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“Would you like to come into the shop?” Dickens gestured.

“Oh, you closed a while ago.” I’d noted the hours, thinking I might come back.

“Well, the great thing about being the proprietor is that I can do whatever I want. We went for our chilled treats and were planning to head home soon. But we can definitely spare a bit of time—no pressure to buy, okay? Browsing is allowed.”

I cleared my throat. “I’d like to buy a book. For a toddler. I mean, the toddler can’t read, but…”

Dickens nodded. “I know exactly what you mean. You can never start too early. Let’s see what we can do.” He unlocked the door, disarmed the alarm, and headed inside.

Spike held the door open and gestured for us to follow.

I went first, heading toward the counter where Dickens was turning on lights.

“So what might you be interested in browsing?” Spike eyed Demetrius. “I’ve gotten to know the place quite well.”

“Do you have an LGBTQ section for teenagers? My son’s a voracious reader, and I’d love to pick up a couple of books for him. Oh, and something about the history of Mission City. We might be moving here, and I’d love to know more about the place.”

Spike offered a genuine smile. “I’m a transplant myself. Nothing like falling in love with a local and relocating. Although, I have to say I moved my business next door andthenfell in love.”

“Not love at first sight.” Dickens wagged his finger. “Loud motorcycles.”

“Yeah, but you love me.”

“I do now.” Dickens turned his attention back to me. “This way.”

Nothing like falling in love with a local and relocating.I considered Spike’s words.Does he mean Demetrius and me? That he thinks that amazing man is in love with me? Huh. Do I explain or just let things ride?Better not to say anything. One day the lovely couple would see Demetrius wandering down the main street with some other guy—or gal—and they’d realize they’d been mistaken.

Except the image of him with someone else settled like a knot in my stomach. I didn’t want him with anyone else. To my shock, I wanted him withme…

“We have an amazing selection of picture books by local authors.” Dickens beamed.

“Sounds great.”

Twenty minutes later, I’d bought three books—including one by a local indigenous author—and I was quite pleased.

Demetrius had bought several LGBTQ young adult novels, a book about parenting queer teenagers, and a box set of three young-adult fantasy novels.

The Zaragosa trilogy was, apparently, written by a local university professor. Although she was on the shy side, she did regularly sign books.

Dickens explained that once Demetrius moved to town, he could bring the books in and Dickens would arrange to get them autographed.

My new friend was enchanted. Especially pleased at the idea of getting signed books. And, although Alaina was a little young, Dickens assured us the trilogy was good for all kids and hugely popular.

We each left with a cloth bag, emblazoned with the store’s logo, and grins on our faces.

The sun had set and night was truly upon us.

“That was really nice of them.” I met Demetrius’s gaze.

“I want to say we bought enough to make it worth their while, but I doubt they’d see it that way.”

“You got that feeling too, eh? Part of the community and happy to step up. Oh, I mentioned Pride Camp, and Dickens said he could arrange a discount for all the campers attending. He said he’d put together a card and either drop them off or I can come and get them.”

“That’s fantastic.” Demetrius chuckled. “And Spike maintained he was just a mechanic while he helped me find well over a hundred bucks in fantastic books. Oh, I picked up one for Alaina about having a queer sibling. She’s been so cool about everything, but I figured another book wouldn’t hurt.”

“You’re such a good dad.”

“I won’t argue—although I’ll readily admit I don’t know everything. That I have so much to learn.”