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I chuckled. “Yeah. He still loves storms. And he still studies the data. He’s just safer about it now which, to be honest, is a good thing. No more crazy shit.” I sighed. “I ain’t gonna lie, a week of no interruptions, no work, no prying family, just us, one bed, and a storm every afternoon? He’s not passing that up.”
I thought about telling Paul of my plans, my surprise for Jeremiah, but for some reason I didn’t. Now would have been the perfect time—and I did want to tell someone—but the only person I really wanted to tell was Jeremiah.
Paul smirked with a cheeky twinkle in his eye. “Yeah, about that. When I said he looks good, honestly, if it were possible, I’d say he was pregnant. He’s glowing.”
I laughed loud enough that Jeremiah and Derek both turned to look at us. “Well, we keep trying,” I said, rubbing my belly. “Both of us.”
Paul threw his head back and laughed. “But not for the lack of trying.”
“Absolutely not.” I gave him a nod. “And you two?”
Paul looked out to where Derek stood, and he sighed, a serene smile on his face. “We’re great. He’s great.”
We both stood there smilin’, like two fools in love.
“Oh, look at this,” I said, taking my phone out. “We had some visitors last week.”
I showed him the photos of two adult magpies on the patio railing with two adolescent chicks. “Someone got himself a family.”
Paul looked at the pictures, then at me. “No way! Is that the bird you were looking after?”
I nodded. “Mr Percival.”
We’d left his cage on the balcony, like Jem had suggested, with the door open so Mr Percival could come and go as he wanted. His days away got longer until it was a few days at a time that we didn’t see him, then even longer.
But last year he’d come back with a friend, like he was bringing his girlfriend home to meet his two dads.
And then this year, there were babies.
“That is the coolest thing,” Paul said.
“Yeah, it’s pretty amazing. Jem was stoked.”
“Might be time to take the plunge and become dog dads, or cat dads.”
I snorted. Maybe...
“Speaking of taking the plunge, got everything organised?”
His grin was back. “Yep. Not much to organise to be honest. And you guys booking in, it was perfect timing. We really do appreciate it.”
“It’s our privilege.” I clapped him on the shoulder. “Tell me what needs to be done.”
* * *
The minister arrived before sunset,and at the edge of the ridge, overlooking the vast wetlands below, the sky a glorious palette of pinks, oranges, and yellows, Jeremiah and I stood witness to Paul and Derek’s wedding.
I couldn’t help but stare at Jeremiah as they talked of love and forever, as they vowed to love and cherish each other for all their days.
Jeremiah in the fading pastel sunlight was one of my favourite sights in the world. Wet Jeremiah, and hot and sweaty Jeremiah, and turned-on Jeremiah were also my favourite kinds of Jeremiah.
Even the mad Jeremiah and annoyed Jeremiah.
I loved them all.
But there, against the most beautiful backdrop, stood the most beautiful man. Sure, Paul and Derek’s wedding was lovely, but damn...
Jeremiah.
