Page 105 of A is for Aftercare

“We are really happy,” he assures his parents. “I’ve never been happier.”

“There’s a significant difference in your ages,” Sean says, finally pointing out the elephant in the room. “People might not approve.”

“So?” Archie replies. “All that matters is how we feel about each other.”

"That's a very idealistic thing to say," Sean says, not entirely approvingly. "You might find the reality of such a vast age gap is less romantic."

“So far, we haven’t encountered any negativity,” I say.

“So far.”

“You’re already more likely to encounter nasty comments because you’re gay,” Katherine says in a hushed tone. “I don’t like the thought of my baby being abused by people because you’ve chosen to be with an older man.”

Archie puts his hand in mine again.

“Ifthat happens, we’ll deal with it together,” I say. “Trust me, I’m not going to let anyone hurt Archie.”

“I don’t care what strangers think,” Archie says. “The people we know are happy for us, and that’s all that matters. And Dad…you’ll be able to get your copies of Hamish’s books signed whenever you want.”

“Don’t misunderstand,” Katherine says. “We’re very happy for you.”

“We were a little shocked at first,” Sean admits. “We did have a moment of wondering what you could both possibly have in common.”

“A love of literature?” I say. “And dinosaurs.”

Archie almost chokes at my comment.

"You look happy together," Katherine says. "And that's good enough for us."

“Thanks, Mum,” Archie says.

“The signed books are a definite bonus,” Sean adds. “We just wanted to make sure you’d thought about the reality of being together.”

“We have,” I say.

“And we still want to be together,” Archie adds. “So can we drop the whole age-gap thing? It’s a non-issue.”

“All right,” Katherine says.

Sean raises his glass of wine. “A toast?”

We all lift our glasses.

“To your future together. I hope it’s long and happy.”

We clink glasses and then all take a small drink. Archie and I have water, as in theory we have to go back to work when we get home.

“Where do you live?” Katherine asks.

“In a converted water tower.”

“Oh, Mum, it’s amazing!” Archie says. “You’ll love it.”

“I look forward to seeing it,” Katherine says pointedly.

“We’ll have you all over for drinks and nibbles after Archie has moved in,” I say.

“Have Corey and Blake seen it?”