“Is there a reason for yourgustotonight?” Mark smiled and wiped his damp, flushed face.
Micah side-stepped the direct truth and laughed lightly. “Guess I missed ourbenefitsmore than I realized. My bed has been awfully cold and lonely while you were away.”
Mark gazed at him, his squinted eyes implying he thought there might be more to it. But he didn’t push the matter. “By the way, I thought we were supposed to have dinnerfirst—and then dessert.”
“Sorry.” Micah leaned over and kissed his mouth. “My sweet tooth got the better of me. But dinner can be heated up.”
They left the bed, showered, and dressed for dinner. Micah relayed Nick’s video call and warned Mark that Nick and Wendy would likely try to convince them that they were, in fact, meant for each other. Mostly, Micah was testing Mark, observing his reactions to the notion. He wasn’t easy to read, as he simply laughed and seemed to find it all pleasantly amusing.
“I think of the two, Wendy is the worst,” Micah chuckled. “She is determined to marry me off to a man who wants to build a family. She and Nick insist it is my responsibility to supply their kids with cousins.”
Mark shook his head, emitting soft laughter. “Do you want kids?”
Eli and baby Mary rose behind his eyes, enforcing his smile. “Yeah, I do.” He arched an eyebrow as he took a sip of wine. “How about you?”
Mark pursed his lips thoughtfully. “I think I would like to be a dad someday. I love kids. And they seem to like me, too.” He nodded. “Yes, I do want kids. I think it would wonderful to have a family of my own.” He sighed. “And let my kids be who they are without judgment or criticism. Gay, straight, transgender, whatever…all that would matter to me is that they were healthy and happy and knew without a doubt that I loved them unconditionally.”
Micah held up his glass. “Amen.”
Each moment spent with Mark lured Micah closer toward the belief that he just might bethe one.Gazing at the younger man across the table, Micah decided he wasn’t at all disappointed or unhappy with that prospect.
