Chapter 129: Chapter 129

The love, carried on empathic wings, drifted outward. Filled everyone up and made them sigh.

Charles said a few words. Kris, holding Justin’s hands in his, didn’t hear them.

Reggie cleared his throat. Held out rings.

Kris took one. Rich gold, under sunshine, in Midwinter air. Mostly plain, not too fussy, but with that design along the center. Flames, and stars, etched in tiny running leaping joy.

He said, softly, “I love you, Justin. I love waking up with you, and making coffee for you, and being here with you. You make me want to write all the songs. Every love song, every day—they’re all for you. And they always will be. I can’t promise you I’ll always remember to do the laundry and I’m not great at cooking, but I’ll always hold your hands when you want me to and I’ll buy you every book you want, and you can help me write lyrics and also sing on any Kris Starr track, any time. I’m here and I’ll always keep trying to make you smile, maybe with all the pizza in New York City—”