Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 64966 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64966 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
“Anyway, after putting her mother-in-law in her place, Joy said, ‘will someone please clean up that cake, take the rat outside, and find Daniel? Because we’re about to get this party started, and he shouldn’t miss it.’ That’s a direct quote.”
“Why would she want me there? Even if she understands the cake and the rodent were accidents, everyone heard what Brad said about me being his ex-boyfriend, and they probably figured out I’d been trying to keep that from you. What must your family think of me?”
“Joy knows what an incredible person you are, because she got to see you in action these past few days. I know you’re wonderful, too. No one else’s opinion matters.”
I thought about it for a few moments, as I searched Malcolm’s warm, dark eyes. He looked so sure, so confident. Finally, I said, “Okay. Let’s do it.”
When we got back to the lodge, we returned both boats and went to our suite, so I could quickly shower and change. I was nervous as we headed downstairs to the reception, but Malcolm held my hand and assured me, “This is going to be fine. I promise.”
And it really was. Joy welcomed me with a hug, and when I apologized for the rat incident she grinned and said, “It’s not your fault. Besides, I wanted a unique wedding that people would talk about for years to come. Mission accomplished.”
As Malcolm introduced me to a few family members, Brad stormed over to us and tried to make a scene. He and Frederick had gone upstairs and changed, but he was angrier than ever and demanded to know what I was doing with Malcolm.
Mal shut him down with one simple sentence. “This has nothing to do with you, Brad.”
We spent the rest of the reception ignoring him and enjoying ourselves, dancing and celebrating until the party wrapped up around two a.m.
Later that night, when we were curled up together in bed, I asked, “What are we going to do next? Are we going straight back to San Francisco? Or can we maybe stay here a little longer?”
“We can do whatever you want.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course.” He kissed my forehead and told me, “All I care about is that we’re together.”
He was right. That was the only thing that really mattered.
Epilogue: Daniel
Six months later
“Wow, congratulations!” My friend Timothy looked impressed, as I held the paperback in front of the phone so he could see it. “How does it feel to be a published author?”
“Independently published.”
“That totally counts.”
I grinned and admitted, “It feels pretty amazing, actually. As of today, something I wrote is out there in the world. I’ve wanted that for as long as I can remember.”
“I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks. I’m pretty proud of myself.”
We both heard a muffled crash, and he asked, “What was that?”
“Probably Embry. All of my housemates are supposedly in stealth mode downstairs. They’re helping my boyfriend decorate for a surprise party to celebrate the book’s release day.”
“I wish I could be there.”
“Me too, but you’re busy traveling the world with the love of your life. We’ll celebrate when you get back home.”
“Speaking of the loves of our lives, it sounds like things are going great between you and Mal.”
A huge smile spread across my face. “It’s been incredible. I’ve never felt so loved, or been so happy. He really believes in me, and I never realized how much I needed that. It’s what gave me the confidence to join the LGBTQ writers’ group I told you about, which in turn led to taking this chance and self-publishing my book. Plus, It feels good knowing I’m inspiring him, too. In the time we’ve been together, he’s written an entire play. He’s about to start workshopping it with some friends of his who work in musical theater.”
“It’s really cool that you two spark each other’s creativity.”
I heard footsteps coming up the stairs. A moment later, Mal appeared in the doorway and asked, “Am I interrupting?”
“Nope. I’m on a video call with Timothy.”
I held up my phone so the two men could say hello, and as they exchanged greetings, Mal came into the room and placed a small gift bag on my nightstand. Then he told me, “I need to change. I got caught in the crossfire when Embry knocked over a chair and startled the cat, who ended up tripping JoJo. Everyone’s fine, but my shirt took a hit when JoJo’s diet soda became airborne.”
While Mal opened his drawer in my dresser and rummaged through it, Timothy said, “Aleksei’s waiting for me, so I should go. Have fun at your—I mean, um, have a good rest of your day. I’ll talk to you soon.”
Once we ended the call, Mal turned to me and grinned. “You know about the party, don’t you?”
“I do. I found some decorations hidden in the laundry room yesterday, and since they were all book-themed, I put two and two together.”