Page 52 of Before It's Too Late

“You were pretty pissed, if I recall.”

“Because since coming out to me in high school, you’d never kept secrets from me, and I couldn’t imagine what it could be other than maybe you were gonna move away or had some incurable disease or cancer or something. I swear the first thing that went through my head was that I was gonna fucking lose you, man.”

“I’d never even thought of that. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to be. I get it now. Let’s just promise each other no more secrets like that anymore, okay?”

“Deal.” Cael sealed his promise with a soft kiss. God, he could kiss those lips all day.

Another ding.

Cael pulled away and they turned to read the screen.

Chloe: OMG u 2 are so in love.

Chloe: Taylor’s still good, btw. Enjoy your morning. Come home when you’re ready.

Zach: Thx Chloe. I owe you.

Chloe: Seeing my brother finally happy is payment enough.

Zach furrowed his brow and glanced at Cael. “Finally happy?”

Cael twisted his lips and scrunched his forehead, giving a slight shrug. “It’s been a long ten years.”

“Jesus, Cael.”

A text from Zach’s mom chimed in.

Mom: My handsome boys. I knew you’d figure it out.

Zach: Thx mom.

A direct message to Zach popped in from his mom.

Mom: Your dad wants you both over for dinner tonight.

Zach looked up at Cael and raised both brows. “You good with that?”

Cael shrugged one shoulder. “Yep.”

Zach: 5 ok?

Mom: Yes. You’re bringing Taylor too, right?

Zach: yeah

Mom: ok. See you then. Love you.

The texts stopped. Zach dropped his phone on the bed beside him, closing his eyes for a long moment. Long enough for Cael to worry that something was wrong.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Zach asked. He opened his eyes slowly, meeting Cael’s thoughtful gaze.

Staring down at Zach, Cael inhaled deeply. “I was afraid it would mess things up between us,” Cael whispered. He gave his head a slight shake. “You’re everything to me, Zach.”

“I am?” Zach’s eyes watered ever so slightly. His chest rose and fell with deep breaths.

“Uh, yeah. For a long time.” Cael blinked and huffed a quiet laugh to keep the tears that threatened from falling. “But enough mushy stuff. Seriously, what do you want to do today?”