Page 125 of Antagonist

“Don’t care what anyone says. I’m here for Mik Nielsson,” Melodie says. Her husband rolls his eyes and says, “She’s into the whole Nordic vibe now.”

“Viking, babe. It’s Viking. God, just looking at the man’s chiseled chin makes a girl’s knees go weak,” she says.

“I’m secure enough in my sexuality and marriage when I say I can’t disagree with my wife,” he says, and everyone laughs.

I settle between Harrison’s legs, leaning against his chest.

“Hmm, I picked good when I picked you,” I say, grabbing his arms to wrap them around my waist.

He pushes my hair to one side and kisses the back of my neck. “Technically, you paid for me, baby.”

“Best investment ever,” I say, turning my head for a kiss.

Darius’s band comes on stage and everyone claps and shouts their name.

I see someone approaching the group shyly and recognize him as the guy that works at the checkout in the grocery store.

“Babe, look,” I whisper to Harrison.

“What?”

“Watch.”

The guy is holding a sleeping baby in a carrier.

“Um…Mr. Bradford. Could I ask you something? I’m…um…I’m really sorry to bother you, but I saw you here, and…”

Ellis stands like he’s been stung by a bee. “How many times do I have to ask you to call me Ellis?”

The guy smiles shyly. “One more time, Mr. Bradford.”

Ellis’s whole body language screams that he’s attracted to the young man.

“How’s Sara?” he asks, looking at the baby.

“She’s good, thank you. Feeding better since you gave me that tip about turning the bottle around. Who’d have known the little hole was there for a reason?”

“How can I help, Milo?” Ellis asks.

“Um…I heard the school is offering classes to help people get their GED. My neighbor said she can babysit Sara after work so I can do the classes.”

“That’s really great, Milo. We’ll be happy to have you. Do you want me to bring you an application form next time I’m at the grocery store?”

“Would you do that?” The guy’s smile couldn’t be more blinding.

“Of course, it would be a pleasure.”

“Okay. Thank you. Sorry for interrupting your evening. I’ll get going now. Sara doesn’t like the loud noise, and it’s getting late for her.”

Milo leaves, and as soon as he’s out of earshot, everyone starts ribbing Ellis about cradle robbing. Not that Milo is that young. If I took a guess, I’d put him in his mid-twenties. And Ellis, while older than us, doesn't exactly look that old.

I close my eyes and listen to the band. The kids are playing, and every so often, I’ll hear them talk about sleepovers and treasure hunts.

It’s a beautiful summer evening and we’re surrounded by friends and family. Perfection isn’t a strong enough word to describe it.

As Harrison sways from side to side in tempo with the music, taking me with him, I think about our future, when we’ll get married, when we’ll give Megan and George a sibling. The whole nine yards.

“Hey,” I say in his ear so only he can hear, “will you move in with us already so I can ask you to marry me?”

Harrison stares into my eyes, his hands coming up to cradle my face. “Yes…and definitely yes.”

“Good,” I say, turning around and leaning back against him as if I didn’t just half propose. “Your heart is beating fast, baby. Do you need me to call Mike or Stella over here?”

“Nope. I’m good…very good.”

“I’ll make you feel more than good later,” I promise. “George is sleeping over at Stella’s, so all we have to do is pick a place.”

“With you? Anywhere will do.”

* * *