“You’re so fucking special. To us you are special. You’re not a creep. You’re not a weirdo. We love you, Miss Sebastian. You belong here. You’re a part of us.”
“Oh my God, you’ve totally ruined my makeup,” Sebastian sobs into Rhett’s chest.
Everyone breaks out in a loud applause as the trio leaves the stage.
I wipe my cheeks, and when Sebastian sits down next to me, I give him a sideways hug.
“My eyes won’t stop leaking,” he groans, while he waves his hand in front of his face.
Ryan leans over to Sebastian and using a tissue, he wipes off the mascara streaks.
“I feel…” Sebastian looks at Marcus and Rhett. “Even though you made me ugly cry in public, you’re both my chunks of hunks, and I love you madly.”
We order another round of drinks, and when they arrive, Ryan raises his glass to make a toast.
“Here’s to an amazing group of men, which of course includes me. To our beautiful women.” He looks lovingly at Sebastian and me. “Here’s to miracles and health, may we never run out of either.”
We all toast to his words and once Sebastian starts to dance, I lean back into Jaxson and watch as our friends have fun.
EPILOGUE
JAXSON
Eight months later…
I watch Logan set up the camera. It’s become a hobby for him. He records every single get-together.
“Who’s going first this year?” Rhett asks where he’s sitting on the floor next to Danny.
We’re celebrating Thanksgiving at my and Leigh’s place.
“I’ll go first.” Marcus gets up and glances around the room. “A year ago I thought my life was over. I don’t know how to say this without sounding insane.”
He laughs nervously and swallows hard.
“Just say it, babe. We’re all a little nuts,” Miss Sebastian encourages him.
“Yeah, we are.” Marcus chuckles then his face turns serious. “It took me almost dying to realize what an asshole I was. It’s still changing me every day. What I’m most grateful for this year are the fragments I had in my heart. If it weren’t for them, Jax and Doc wouldn’t have gotten together. I never would’ve met Miss Sebastian and Ryan. I’ve gained so much, being thankful doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel.”
“Thank God for permanent makeup,” Miss Sebastian says as she wipes under her eyes.
She stands up and spreads her arms out to the room. “You’re all my people. God, I’m so blessed.” She looks at Rhett and Marcus. “My boys, I love you madly. Thank you for encouraging me to have the surgery. Thank you for all the pampering afterward. Thank you for my B & V.”
“What’s a B & V?” Danny asks, looking up at Rhett.
I hide my face in Doc’s neck, so they won’t see me laughing.
“Your daddy will tell you later,” Rhett answers quickly.
“Thanks,” Carter says, not looking happy.
Rhett and Marcus paid for Miss Sebastian’s gender reassignment surgery. Miss Sebastian calls it her B & V, which stands for boobs and vajayjay.
Mia stands up and walks over to me. She hands me an envelope then smiles at Marcus.
“Is that what I think it is?” Marcus asks.
“Yeah.”