Gregory really cared, didn't he? Sometimes that still surprised Abe more than it should.
"I know Lenard ruined marriage for you," said Gregory suddenly. "And I know you might not ever even want to move in with me. I just want you to know I'm okay with that. I get it. I'm never going to ask you to change. I just want you to know—I'm all in. Good times and bad. I'm in this for the long haul. You're my happy ending."
Abe felt his eyes brimming with tears. "You're the best person in the world." He hugged Gregory, then kissed him. "Thank you. Thank you. I love you so much—I'd change for you if I could. But it means so much that you don't need me to." He kissed Gregory again.
"Hey, don't cry." Gregory wiped Abe's face gently, his smile rueful and tender. "I didn't mean to make you cry."
"I can't help it. I'm at a funeral. I always cry at funerals." He hid his face against Gregory, overwhelmed by his feelings for this man.
He'd felt something settle inside him at Gregory's words. He had tried to change, but he hadn't been able to, or wasn't ready yet, or something. If Lenard hadn't ruined marriage for him, there would be nobody in the world he'd rather have as his husband than Gregory. But Gregory's simple acceptance of the way things were right now, and maybe always would be, meant so much.
He loved Abe anyway. It meant the world.
Gregory held Abe while he composed himself. Then they got into the car and drove away, back to their homes, where Abe was going to display his Dolly Parton collection proudly and make an organic cake for the man he loved.
the end
author's note:
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-Hollis
Poison at the Bake Sale Page 16