Epilogue | Owen

Chatter filled the room as each of my three very best friends found their seats. I'd been looking forward to this meeting of the Salish Sea Society . Ethan and I had our movie date last night and I had filled him in on everything that had changed in my life.

I was excited to share with everyone else.

I rapped on the table to get everyone's attention. "I have news."

"That you're apparently anxious to share," Liam said, laughing.

I shot him a smile and continued. "We've decided to move in together."

"What!" Noah leapt out of his seat and rushed to my side, giving me an incredibly tight hug. "This is amazing news!" He looked around the table. "We're happy about this, right?"

"Absolutely. Good on you, Owen." Liam rose to his feet, affection in his gaze, and reached across the table to grip my hand in a bro' handshake. "Tell us more."

"Well … we haven't decided which house we're going to keep yet."

"You'd be into selling your house?" Noah asked. I loved him for his need to watch out for us. Noah had been there for me since we were teenagers. Now, I had two men I could turn to.

"Of course he is," Ethan said. "This is forever love … I can feel it. "

I smiled. As usual, Ethan was more than positive. He had brilliant stars in his eyes and colourful butterflies in his heart. My love for him would always be profound.

"So, you're going to be a proper throuple," Liam said.

"Polyamorous."

"Such a huge step," Noah said. "You abandoned your dream of a husband and family."

"I feel like I've gained two husbands. And we've been talking about children."

"Wow," Liam said. "I'm so thrilled for you."

"Thank you, Liam."

Liam and I had put our differences aside recently. He often sat on the floor watching me paint the murals at the youth centre while chatting with me.

"One more thing," I said.

Ethan leaned forward. I hadn't told him this. We'd only decided on it this morning.

"Chad and I are starting a real estate agency. One that's more inclusive." I raised my hand to lessen the exuberant response. "And Skylar is opening his own pharmacy in Victoria. He's going to integrate western pharmaceuticals with natural remedies that aren't tested on animals."

"Oh, my god, Owen," Ethan said, nearly bouncing out of his seat. "I'm so excited for you."

I shared the details of what we had discussed in bed this morning. We had the semblance of a plan. All three of us were going to work together to realize our dreams.

"Not to steal the focus," Noah said, "but do you all have the court date for the adoptions in your calendars? Brody and I would love to have you all there."

"Daniel and I will be there for sure," Ethan said. "We wouldn't miss it."

"Same for Jamal and me," Liam said .

"I've talked to Skylar and Chad, and they want to be there to support," I added. "I know it's been a long time coming, but I want you all to meet them finally. I've been a bit selfish, keeping them to myself. We can have a barbeque at my place afterward to celebrate the adoptions."

There was a round of agreement.

Noah talked more about his and Brody's kids. Those two made the perfect parents. They and their menagerie of animals now included a pot-belly pig and two miniature ponies. They had recently bought a home on acreage in Metchosin to accommodate their growing family. I admired their commitment to one another. It was something I would strive to achieve in my relationship.

Ethan launched into talking about the latest book he and Carlos were planning. They were going to find natural outdoor settings and photograph Ethan in the nude in them. Daniel was excited to see how the photos turned out. He and Ethan fit together like two folded fuzzy socks.

Liam and Jamal had set their wedding date. Of course, Noah was going to be Liam's best man. In a surprise move, Liam asked me to be one of his groomsmen. Ethan was going to be Jamal's, his cousin his best man. They were going for the whole grand affair. When I saw Liam and Jamal together, they made me feel proud of Liam. He'd grown so much. I had no doubt they'd last.

When I arrived at my home, Skylar and Chad weren't in bed. Through the window, the orange glow of a fire in the firepit created a warmness in my heart. They'd waited up for me.

I headed back downstairs and joined them, crowding onto one of the benches beside them.

"This is nice," I said, enjoying the heat overtaking the cool night air. I looked up as both Skylar and Chad rose to their feet and turned to face me .

My heart beat furiously in my throat as they both dropped onto one knee.

"What are you doing?" My fingers were going numb.

"We'd like to make our relationship official." Skylar lifted a small box out of his winter coat and opened in front of me. Inside was a simple silver band with one inset diamond.

"Will you become one with us?" Chad asked. "Take a pledge of commitment in front of our families and friends?" He smiled at me. "Skylar knows a guy who will officiate the ceremony."

I slipped off the bench onto my knees, my entire body trembling. I swallowed but didn't speak. The best I could do was extend my shaking left hand toward the ring. Skylar slipped the band of commitment on my finger and my two men crowded around me, clinging to me.

Sobbing, I kissed them both.

"Yes," I whispered against their lips. "For an eternity, both of you, yes."

The End