Page 19 of Something Like Daybreak

“What’s going on?” Tim asked.

“The lake is special to us,” Greg explained. “It’s the place where we first—”

“Kissed,” Michelle said, her face burning now. “And it’s where we’d like to leave. Together.”

Greg put an arm around her waist. “Is that okay with you guys?”

“Of course!” Ben hugged them. “I’m so glad that you’re coming with us. Nobody loves Jace as much as we do. He’ll have all the help he needs.”

“We’ll be there for him,” Michelle promised. “And for each other.”

“I’ll see you on the other side,” Greg said, bumping fists with Tim.

“Looking forward to it,” Tim said easily.

They watched as Greg and Michelle walked to the end of an old rickety dock. They kissed, whispered promises to each other, and then hand-in-hand, leapt into the lake with a splash. They didn’t surface again.

“Sorry,” Ben said as his shoulders began to shake.

“Don’t ever apologize for being you,” Tim said. “When I was growing up, my parents tried to love me. And they did. But when you came along, it was like this beacon of light that I couldn’t ignore. You and that amazing heart of yours, Benjamin… I freakin’ adore it. I only have one request.”

“What?”

“You can fall in love with Jace in your next life. And I sure hope you’ll fall in love with me again. But don’t bring another guy home. Our bed is crowded enough.”

Ben laughed. “No promises.”

They walked along the edge of the lake until reaching the path that led into the woods. Ben dwelled on what this place had meant to him while living. Jace had finally opened up to him here, trusting him with the truth about Victor’s final resting place. Ben had returned twice more afterwards. Once when scattering Jace’s ashes, and again when Nathaniel neededto reconnect with a father he’d barely known. Each visit had brought healing. With any luck, the magic of this sacred place would continue. Jace and Victor had left to find their own happy ending. And now it was time to join them.

“It’s still here!” Tim said as they reached the clearing.

They weren’t sure what they would find, but the ground remained open, revealing a perfectly round jewel suspended in a sparkling night sky.

“What a beautiful place to call home,” Tim said, shaking his head in wonder.

The planet wasn’t as tranquil as it appeared from a distance, but Ben knew that it could be a source of joy. All of his most precious memories were made there. The years they’d spent in the afterlife had been nice too, but living had a certain magic that couldn’t be found anywhere else.

Tim offered his hand. “Are you ready, Benjamin?”

All his doubt and fear fell away. When it came to the people he cared about, Ben was willing to do just about anything. They were down there now, waiting for him, and he wouldn’t fail them. But they could wait a little longer.

“I loved being us,” Ben said, ignoring Tim’s hand so he could wrap his arms around his torso instead.

“So did I,” Tim said, embracing him. “You’re the greatest thing that ever happened to me. I’d be insane to give you up. But this isn’t the end.” He nuzzled Ben’s ear. “You’ll find me again. Won’t you?”

Ben leaned back and stared into silver eyes. “Just try and stop me.”

Tim kissed him, pulling Ben closer as he took a step back. And then another, the void at his heels.

“What are you doing?” Ben asked.

“Don’t worry,” Tim said, his grin filled with affection. “You taught me how to fly.”

He held Ben tight as he leaned back. And then they were falling, except there was no terrible sense of anticipation. Instead they both laughed gleefully, the light from the stars seeming to resonate with them until their bodies began to glow. The boundaries separating them dissolved and disappeared until they became one. Ben could remember it all, even the smallest detail. Moments of desperate need between the sheets, every whispered confession, the laughter that followed dumb jokes, idle time that never felt wasted when spent together, the pain, tears, and frustration too, which only seemed to cement their connection. Not only in their most recent life but countless others. They always managed to find each other, their eternal love leading them home, as it would again and again. As many times as they needed or desired. There was no end to their story… and never would be.