Chapter 29: One Last Night
Julian stared at the mirror in disbelief.
"Is that glitter?"
Anna smirked as she adjusted her earrings. "Technically biodegradable sparkle. Don't worry — it's gay-approved."
Julian's suit jacket was slung over a chair. His hair was tousled in that artfully disheveled way, and his cheeks were pink from champagne and laughter. They'd rented out a private lounge downtown — dim lighting, good drinks, and no chance of running into coworkers.
Anna handed him a shot. "To the last night of being a free man."
Julian laughed. "Pretty sure I lost my freedom the second Elliot moved in and labeled the spice rack."
She raised her glass. "Then to being happily captured."
---
Meanwhile, across the city, Elliot's best friend had organized what could only be described as chaos: whiskey tasting, pool tables, and a bartender with too many tattoos and not enough clothes.
Elliot was grinning ear to ear — but his eyes kept drifting to his phone.
"Dude, you're getting married tomorrow. Stop texting him," his friend groaned.
"I'm not," Elliot said innocently, glancing down at the screen.
Julian: Don't drink too much. I want you standing straight at the altar.
Elliot: I'll crawl if I have to.
He chuckled and pocketed it.
---
Later that night, both parties quieted down.
Julian stepped outside onto the rooftop, city lights glowing like stars beneath his feet. He held a glass of wine in his hand and a bittersweet feeling in his chest.
"You scared?" Anna asked, appearing beside him.
He nodded slowly. "Not of him. Just… of being this happy. It feels dangerous sometimes."
She nudged his shoulder. "He cried when he bought your ring. You're safe."
Across town, Elliot sat on the edge of a fountain, his shoes off, socks wet, tie undone.
His friend handed him a beer. "You sure about this?"
Elliot's voice was clear, calm, certain. "He's the only thing I've ever been completely sure of."
---
At midnight, Elliot sent one last text.
Elliot: I can't wait to call you my husband.
Julian replied immediately.
Julian: I've been yours long before the ring.
They didn't speak again that night.
But they both fell asleep smiling.