I grabbed mine, thanking my mom. Dad came out right after, handing a bowl to my mom before sitting down with his.
“Thank you, both. I’ve had such a wonderful night.” Beckham looked to my parents, the four of us smiling, a bond being formed over ice cream and family. A cricket sang loudly nearby.
“Oh and you’ve been wonderful company,” my mom said, taking a big scoop of ice cream. “Really, you have.” She tried talking through the ice cream, covering her mouth with a laugh when it was too much.
The night went by in a flash. Before I knew it, Beckham and I were standing back at the front door, hand in hand, both my parents standing in the doorway with smiles on their faces. It comforted me to see them so happy. It really did feel like every single piece of my life was falling perfectly into place.
“Have a great night, you two. Drive safe.”
“Will do,” I said, hugging my mom and dad before stepping aside.
Beckham said his goodbyes, my mom giving him a warm embrace. My dad surprised me. He didn’t settle for the handshake. He went in for a hug, too.
When they separated, my dad took Beckham’s hand. “You’re a good man, Beckham. The perfect one for my Oliver.”
I could feel tears streak into my eyes.
“Thank you, Eduardo.”
“Please,” my dad said, “call me Ed.”
That made me turn around so I could shield my tears from everyone else.
“Bye!” I shouted, waving as I walked down to the driveway, happy tears starting to slide down my cheeks.
I stopped next to my car, Beckham joining me. We had driven here separately since I had planned on making a quick detour so I could feed Mason and Jar. Beckham had also been pretty adamant on getting me out of his house for about an hour. He said he had a surprise for me but didn’t want to spoil any more of it.
In the driveway, Beckham grabbed my hand, a toothy grin on his face. “That was such a great night.”
“My dad doesn’t tell everyone to call him Ed. That’s a big sign.”
“I felt like it was.”
I kissed my man, feeling nothing but love inside me. I couldn’t wait to feed my kitties and then find out what in the Fab Five of surprises was he planning for me. Was it a totally redone living space inspired by Bobby or maybe an entirely redone closet by Tan?
An avocado sandwich with avocado butter spread inspired by Antoni?
Whatever the surprise was, I couldn’t wait for it.
“All right, I’ll see you in an hour,” I said, kissing him again and then getting into my car. Before I could reverse, there was a knock on my window.
“Text me when you’re on your way so I can make sure I’m ready.”
“Okay, will do.” I tried not to show how giddy I was, but I was pretty sure the giggle that escaped me gave it away.
I pulled out of the driveway and drove back to my apartment feeling like the entire road was a cloud. Like I’d somehow found the secret path into paradise and was currently setting up permanent shop.
This all feltsooogood. I forgot all about what Beckham and I talked about in my parents’ hallway. All I could focus on was how good I felt, how goodlifefelt. I wanted to savor every one of these seconds.
I reached my apartment and parked in my regular spot. It was dark out, but there were plenty of streetlights shining down on the sidewalk and up the stairs to my apartment. I climbed the stairs, taking two at a time. The faster I cuddled the cats and re-topped their bowls, the faster I’d get to Beckham and his surprise.
The key slipped into the lock. I twisted and turned, stepping into my dark apartment. The light switch that worked was across the room. I could hear Mason and Jar running toward me through the dark, but my eyes still hadn’t adjusted enough to see them. I shuffled my feet as I crossed the room, not wanting to step on them by accident.
One of them must have bumped into the bedroom door. I heard it creak open.
“I’m coming, guys, I’m coming.”
I reached the light switch. I went to flick it on. “What the?”