Page 66 of After the Rain

The innocent question crystallized my determination to protect my son from this hatred. "Because some people are scared of things they don't understand, buddy. But the important thing is that everyone who loves you is here to celebrate."

"Even Mr. Mitchell?"

"Especially Mr. Mitchell."

Cooper's smile could have powered the entire neighborhood.

During a quiet moment while Cooper opened presents in the backyard, Ezra and I found ourselves alone in the kitchen,loading dirty plates into the dishwasher and processing what had just happened.

"That was intense," Ezra said, sliding his arms around my waist from behind as I rinsed plates. "I'm sorry my presence caused drama at Cooper's party."

"Don't apologize. You didn't cause anything. Hatred caused drama. Prejudice caused drama. You being here made Cooper happy, and that's all that matters."

I turned in his arms, feeling the solid warmth of him against me. The day's events had proven something important—we were stronger together than apart, and I was done hiding what we meant to each other.

"How are you feeling about going public like that?" Ezra asked, his hands settling on my hips. "That was pretty much a declaration to the entire community."

"Good. Terrifying, but good." I leaned into his touch, still amazed that I could do that freely now. "I'm tired of living my life based on other people's comfort levels. Today showed me that we have more support than I realized."

"Mrs. Garrett looked ready to combust when Jazz shut her down."

"Jazz is a force of nature. But it wasn't just her—did you see how many parents stepped up to defend you? To defend us?"

Ezra's smile was soft and relieved. "I did. For a while there, I thought my career was over. But seeing all those families who support my teaching... it gives me hope."

I cupped his face in my hands, thumb tracing along his cheekbone. "We're going to be okay. Whatever challenges come next, we'll face them together."

"Together," he agreed, and kissed me softly while Cooper's delighted laughter drifted through the window.

That evening, after guests had left and Cooper had fallen asleep exhausted from his party, Ezra and I sat on the frontporch talking about the day's events and what they meant for our relationship. The evening air was warm and peaceful, a stark contrast to the afternoon's confrontations.

"Today felt like coming out publicly without actually saying the words," I observed, settling back in the porch swing we'd installed last summer. "Everyone saw us together, saw me defend you, saw how Cooper feels about you. I think people drew their own conclusions."

Ezra nodded, his shoulder brushing mine as he relaxed beside me. "Our relationship is no longer secret, for better or worse. The visibility feels both liberating and dangerous."

We discussed practical concerns about moving forward—Ezra's job security, my custody situation, Cooper's needs and adjustment. The challenges were real and significant, but both of us expressed commitment to facing them together rather than separately.

"Whatever happens, we're not hiding anymore," I declared, taking his hand in mine and intertwining our fingers. "I'm tired of living my life based on other people's comfort levels."

Ezra shared his fears about being a public symbol for LGBTQ+ rights in Cedar Falls when he just wanted to teach children and build a relationship with me. "I didn't sign up to be a political statement, but apparently that's what loving you means in this community."

"I know, and I'm sorry that my feelings have made your life more complicated. But Ezra, look what we accomplished today. Mrs. Garrett brought her hatred to a child's birthday party, and the community rejected it. People stood up for us, defended our right to be together, showed Cooper that love has allies."

"You're right. Today was scary, but it was also encouraging. Maybe Cedar Falls is more accepting than we thought."

The evening ended with renewed commitment to supporting each other through whatever challenges arose, and to building arelationship that honored both our feelings and Cooper's needs. Walking him to his car, I realized that today had changed everything—not just our relationship status, but our willingness to fight for what we'd found together.

"Thank you for today," Ezra said softly, his hand on his car door handle. "For defending us. For choosing us publicly."

"Thank you for being worth defending," I replied, stealing one more kiss before he left.

Whatever the cost of authenticity, it was worth paying to live honestly with people I loved. The Fletchers could bring their legal challenges, Mrs. Garrett could document whatever she wanted, and the community could choose sides.

I was done hiding who I was for anyone's comfort but my own.

And for the first time in my adult life, I was comfortable being exactly who I was meant to be.

SIXTEEN

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