“Love is not a mistake,” Bernard said. “I love you with all of my heart. I’ll always be here for you.”
Rory looked up. “You mean that?”
“Of course I do, I’ve loved you for so many years. I never thought you’d feel the same.”
“I love you too.” Rory leaned up to kiss him. They embraced on the couch, Rory’s sobs subsiding.
Rory fell asleep in Bernard’s arms. Bernard continued to stroke his hair.
“I hope I can make you as happy as you make me right now,” he whispered.
Bernard didn’t know what time he fell asleep.
*
RORY GROANED AWAKE. “What time is it?”
Bernard stretched and felt the stiffness in his joints. He’d never found the couch a comfortable place to sleep, and this position didn’t help.
Bernard looked at his watch. “It’s seven-thirty.”
Rory sat up and stretched. “I’m sorry I fell asleep.”
“You needed the rest,” Bernard said. “Do you want to get some breakfast?”
“It’s Christmas Day though, who’s open?”
“My brother invited me to Christmas breakfast, and I’m sure you’re more than welcome.”
“I don’t want to impose.”
“You could never impose.” Bernard leaned over and kissed him.
“What’s the plan?”
“You head home to shower and change while I do the same here. I’ll make sure Ginger has everything she needs and then I’ll head to your place to pick you up.”
“Okay, sounds good.”
They kissed goodbye, and Rory left.
Bernard called his brother. They were thrilled to have Rory join them for breakfast. He showered, brushed his teeth, and changed. He was excited to have Rory in his life. The past few months had been hard on them both.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Bernard
Saturday, December26–Thursday, December 31
BERNARD SPENT HISdays the next week at work and evenings with Rory. He would have Friday off for New Year’s Day but had to work New Year’s Eve.
He’d asked him to move in on Sunday, and Rory said yes. Rory still had to pay the rent for January, so that gave them time to move at their pace.
They introduced Mina to Ginger on Sunday so they could get used to each other. Bernard wanted to be there the whole time to see what would happen. It surprised them at how well Mina took to Ginger. Ginger always loved to play, but she’d never been around cats.
They chased each other through the house, playing tag. Bernard’s back fences were high, but he was still worried that Mina would get out. He’d hired a contractor who specialized in pet enclosures to build a ceiling in his backyard that would prevent Mina from escaping. In the meantime, he kept Ginger inside or outside but didn’t keep the doggy door open. They didn’t need Mina getting loose.
“Well, that was easy,” Bernard said. “I thought Ginger would try to eat her.”
