, there were some outcomes that were so logical there was no way for them to be otherwise. Ada and I getting back together the second we saw each other was definitely one of them.

Matt had been a bit of a twist, but the most wonderful one possible. I knew I had to tell her that, lest she think I was mad at her or our relationship was over again. She did have a way of reading into things.

“Markus,” I said, when he picked up.

“Yeah.”

“It’s Kingsley.”

“I know. You always use the same ring.”

“I’m a creature of habit. I need you to do something for me.”

“It’s going to cost ya.”

“How does half a million sound?” I inquired.

“Go on.”

The work on the project was done. I was free and clear until the next contract. If there was a next contract. Either way, I had more than enough money to support my family assuming I played my cards right.

It was like something out of a story book. A horror story to be specific. Being built on some jagged mountains with blue forks of lighting behind it would complete the impression admirably. The gargoyle gate did little to dissuade the impression.

There was a soft buzz and the gate started to move as if by its own accord, granting me access to the grounds. I was early, no surprise there.

Left with few alternatives, I put on my headphones and tried my best not to look suspicious as I waited for Ada to arrive. The strange beauty of “Transylvanian Hunger” filled my head and lifted my spirits as I awaited my destiny.

She had closed the door before I noticed. Her back was to me and she was already moving toward the school, but I would know that ass anywhere. Getting out as quietly as I could, I did my best to catch up.

“Ada.”

She froze in place, as if she had just heard something truly shocking. In retrospect, I supposed it was.

“I-I love you,” I said, trying to pick my words carefully. “I have always loved you and I want us to be a family if you will still have me.”

She turned slowly. She was turned most of the way around before I realized she was crying. Springing into action, I held her tight, kissing her tears away, like I had done so many times before. Though, it was the first time I had been the source of them. I could only hope that they were happy tears.

“Yes, it makes so very happy,” she said.

“Mommy?”

Mattie really did look like me. Ada was right, it was almost spooky tin the best possible way.

“Hey, Baby,” she said crouching down to his height.

“Is he my daddy?” Matt asked. He was very sharp indeed.

“Yes, Baby, he is your daddy, he’s come back for us like I always said he would.”

Waiting until she turned back to me, I got down on one knee and took the small box covered in black velvet from my pocket. Ada gasped when she saw it.

“Ada Babbage. You have made my life unaccountably better in immeasurable ways. I would be deeply honored if you agreed to be my wife.”

“Yes,” she said, the tears driving from her chin.

“That’s good, right, Mom?” Matt asked, clearly getting mixed messages.

“Yes, Baby. It is very good.”

Epilogue - Kingsley

We waited a year, more or less. Little Amy Rosa was born a few months before. Her birthday was almost the same day as Matt’s.

Ada was right. She was a beautiful baby, just as I was sure Matt had been at the time. The fact that I wasn’t there for it was something I would always regret.

Though, as George Orwell said, rolling in the muck is not the best way of getting clean. It was far better instead to focus on more positive things, such as my beautiful bride coming up the plush blue carpet stretched out before me.

Flanked on either side by her nearest and dearest, my guest list numbered exactly two, they sat on fashionable white folding chairs set up on the freshly cut grass. The warm July sun was shining down. It had been really easy to get the venue since most people had left town for the holiday.

Mattie was our ring bearer and I had never seen a cuter one. He grinned happily as he held on to the little pillow.