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Cole gives me a chin raise, and there’s a round of congratulations from Shane, Jayce, Emmett, Lars, and a few others from the Enforcers.
My career as an artist is thriving on a low level. The tabloids lost interest in me and the art world thought the viral meme created interesting publicity. The center and coaching for a youthfotbollclub takes up most of my time, but art is my outlet. I create wheninspiration strikes and Madyson sells my pieces. It’s a dream come true.
I am juggling a few passions, and they fuel my incredible life with Alec.
Soon we’re swept up in the chaos of the event. The press wants Mamma to give details of Boe’s life. I’m nervous for her, but once the reporter praises Boe’s accomplishments, she joins in as if she’s gossiping with her friends.
Alec asked me if I want to make the speech, but he’s amazing in these situations, so I gave him a few words to say for me and my family.
I purposely stand off to the side so I can watch both Alec and the crowd. He’s such a natural and takes my breath away. I hear murmurs of people wondering if he’s a celebrity.
“Thank you for coming to the grand opening of the Boe Blixt Community Alliance Center today,” Alec says, and the crowd cheers as if we’re at a sporting event.
“We’re thrilled to open this community center in my hometown. Growing up, I had my grandfather’s house as a safe place, and through his generosity, we are able to use this land for the town’s residents. Not everyone has someone as amazing as Grandpa Ivy. It’s an honor to be part of providing this community with a safe space for our youth. Although our focus is queer youth, we welcome everyone who needs us.” Alec grins and there’s more applause. It’s humbling to be part of the legacy he’s building.
“Today our family honors Boe Blixt. Family is the backbone of our society and the people we look to for love and support. Unfortunately, I understand what it’s like not to have a family. I have blood relatives, but I can’t count on them for love and support. It’s unacceptable that many kids are shunned for their nonconforming identities. I didn’t understand the true meaning of family until I met the Blixts.” Alec pauses and all the air has been sucked out of my lungs.
“They have suffered an unimaginable tragedy, losing Boe, their son and brother. I wish I could have met him. But he’ll live on in our hearts and memories due to the profound love of his family. The Blixt family taught me unconditional love.”
With Alec’s words, my heart leaps out of my body to lay itself at his feet. The truth is, I never had a choice with him. As soon as I saw him, I knew him and his dimples were my kryptonite.
But I didn’t know he’d be my salvation as well. That I would willingly trust him with my pain and he would heal the broken parts of my past.
He continues his speech and uses the information I gave him to honor Boe. But I’m not listening.
My head fills with our life together.
He is my future.
Alec is the most loving and loyal man I’ve ever met. I thought I was running away to America, but he told me I was runningto something. And he was right. I was running to him. The man who brings sunshine and jokes into my life. He taught me how to live again after losing my brother. And he taught me not to fear the lies the press makes up.
I even smile for press pictures with my arm around the man I love and he grins at me with his dimples on full display.
Alec
Shameless by Billy Joel
Jayce walks straight to the bouncer and we’re immediately let into the club’s VIP area. There are a lot of us tonight. The usual, plus Lars and a few of his teammates. We’re seated in a U-shaped booth.
My fingers are linked with Von’s and I admire our new ink.
I finagled an impromptu stop at Unframed Art before we went home to change and met everyone here.
Von sees me eyeing our tattoos and brings our hands to his lips so he can kiss the plastic wrap on my ring finger with his name underneath it. I pull his hand to my mouth to kiss my name on his finger.
We decided not to compromise our values and allow the government’s involvement in our relationship. Not until allpeople are recognized equally under the law. Women and non-cis people don’t have autonomy and that isn’t a government we’re comfortable dictating our lives. So no legal ceremony, but we needed to show off our commitment to each other.
I absolutely love inking his milky white skin. And today we’re celebrating his permanent US residence, the BBC with AC opening, and our love.
A day for the history books.
“It’s par-mittment.” I sing out my joy, but it doesn’t sound right so I yell, “A com-arty.” Von grabs me by the back of the neck to kiss me. “Which do you prefer for our commitment party?”
Von shrugs, pulls me onto his lap, and hums contentment in my ear.
“What about Blivy Day or Vonvy or Alevon?” I yell over the music. Everyone shakes their heads but my man is grinning. “I got it! We can both change our names to Alec-Von-Blixy! Doesn’t that sound posh. Of course I’ll still go by Alec and you go by Von to avoid confusion.”
Von squeezes my neck and brings our foreheads together. He sighs, kisses my nose, and says, “No.”