Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97417 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97417 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
His chest expanded and he gripped the frame until his knuckles turned white.
“This is amazing,” he whispered, unable to take his eyes off the gift. Buried beneath the eyes were other things that made his heart quicken, a pair of angel wings, musical notes, a storm cloud, and a grenade. It was a collage about their relationship and he cherished every single inch of it.
“Thank you.” Finally, he raised his eyes.
“Lirim did most of the work. He’s the real artist.” Ansel shrugged one shoulder and gestured to his friend.
“Truly, it’s beautiful, Lirim,” Fitch said. Lirim just nodded with a small smile.
“We want to see it too,” Meg said, taking the painting. At first glance, she let out a sigh. While she distracted the rest of the guests, Fitch closed the distance between himself and Ansel.
“You threw me a surprise party.” They stood less than a foot apart but didn’t touch.
“Yeah,” Ansel said, his eyes on Fitch’s mouth.
“You invited all my friends and family.”
“Mmm-hmm.”
“You decorated my house.”
“I did.”
“Why?”
Ansel’s lashes fell and rose again in slow motion. “Because, I love you.”
So simple. So clear. His words, the pure emotion behind them, the honesty in his eyes. It rocked Fitch enough that he thought he might lose all power in his limbs.
“Angel—”
“You have changed my life, Fitch. Since the moment we met, my whole world became brighter. Suddenly things I’d thought impossible were possible, because you were there. I love you. I think I’ve loved you forever. And I’m not afraid anymore. You are the best man I have ever known and you encourage me, inspire me, to be the best I can be. I love you. And if the offer still stands, I would like nothing more than to stay here, with you.”
The room around them had grown silent at some point during Ansel’s speech.
“Whoops,” Ansel whispered. “Sorry, they weren’t supposed to hear that.”
Fitch grabbed Ansel’s wrist and tugged him into a hug. “I’m going to kiss the love of my life now. If anyone here has any issues with that, get the fuck out.”
With the cheering and laughter of friends and family as a soundtrack, he kissed Ansel.
“I love you so goddamn much,” he admitted between kisses. “If you can be brave so can I.”
Ansel wrapped his arms around his neck and brought their foreheads together so that their breath mingled between them.
“Thank you for helping me believe in happy endings again.”
“Oh, Angel, this is only the beginning.”
* * * * *