Page 70 of Finding Michael

Epilogue

Michael toyed with the picture frame and sighed. The last six months of his life had consisted of working at the library, more sex than he’d thought imaginable with Tristan and too many hours refurbishing the Victorian house. The shelter Al had imagined was about to open and already had three guests.

Tristan eased up to Michael. “The sign is ready out front. What’re you waiting for in here?”

Michael leaned into Tristan’s chest. “I never thought this day would come.”

“Opening the shelter? Or finally seeing all of my uncle’s wishes come to fruition?” Tristan laughed and embraced Michael from behind. He rested his chin on Michael’s shoulder. “I’m thrilled John was able to bring his expertise to the shelter. He’s a dynamic counselor. Between him and Dicey, I have the feeling anyone who sets foot in the shelter will be well cared for.”

“I’m sure.” Michael hooked the photo on the nail, then admired his work. “Your uncle would be thrilled.”

“He’d be happier knowing I helped finance the rest of the project.” Tristan kissed Michael’s neck. “I kept holding on to the trust fund cash. I didn’t know why, other than I wasn’t going to use it. Now I’m glad I waited.”

“Me too.” Michael admired the photo of his one-time lover. He wouldn’t change his past because it made him more appreciative of his future, but still. If he’d met Tristan a little sooner and could have had this level of happiness, he would’ve done anything to have him.

“When do we find out if the board approved of my donation to the library?” Tristan asked. “We have to move some of those books out of the house. I need room for more.”

“They accepted it. The letter came through the mail at the library yesterday, but I’ve been neck-deep in painting so I didn’t get a chance to bring it home.” Michael turned in Tristan’s arms. “They loved your idea to create an annex for the special volumes out of the original schoolhouse and a brand-new library for everything else.”

“I do have strokes of genius from time to time.” Tristan grinned. “Like not giving up when I saw the farmhouse.”

“Well, the idea to use the old community center was just as smart.” Michael cuddled against his partner. “You’re going to be broke, though.” Tristan had spent so much money to bring the shelter into being and for the library. The farmhouse was paid for and they had a tidy sum from the sale of Michael’s house, but adopting the twin black Labrador retrievers and four cats… He wondered how they’d be able to afford everything.

“Call it investing in my town.” Tristan shrugged. “It’s only money.” He placed his finger over Michael’s mouth. “I’m happy and writing. As long as we’re doing what we love with each other, we’ll be fine.”

Michael nodded. He loved Tristan’s positive outlook. The man could put a happy spin on anything. One thing bothered him. “What about Jamie? He’s been pretty heavily invested from the start. He’ll want his name on this shelter and the library project.”

“I don’t think he’ll be a problem. He’s shifted his attention to other places. Cody’s been hanging around Sullavan more than I thought,” Tristan said. “He doesn’t bother me, so I don’t care.”

“Ah.” Cody and Jamie would be a good pairing—if they’d get past their egos and give each other a chance. Michael kind of liked the idea of Cody and Jamie being a couple.

“I’d rather Cody find someone decent, especially after the…incident.” Tristan pulled away from Michael.

Since the night of the encounter with Dennis, Tristan refused to refer to it as anything but ‘the incident’. Michael didn’t blame him. He’d been traumatized, too.

“If Cody and Jamie hook up, then cool. Cody just wants someone who doesn’t see him as a male model or stepping stone,” Tristan said. “But I’m not interested in Jamie. I believe I askedyouto marry me, not him.”

Michael’s cheeks burned. He hadn’t forgotten Tristan’s proposal. He’d waited until everyone left the night before and dropped to one knee on the back porch of the shelter house. He’d accepted Tristan’s ring and knew Tristan loved him. Maybe one day his damn low self-esteem would go away for good.

“I’ve got you, a library full of books, my writing mojo, the dogs, the cats and a purpose. I’m better than great.” Tristan held out his hands. “Didn’t I say we’d be epic?”

“I never should’ve doubted you.” Michael grasped Tristan’s fingers. “Should we go outside and cut the ribbon to make the shelter official?”

Tristan nodded once. “Of course. Then we’ll go home and celebrate. The last one naked has to fuck the other.” His eyes flashed and he let go of Michael. “See you outside. Better hide the boner.”

Michael glanced down at the front of his pants.Well, fuck.The erection was plenty visible. He shook his head. Life with Tristan would be an adventure and he embraced everything Tristan had to offer. Tristan held his heart and soul in his hands. For a guy Michael had tried to avoid, Tristan had been irresistible and just who he needed.

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