Page 40 of Love in Mission City: The Shorts

I grinned in return.“I heard you playingLiving on a Prayeryesterday.”

He shrugged.“Great song.”

My hands went to his jean shirt, and I started to unbutton it.

He hadn’t been working in the shop today, so there wasn’t any grease on his hands.

Not that I ever cared.He was what mattered.

Later, as we lay tangled in each other’s arms, he snuggled against my neck.“So we’re agreed on a house?”

“We are.”

“And we’re agreed about a dog?”

“If Ari is amenable.”At the moment, my cat was curled up on her favorite chair in the living room.We spent our time here, as opposed to Fritz’s place, so my little girl was never alone.

“What about kids?”His voice was tentative.

We probably should’ve had this conversationbeforegetting engaged.

“I love Darlene’s kids, but they don’t make me want to have some of my own.”I pulled back to gaze at him.“I know it will disappoint my parents, but I don’t think having kids to give them grandchildren is a good plan.”

“Oh, thank God.”He wiped the sweat from his brow.

“You’re okay with not having kids?”I suspected I now knew the answer, but I needed confirmation.

“Kids are so much work.And I love other people’s kids, but I don’t want to take on that responsibility.I want to keep volunteering, but that’s enough.”He helped at a charity that fixed up donated bikes and gave them to kids whose parents couldn’t afford them.A brilliant use of his talents.

“Then we’re good.”I placed a kiss to his forehead.“This is a forever thing.You get that, right?”

“I do.”

And two weeks later, before my parents, our friends, and matchmaker Sunshine, we repeated that vow to each other.

Want to know about Dickens's ex-boyfriend, Isaac?Turn the page and see his story…

The Lightkeeper's Love Affair

A Mission City Gay Romance Short Story

Gabbi Grey

Dedication

Randall

Cate

Ben

I just graduated.I should be out celebrating.Instead, a storm's coming and I've got no to place to sleep except the backseat of my car.At least I have my beloved beagle with me, but seriously, how is this my life?

Isaac

After a horrific week, I hate being unable to retreat to my island sanctuary.Perhaps sharing my hotel room with a stranger in distress and his dog will take my mind off things.Afterward, we'll separate and never meet again.Right?

*A 10k lighthearted gay romance with forced proximity, a loner, a future school-teacher, and Buddy, the adorable beagle.This short story was originally published in the anthology Ukraine: Seeds of Love.

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