Epilogue

Alec exits our bedroom wearing a metallic cobalt-blue suit, a goddamn dream.

"If you keep looking with fuck-me eyes, Viking, we aren't going to make it out of this apartment. And while usually I have no problem with that, today's the exception." Alec straightens his cuff, giving me side-eye.

We bought an apartment in Long Island City together last year, after my visa was reinstated. It's large by NYC standards, with two bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms. But it's the view that sold us. We look out over the East River and have an incredible view of Manhattan's skyline. Alec likes to point out the different buildings and we watch the ferries go back and forth.

And the Evighet sculpture sits on the windowsill, so it's one of the first things people see when they enter our apartment.

"Javlar." I check my watch, glad we had the rental car dropped off earlier today. "You shouldn't go out in public wearing that," I grumble.

He smirks. "You dress me, so it's your own damn fault. Don't pretend you don't love it. You're just mad we don't have time to fuck."

"You turned me into a deviant." I can't help but smile.

"Something you also love." He smacks my ass on the way to the door.

"I do," I say, nervously catching his wrist, worrying over doing this now. But I opened it this morning and I literally can't wait. It's been two and half years since he traveled to Sweden to win me back. The first year was the hardest since we were apart for most of it.

"Viking." Alec runs his fingers through my hair. "We don't have time for a quickie, but if you're desperate, I'll blow you in the car." He waggles his eyebrows.

I shake my head and bend on one knee.

"What the fuck are you doing?!" He's properly horrified and I'm making a mess of my declaration.

"Not that," I assure him, and he relaxes. We discussed neither of us wants to get married or have kids, so I understand his anxiety.

He wraps a lock of my hair around his finger, and I take a deep breath.

"Alec, I'm yours. I vow I'm never leaving you." When he tries to say something, I silence him with a look.

"I don't know what the future holds, but I want to be with you until my last breath. I hope we never have to break each other's hearts and leave this world together."

I pull the envelope out of my pocket. "And now I'll never be forced away from you." I hold up my green card.

Alec drops to his knees in front of me, and a thousand emotions flit across his face. "Hj?rtansk?r," he chokes out. And I nod at his unspoken words—there's nothing hanging over us, threating to take me away from him.

He starts laughing and kissing me. "If we leave this world together, I vote for a sex-fueled haze so we don't even care."

I smile into the kiss. I pictured us old and lying in bed holding hands, but I could revise my vision for him.

"We should get tattoos to celebrate." Alec pulls me up and drags me to the door.

"Now?"

He looks over his shoulder as if I've lost my mind. And maybe I have.

"No, Viking. We're busy today, but I'll draw something up."

"You want every inch of me covered in your ink, don't you?" I tease but love the tattoos he's marked me with. We have matching runes and symbols and I have his name etched over my heart. The tabloids went wild when they got a picture of me shirtless. I have zero regrets.

I'm living out my dreams with the man I love. Alec taught me we know the truth, and any lies printed about us don't matter. We have each other and can ignore the tabloids. It's liberating and exactly what I hoped for when I came here. A place to find my passion and live without the weight of gossip and scrutiny.

He's the sun that I orbit around, helping me put the pain of my past behind me. He dragged me out of my dark depression and into the light.

"I'd tattoo my name on your forehead if you'd let me." He's walking briskly with his hand on my back because we are officially running late.

Alec climbs into the driver's seat. "You know I drive faster."

And I can't argue. "Are you nervous?" I ask once we're on our way to the airport.

His smile is hesitant, so I know he is, but he shrugs a shoulder and says, "Are you? There's going to be press there."

"No. Not unless things get ugly for you." I rub this thigh and wait for him to tell me what he's holding back.

"Part of me hopes my parents are there, protesting the center, so I can comment in the press. They think they're righteous and would have a rude awakening with the negative publicity for their views. It's one thing for them to be homophobic and racist in their little community, but it's a big world and many people would throw just as much hate their way." Alec sighs and I squeeze his thigh, wishing he had better parents.

I check my phone for the time.

"Your parents will have to stop at baggage claim so we won't technically be late," he assures me.

"I wish they would have come in yesterday." I bite back a little resentment. My parents will be here to love and support us, so I can't complain after we heard rumors Alec's parents' church is staging a protest in front of the center.

Today is the official opening of the Boe Blixt Community Alliance Center. Or as Alec calls it, the BBC with AC. It's been unofficially open and serving LBGTQ+ youth for the last two months. Next to Alec, it has been the best thing in my life.

When we were in Sweden, we discussed at length the future and our goals. Knowing how much Alec struggled as a teen and never knowing if Boe's sexuality contributed to his untimely death, I wanted to contribute to Alec's dream of a youth program.

Things happened very quickly after he returned to the States. He FaceTime"d me to tell me the name he picked for the center and it was the first time I allowed myself to cry since my brother died. I'm honored he chose Boe, and I wish they'd known each other.

So many unforeseen positive results from Alec's choice. First, he won over my father and sister with his gesture. My mother loves the tribute to her youngest son but does not love that I chose a man who took me half a world away from Sweden. Alec is slowly charming her and I know she'll eventually love how happy he makes me.

Then Boe's fotboll club donated money to expedite the building. It might have taken a few years to secure the funding otherwise. We were able to break ground in record time and could pay for the most qualified crews.

After the land was cleared, and the architect drew up the plans, we had to decide what to do with the unused acres. I thought we should sell it and donate the money to the Boe Blixt Alliance Center. But Alec had the brilliant idea to build a fotboll pitch—although he insists on calling it a soccer field. Kids don't need a lot of equipment to play and it fits Boe's legacy. Because it will be used for sports purposes, we added "community" to the official name.

To continue to honor his legacy, I applied for coaching positions. Because my expertise is in fotboll, the US immediately reinstated my visa. Which I would have done sooner if I'd known I could get back to Alec faster. Coaching has renewed my love of fotboll.

The past two years have been the greatest of my life. Nothing compares to the life I've built with Alec.

Alec waits in the loading zone while I find my parents at baggage claim. Pappa greets me with a handshake and Mamma kisses my cheek, complaining the schedule is tight. Then we're off to Alec's hometown.

The car is silent, and Alec's bouncing leg indicates he's nervous. Silence is not uncommon in my family, but I suppose it is odd we aren't catching up.

So I clear my throat and ask, "How are Alma and the baby?" My sister's son is only a month old, so they couldn't make the trip.

"Fine," Mamma replies, but she has a huge smile.

"He looks like Boe." Pappa beams, and the car is quiet again.

Alec asks if they're interested in knowing the history of the places we pass. Alec has a wealth of knowledge, but it's not until he winks at me that I realize he's making most of it up to fill the silence.

"Oh, Von." Mamma gasps as the center comes into view. The pitch and other fields are strategically in front and a huge sign bears Boe's name. She slaps her fingertips under her eyes to prevent her tears from falling. Pappa chokes up as well.

The sports complex is open to everyone in the community and we've partnered with the local club teams to ensure its use. I might not be famous in America, but as a former Premier League player, that opened many doors for us.

"Von sat in on the design meetings and personally approved everything," Alec tells my parents. He's being modest since he had the final say.

"Well done, son." My father slaps my back as we exit the car.

We parked in front of the sports complex so I can give them a tour before we go into the Alliance Center. My parents are impressed and I'm relieved to have their approval.

The center is modern and welcoming. In the lobby, Cole painted a huge rainbow mural to subtly advertise our mission of serving the LBGTQ+ community. I sculpted a series of same-sex couples, which are scattered around the center.

Mamma doesn't say she likes my artwork, but she's smiling and touches each sculpture, nodding her head to show her appreciation. That is high praise from her.

"Over here." Madyson waves to us. Our friends are here to support us. "Guess what?" she asks but doesn't wait for us to answer. "Your decision not to sell the sculptures in this center has driven the price up." She's squeezing my hands and looking proudly smug. She thought displaying my sculptures would widen my exposure in the queer community. I agreed to sell them if the offers are above what she normally sells them for. I plan to donate the profits to the center like Cole did with his mural.

Cole gives me a chin raise, and there's a round of congratulations from Shane, Jayce, Emmett, Lars, and a few others from the Enforcers.

My career as an artist is thriving on a low level. The tabloids lost interest in me and the art world thought the viral meme created interesting publicity. The center and coaching for a youth fotboll club takes up most of my time, but art is my outlet. I create when inspiration strikes and Madyson sells my pieces. It's a dream come true.

I am juggling a few passions, and they fuel my incredible life with Alec.

Soon we're swept up in the chaos of the event. The press wants Mamma to give details of Boe's life. I'm nervous for her, but once the reporter praises Boe's accomplishments, she joins in as if she's gossiping with her friends.

Alec asked me if I want to make the speech, but he's amazing in these situations, so I gave him a few words to say for me and my family.

I purposely stand off to the side so I can watch both Alec and the crowd. He's such a natural and takes my breath away. I hear murmurs of people wondering if he's a celebrity.

"Thank you for coming to the grand opening of the Boe Blixt Community Alliance Center today," Alec says, and the crowd cheers as if we're at a sporting event.

"We're thrilled to open this community center in my hometown. Growing up, I had my grandfather's house as a safe place, and through his generosity, we are able to use this land for the town's residents. Not everyone has someone as amazing as Grandpa Ivy. It's an honor to be part of providing this community with a safe space for our youth. Although our focus is queer youth, we welcome everyone who needs us." Alec grins and there's more applause. It's humbling to be part of the legacy he's building.

"Today our family honors Boe Blixt. Family is the backbone of our society and the people we look to for love and support. Unfortunately, I understand what it's like not to have a family. I have blood relatives, but I can't count on them for love and support. It's unacceptable that many kids are shunned for their nonconforming identities. I didn't understand the true meaning of family until I met the Blixts." Alec pauses and all the air has been sucked out of my lungs.

"They have suffered an unimaginable tragedy, losing Boe, their son and brother. I wish I could have met him. But he'll live on in our hearts and memories due to the profound love of his family. The Blixt family taught me unconditional love."

With Alec's words, my heart leaps out of my body to lay itself at his feet. The truth is, I never had a choice with him. As soon as I saw him, I knew him and his dimples were my kryptonite.

But I didn't know he'd be my salvation as well. That I would willingly trust him with my pain and he would heal the broken parts of my past.

He continues his speech and uses the information I gave him to honor Boe. But I'm not listening.

My head fills with our life together.

He is my future.

Alec is the most loving and loyal man I've ever met. I thought I was running away to America, but he told me I was running to something. And he was right. I was running to him. The man who brings sunshine and jokes into my life. He taught me how to live again after losing my brother. And he taught me not to fear the lies the press makes up.

I even smile for press pictures with my arm around the man I love and he grins at me with his dimples on full display.

Jayce walks straight to the bouncer and we're immediately let into the club's VIP area. There are a lot of us tonight. The usual, plus Lars and a few of his teammates. We're seated in a U-shaped booth.

My fingers are linked with Von's and I admire our new ink.

I finagled an impromptu stop at Unframed Art before we went home to change and met everyone here.

Von sees me eyeing our tattoos and brings our hands to his lips so he can kiss the plastic wrap on my ring finger with his name underneath it. I pull his hand to my mouth to kiss my name on his finger.

We decided not to compromise our values and allow the government's involvement in our relationship. Not until all people are recognized equally under the law. Women and non-cis people don't have autonomy and that isn't a government we're comfortable dictating our lives. So no legal ceremony, but we needed to show off our commitment to each other.

I absolutely love inking his milky white skin. And today we're celebrating his permanent US residence, the BBC with AC opening, and our love.

A day for the history books.

"It's par-mittment." I sing out my joy, but it doesn't sound right so I yell, "A com-arty." Von grabs me by the back of the neck to kiss me. "Which do you prefer for our commitment party?"

Von shrugs, pulls me onto his lap, and hums contentment in my ear.

"What about Blivy Day or Vonvy or Alevon?" I yell over the music. Everyone shakes their heads but my man is grinning. "I got it! We can both change our names to Alec-Von-Blixy! Doesn't that sound posh. Of course I'll still go by Alec and you go by Von to avoid confusion."

Von squeezes my neck and brings our foreheads together. He sighs, kisses my nose, and says, "No."

The protest dies on my lips when Cole turns to Shane and says, "We should change or last names." Shane agrees with a full body nod and a bright blush.

"Let me pick your new name." They deserve a better name for just the two of them.

"NO," they say in unison.

"This calls for champagne." Jayce flags the nearest server to order a couple of bottles of bubbly and bottle service for the night. "It's on me," Jayce declares.

I'm not sure what happened, but a while back, the man keeps trying to become my best friend. It's cool because he arranged tonight's celebration after the opening. Jayce usually participates under duress from Mads, but according to her, he organized everything without her asking or her input. I'm suspicious he held a grudge against me and decided to let it go. I keep waiting for annoyed Jayce to reappear.

Maybe Mads convinced him I'm not so bad. Whatever it is, I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

"Have I told you how insanely gorgeous you are?" Von's lips connect with the bare skin between my shoulder blades.

"You do love to dress me up and show me off." I turn and run my fingers through his hair because I need to touch him but not turn it X-rated. It's one of my favorite pastimes.

"Hmmm." He leans in, but his lips hover over mine. "I can't take credit for you."

"Sure you can," I whisper so our lips are touching, but we're not kissing. His taste in fashion is getting bolder and I'm here for it. I'm wearing skin-tight red leather pants with a matching halter top. My entire back is bare. It's a soft, wide swatch that circles my neck, plunges down each side of my chest, and wraps around my waist, creating a belt. It's definitely the most gender-bending outfit I've worn in public.

It also shows off my tattoos. Von sat in on the sessions when Cole tattooed over the word poison on my chest. It's transformed into a series of Nordic symbols: the tree of life, Thor's hammer, and runes for love, protection, and healing. My chest is a masterpiece dedicated to Von.

A couple hours and a few glasses of champagne later, and I'm ready to dance.

"Take me." I nip Von's earlobe and relish his shock. "Out onto the dance floor."

"Temptress." He runs his hands down my spine. "Let me watch you," he growls, and these pants are too tight for my cock's reaction. I tear my gaze away from him to survey our table.

He gets off on watching other people's lust for me, but the possessive part of him loses his mind if someone touches me. My plan involves a partner in crime to prevent a jealous incident, which would get us thrown out. I get off on his caveman obsession with me.

Shane is bopping his head to the music, but Cole isn't at our table. Perfect.

"Dance with me." I pull Shane out of his seat, and his nerves lock his body in stillness. "One song." Holding his hand, I bring our arms up over our heads and twirl myself.

Shane glances over and Von must encourage him because he says, "One dance or until Cole comes to get me."

"I can't believe you let him leave the house wearing that," Lars says behind me.

"Who do you think dressed him?" Von's voice is smug with a sexy gravel.

I'm dragging Shane away when I hear the clink of glasses with Jayce's laughter as he says, "Alright, alright, alright, Von."

If anyone understands Von"s desire to watch, it's Jayce.

"Just so I'm clear, we're doing this because Von wants it, not so you can annoy my husband." Shane sways to the music and I'm holding his wrist to send an obvious signal we're together to avoid unwanted hands on either of us. Shane might be a genius, but sometimes social interactions confuse him.

"Correct." I spin him until he laughs. He needs to get out more and have fun. "It's his kink," I explain. "He loves seeing other people covet what he has, knowing I'm his."

I struggled our first year, afraid he'd change his mind and leave me. But his steadfast love never wavered and I learned to trust myself and our love. I'm finally someone's person. The only person Von chooses to spend the rest of his life with. I'm his first and only choice. I trust him with my life. It took a while for me to fully believe it, but I don't have any doubts.

I can feel Von's eyes burning my skin and perform a spin and body roll for him.

Unfortunately, another man puts his hands on my hips.

"You have ten seconds before your hands cause an international incident," I say, wriggling out of his grip. A palm crashes into his chest and Von's growl resonates over the music.

The man raises his hands in defeat, but his gaze slides to Shane.

"Nope," I say. "His husband would rather spend the night in jail than let you touch him." I'm body blocking Von from getting any closer to the misguided man who disappears into the crowd.

Shane's eyes focus over my shoulder and his face lights up. Cole has come to collect his husband.

Von's arm bands around my waist, and his breath tickles my ear. "We're leaving."

I grind my ass into him. "One dance."

"What are the laws regarding getting arrested for public fornication when I have a green card?" He's rock hard and my ass aches for him tonight.

"Gotta go." I wave to Cole and Shane as Von hauls me to his side and storms out of the club.

"I love it when you manhandle me." I sigh, watching Von step into the street to hail a cab. He's a pro at it now. "And I'm proud of you for not breaking that guy's nose."

"That would prevent me from getting you naked," he says, then adds. "I love you."

And that says it all.

Before Von, I thought being in a committed relationship would be the worst possible thing. I never imagined I could tell someone my past and they'd accept me. He knows everything. Even the things I've done that I'm not proud of. He's put everything in perspective and loves the scared, broken teen in me. I thought that part of me was unlovable. Unworthy of love. He's changed that and made me feel safe to be myself and give myself to him.

"I love you too, Viking." I step into the street to whisper in his ear, "Now take me home and claim what's yours. I have a present in my pants for you."

I laugh at his murderous expression, because he has to wait to unwrap me. I've never felt so free to express myself through fashion, and Von pushes me to take more risks. It's intoxicating.

Von's love has no limitations and I'm so glad I didn't fuck it up.

He's my impossible dream.