Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 71303 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 357(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71303 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 357(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
When the line for books lagged, I helped Lachlan where I could with shampoos and handing out toiletries as well as socks and undergarments, which were sorely needed. We budgeted for the items between the two of us, and sometimes it ate into our rainy-day fund, but we agreed it was worth it to help those in need.
By noon, we were exhausted, but we drove away from the bridge with gratified smiles on our faces. We parked the van in the Urban Cuts lot, where it would remain until Carlos or any other employees needed it. They had become like family to Lachlan, the customers too, and it was exactly what Lachlan needed in his life.
He’d tried to reach out to his father once last year, but it hadn’t gone well. I admired him for trying, but sometimes you just had to cut toxic people loose.
But Lachlan had more than enough support now between friends and my family, who had embraced him with open arms. He loved Chicago, and we planned to return every holiday. Who knew he was so sentimental about traditions and routines. I loved that about him.
Speaking of, we’d recently celebrated the two-year anniversary of the day we met. Oscar had been included, of course, and we spent the day hiking in the Metroparks and then got ice cream for all of us afterward.
We held hands as we trekked home and discussed plans for the upcoming Independence Day weekend. My family would be coming into town, and I was so anxious and excited, I was practically thrumming.
Little did Lachlan know that at the planned get-together with family and friends, I was going to propose. Well, me and Oscar. Mom had come up with the idea, and I loved it. I would tie the ring box around Oscar’s neck with a bandanna that read: Will You Marry Me? Marcie had helped me decide on the ring, which was a simple brushed-silver band, and I’d had the bandanna specially made. I only prayed it would go off without a hitch. If Lachlan said yes, it would make me the happiest guy on the planet.
Once home, we showered together, kissing and jerking each other off. Then we napped on the couch with Oscar before straightening the house and getting ready for our dinner out, something we did when we didn’t feel like cooking.
“You look handsome,” I said, meeting Lachlan’s gaze in the mirror.
I still enjoyed seeing that rosy flush on his cheeks as he turned to kiss me. “So do you.”
We grabbed our phones and keys and walked to the elevator with our fingers laced together.
It was a simple life. A happy one. One I had always imagined while looking up at the stars.