Page 29 of Kay

I watched as Uncle Leland picked up the last box and carried it out to his truck. My apartment was all packed up and ready for its next tenant and I was ready for my next chapter with Kay.

Walking back through the house, I cherished each memory as I checked the rooms for anything that I may have left unintentionally. I’d donated most of my furniture to the new owners and I hoped it made them happy and that they created their own happy memories.

“Is there anything else, baby?” Kay asked, stepping into my bedroom.

“I just need to turn my keys in at the office,” I answered, turning to look at her.

“Daddy?” I questioned when I saw her down on one knee. She was holding a red box in her hands and inside sat the most beautiful ring I’d even seen.

“I know this month has been a big one for you. You’re in your first relationship with a woman, quit one of your jobs, enrolled in college, and just packed up your apartment, but I can’t go another day without having my ring on your finger. I love you, Little girl. Will you marry me?”

Screaming, I launched myself at her, knocking her over in the process. Soft laughter came from the hall and I looked up to see our friends—our family–peeking in the door with happy smiles on their faces.

“Is that a yes?” she asked.

“Yes!”

I climbed off of her and sat on my ass on the carpet. She pulled the ring from the box and slid it onto my ring finger.

“I’m so glad I waited for you, baby. You’re my everything. My love, my life, my reason for breathing and there is no one else I’d rather be building my life with. Thank you for making me the happiest Daddy in the world, Lennon.”

She kissed me, soft and passionate, and I felt so damn loved.

After celebratory champagne and pictures, we were ready to leave the first home I’d ever owned as a gay woman.

“You ready, Little one?”

Looking at my laptop, I hesitated. “Can you give me a moment alone, Daddy?”

“Of course. I’ll be waiting for you outside. Take your time.” She pressed a kiss to my head and left, shutting the front door behind her.

I opened my laptop, pulled up Zoom, and connected to the link I almost knew by heart.

“Hello?” the older woman answered, staring into the screen and I swallowed my nerves.

“Do you need something?” Sasha asked, looking annoyed again.

“Yes. I need to tell you something.”

“Okay...” She trailed off.

“I care about you. Not in a romantic or sexual way, but in a friend type of way. I understand you may not think of me as your friend and that’s okay. You don’t have to. I realize maybe you’re just kinda prickly or maybe someone hurt you in the past, but that’s just too damn bad. I’m going to keep caring about you. I’m going to keep calling when I’m worried about you, like I did after your grandma passed. I’m going to pour love and light into your life because a while ago I was almost desperate for anyone to pour some into mine. You don’t have to respond or reciprocate. I don’t need anything from you, but I’m letting you know I’m going to be here, cheering you on and loving you even if it’s always from the sidelines of your life, even if I never get to join the game. Everyone deserves to feel special and loved and unfortunately for you, I’ve decided you get a spot in my too-big heart. So buckle up, buttercup. It’s going to be a very mushy ride.”

The woman opened and shut her mouth a few times before picking up her white water cup and taking a sip, probably looking for something to do to seem less awkward.

“I hope you have a good day today. I sent red roses for your grandma’s funeral. I remember you saying they were your favorite.” I ended the call before she could even respond. Closing my laptop with a smile, I walked out the front door and into the arms of my Daddy—the place where I belonged.

THE END