There were only a few more boxes left in the back of Luke’s car — mostly things that he didn’t need, but couldn’t bear to part with. He stacked them one atop the other, then grunted as he lifted them and carried them into Freddie’s garage. It had taken four trips, but he was finally done. All of his belongings were moved in. He was home to stay.

Another four months had passed, and he’d been staying with Freddie more often than he’d been living in his own place. It had made sense when his lease expired not to renew. He’d signed on as a co-inhabitant on Freddie’s lease instead. With all the filming they were doing these days, it made sense. Luke had learned more about video-making in the last few months than he ever dreamed he would, and he liked to think he was getting good. Video production was going up, and with all their ring lights and lenses, Freddie’s natural talent shone better than ever.

They were doing so well, they were talking about getting a studio.

It still felt surreal.

Luke clapped his hands once he set the boxes down and rolled his shoulders back. He looked at the doorway leading into the house to find Reagan Ann standing there, smiling at him shyly.

“Hi, Luke,” she said. She rotated her hips back and forth like she was trying to fan out a skirt. “Whatcha doing?”

“Putting the last of my boxes here so I can go through them later,” Luke said. “I’m moving in today, remember?”

“Yes.” She smiled. “I remember.”

“Do you think that we’ve got enough space to put my things inside?” Luke asked, just to make conversation. He’d come to adore his nowhere conversations with Reagan Ann. “I know you and your dad have been getting a lot of new stuff lately...”

“There’s space!” she insisted. “We want your things inside, Luke!”

Luke laughed. “Maybe you can help me go through my belongings later and we can find good places for them. I don’t want to disrupt things around here too much.”

“You’re not.” She smiled. “You belong here, too. Daddy says we all have to share. He says that the bathroom is going to be busier now and that I gotta knock now. Is that true?”

“It’s polite,” Luke said. “But I think we’ll get it figured out. I’ve kind of been living here for a few months now, and not much has changed, has it?”

“No!” Reagan Ann shook her head vehemently. “Lots has changed! I like it now since you cook dinner when Daddy is busy... and I like how we spend time together. That’s... that’s different.”

“Well, I can get behind that kind of different.” Luke made his way up the short staircase, and Reagan Ann danced back like she expected him to tickle her. She laughed the whole way, overjoyed. Luke hit the garage door button and lowered the door, then came into the house and shut the door behind him. “Speaking of dinner, what do you want to eat tonight? I’m thinking we’ll have a celebration meal. What do you think? Tacos?”

“Gross!”

Luke blinked. “What? You love tacos.”

“No!”

“She’s decided that she doesn’t eat meat,” Freddie said as he came down the hall from the kitchen. He wrapped his arms around Luke and kissed him briefly. “We could do some fried portobellos tonight. What do you think? Maybe with a salad, some carrots...”

“I think that sounds like a nightmare.” Luke laughed. “So does that mean you’re not eating chicken nuggets anymore, Reagan Ann?”

Reagan Ann looked distressed.

“Chicken is a vegetable,” Freddie said humorously. “Don’t you know that, Luke?”

“Oh, of course. I forgot.” Luke pinched the corners of his lips in to keep from grinning. “So why don’t we do chicken nuggets for Reagan Ann tonight, and maybe some seared chicken thigh for us? I feel like making something nice, and I’ve been studying cooking in my downtime, you know... when I’m not studying video design.”

“The language of love... cooking dinner.” Freddie grinned. “I’m not going to object. Does that sound good to you, Reagan Ann?”

She nodded, but kept quiet, likely upset about the chicken debacle.

“Well then,” Luke said. “Looks like I’ve got some work to do. I wouldn’t want to disappoint you guys on my first official day living here. How about we get to work on filming in the kitchen, then call it a day and I’ll start cooking? Sound good?”

“Yes!” Reagan Ann said, already over her earlier discomfort. She grinned at him. As long as she stayed quiet, she was more than welcome to help them film their videos, and Luke appreciated her assistance. He didn’t know how much longer she’d be interested in their family business, but he’d take her help while she was still willing to give it.

“Then let’s get going,” Freddie said. He kissed Luke one last time, then directed Reagan Ann down the hall to the kitchen. Luke followed behind them, excited for what the day would bring.

It was the first step toward a brighter future, and tonight, he planned to take it a step farther than that. Dinner was exciting, but there was so much more to be excited for... Freddie just didn’t know it yet.

* * *

Reagan Ann went to bed without much of a fuss. They tucked her in and said goodnight, then retired to the couch to chill out before they went to bed. The room was dark, the television the only source of light. Luke was sprawled out on the couch, and Freddie was lying against him, his back to Luke’s chest. Luke had an arm draped loosely across his stomach.

“I had a really nice day today,” Luke said.

“Me too.”

“It’s crazy to think of how far we’ve come, isn’t it?” Luke kissed the side of Freddie’s head. “So much has changed in such a short time.”

“I’m glad for it, though. I couldn’t imagine doing it without you.”

Luke smiled. He closed his eyes. “We’re getting really good at this pretend husbands thing, don’t you think?”

Freddie snorted. “Yeah, I guess we are.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.” Luke slid a hand into his pocket. He pressed something into Freddie’s hand. Freddie’s body went stiff. “Because I was thinking that we’re so good at it, that it’s just about time to make it real.”

“Luke!” Freddie squeaked.

“Will you marry me, Freddie?” Luke asked. His heart sang, and his nerves were frayed with anticipation. He’d been planning to pop the question for a while, but he’d wanted to wait until they moved in together. It felt right. “I can’t imagine my life without you and Reagan Ann in it anymore. Will you make me a part of your family?”

“Luke, yes!” Freddie scrambled around so they were chest to chest, flailing. Luke laughed. They shared a scorching, impassioned kiss. When it ended, Freddie grinned. “You don’t know how much I want that... how much I want us.”

“I think I might. I’m the one who popped the question, after all.” Luke winked. “I love you, Freddie. I can’t wait to stop playing pretend and make this real.”

“I love you.” Freddie sank down against his chest, giddy. “I can’t believe this is happening... the last half year has been such a roller coaster, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

“Me neither.” Luke kissed his forehead. He looked at Freddie’s ring finger. The ring he’d put there looked good on him, the silver band simple, but eye-catching. “Your fans are going to go crazy, aren’t they?”

“They’re going to want to meet you,” Freddie said. “We’re going to have to do one of those couple tags soon.”

“Gross.”

“Hey, don’t pull a Reagan Ann.” Freddie laughed. “When do you want to get married.”

“Oh, I don’t know. Any time, really. I figured it wouldn’t be a big thing. You’ve got your family, but I’m not really involved with mine anymore.” Luke shrugged a single shoulder. “I was thinking we could have a courthouse wedding. I think we need to call ahead, but I’d be happy to go at any time. Let’s see what our production and delivery schedule is like and take it from there. We can work around my shifts at the station easily enough.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Freddie sighed happily. “I love you, Luke. I know I’ve said it fifty times already in the last five minutes, but I really, really do.”

“Love you too,” Luke said.

He was happy. So unbelievably happy.

And now that he had Freddie’s answer, he knew he would be forever more.