A startled chuckle leaves my throat and I shake my head in disbelief. “You’ve only just had a baby and you’re already thinking about the next one?”
“Yes. I would not mind a large family. As many as we’re granted.”
I never thought of myself as a family guy. I always just assumed I would be alone forever by choice. Now, I can see what Ghenie sees. A bigger house on the outskirts of town filled with kiddos and love. I don’t just see it, I suddenly crave it.
“Okay,” I say softly. “That sounds good to me.”
Ghenie smiles so wide I can see his fangs. I lean down and steal a kiss before kissing the top of our son’s head. Ghenie brings him to his chest, allowing him to feed for the first time.
“Are you still certain of your name now that you’ve met him?”
“I am,” Ghenie says with a soft smile. “Thane.”
“Thane,” I say as well, touching our son’s head. “He’s perfect.”
We stay cuddled in bed for as long as we can. Miles brings Maribel over, congratulating us before leaving so we can have time together as a new family. He promises to bring food over in the morning.
“Hey, baby girl,” I say, holding onto Maribel. “This is your new baby brother.”
Maribel coos, making noises that are so close to words but not quite. It’s hard to believe she’s just over a year old. Two babies under two. We’re gonna have our hands full but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I cannot believe this is my life. How did a kid abandoned by his parents who put up walls upon walls upon walls around his heart somehow end up here? I’m not sure I’ll ever know the answer but I’m more thankful than I can articulate.
Once upon a time, a picture like this would have made me wrinkle my nose and run away. I was terrified of committing. I was terrified of being hurt again. Now, I can’t imagine ever running. These are my people and I am here to stay.
I love you. Apparently now that I’ve said it once, I can’t stop saying it. I’m gonna annoy you until you push me away.
Ghenie meets my eyes.There is nothing in this world that could make me push you away. I love you, Christian.
It says a lot about how far I’ve come that when I hear that, I believe it.
Epilogue
Ghenie
I stand in my backyard, overwhelmed with joy. Christian and I talked about this in great detail. We went back and forth about where we wanted our ceremony and finally landed on our backyard. Tonight, we will have a large celebration in the town square so that my people can congratulate us. If I was notTorallehwe would have skipped the large celebration but I owe it to my people to celebrate with them. Thankfully, Christian does not seem to mind.
This morning, just as the sun was rising, Christian and I visited The People’s Hope. We kneeled in that little alcove and explained our plans to the Ancestors. Christian might be able to feel them a little bit but I felt them enough for the both of us. When I close my eyes and focus, I can still hear their voices when I’m there. They approve of our mating. They approve of this new ceremony. Their warmth surrounded me like a warm hug and when we left, I felt refreshed and renewed instead of weighed down.
Timalah is my best man while Miles is Christian’s. Druim sits in his own seat next to Maria, Aldo’s mother. Druim is getting so big. When other parents told me that time goes quickly as children grow, I did not realize it would happen quitethisquickly!
Next to Maria is Aldo, his daughter in his lap. Next to him is his mate, Gendry. On the other side of the aisle are my parents, each of them holding a grandchild. Maribel is starting to walk and she chatters more and more every single day. Thane’s antennae are starting to sprout beautifully. I feel so blessed to call them my children.
Timalah and Miles are already in front of everyone, waiting for Christian and I to walk down the aisle together. Timalah has his hands on his round stomach and Miles keeps throwing glances his way. They are so adorable together and my heart soars for them.
A hand wraps around my elbow, giving it a gentle squeeze.
Are you ready?
I look over at Christian and give him a soft smile.I am.
Arm in arm, we make our way to the front of everyone. Our closest friends and family are here, ready to witness our union. It wasn’t that long ago I sat alone, lamenting that Christian would never be involved in amaturous trialto win my hand. Now I stand before those who mean the most to me, ready to hear him declare his heart as mine.
Oh, how things have changed and I have to admit, they have changed for the better. There will be no fighting, no running, no proving. There will only be love and acceptance. I am so glad I never gave up hope even when things seemed so bleak because pushing through has led me here.
I turn towards our little crowd. My eyes dart around, taking them all in. They are here for us, because they support us andwant to see the best for us. It’s so moving, knowing so many people love us.
“Welcome everyone,” I say, in greeting. “Normally, because I amTorallehI would be tasked with guiding a couple together in their mating before our people and our Ancestors. Instead of doing a formal reading, the two of us have decided to write vows that we will recite before you. Vows of promise that our closest allies will help us stay accountable to. We thank each and every one of you for being here to witness our union.”
