“I can’t wait to tell you all about it. It will be the best day.”
Matthew snorts and then pats my head. “Yeah, love the positivity. Keep at it.”
Chapter Twenty
Matt
“Oh my god, Matthew,” Coop says after school. I meant to meet him for lunch, but got waylaid by another teacher and didn’t end up making it to him in time. So here I am, picking him up outside the library just after the school bell rang.
Coop runs a hand through his hair and beams at me.
“How was it?” I ask, and he bounces on his toes, threading his arm through mine. He looks a bit disheveled, but happy.
“It was amazing. Betsy was so fun, and the kids were…well, they’re something.”
He leans up and says softly. “I found two couples making out in the back of the library, and then get this, one kid was farting and wafting the smell toward a kid who was studying. I think it was a mating call.”
A bark of laughter escapes me. “Yeah, these kids are wild. Never expect things to be normal.”
“I can see what you mean, but it was thrilling, Matthew. And it makes it even better that you’re here. I will look forward to Mondays and Wednesdays with glee.”
“Well, at least someone will.”
He nods, bobbing his head. “Oh, and get this, Betsy said that she’s looking at starting up some conversation circles for students, and wants to know if in the future I’d be interested in heading up an LGBTQ+ one.”
I eye him. Of course Cooper has already embedded himself in this school, in the hearts of staff and students alike. He’s already making a difference.
Kind of like he did with me.
Unknowingly.
I don’t think he meant to do it at all, and here I am, a completely different person from when it all started.
“I love that.”
“I do too. It’s so cool. I’m excited to start.” He nibbles on his bottom lip and then peers shyly up at me as we slip into his car.
“I might have also told Betsy that you’re my husband. I didn’t quite mean to out you like that, she just saw the ring?—”
I interrupt him with a firm kiss to his lips. “It’s fine. I’m not going to announce it, because it’s no one’s business, but if they find out, so be it.”
Coop beams at me, his white teeth flashing. “Good. I’m so relieved. I’ve been worrying over it all day.”
“No need. You’re my husband.”
He wiggles in his seat. “I am. We are married.”
“We are.”
As I drive us back home, Coop’s hand sits in mine and he asks, “Do you ever wonder what happened that night?”
“The night we were married? Yeah. Still can’t remember it.”
“Me neither. I wonder whose idea it was to get married.”
“Probably yours,” I say, and Cooper huffs in indignation.
“I don’t think so, Matthew. I can’t see that. Not at all. I think it was all you.”