Page 107 of Only One Tour Bus

“Callum, we’re at the Scotch Whisky Experience. You know a big part of this is a theme park-like ride through the history of the drink in a giant plastic barrel, right?” This is his nightmare, and my favorite activity. If you would have asked me where I would never see the man, it would be this and the Edinburgh Dungeon. Or any of the dungeon locations, to be honest.

He winces. “I know. But I love you, so I can get in a giant plastic barrel.”

“What? You love me?”

“Obviously.”

“There’s nothing obvious about it! How would I know that, Callum? Do you think perkiness gives me the power to read minds?” This man. I don’t know what to do with him.

“You’re more aware of people than I am, I figured you would have picked up on it. Without me having to say the bloody words.”

“Well, I haven’t.”

“Oh. Well. I do. Love you. Of course I do. You bring light to my life and remind me that joy is just as valid as seriousness, and not some immature reaction to life. You make me a lighter person, and I like the me that enjoys the world with you. I can go back to my dull world if I have to, but I don’t want to. I don’t want to lose the light, even though mere men are not great at holding on to the sunshine. But I promise that if you give me another chance, I will never make you regret it. I will do my best to make sure nothing gets in the way of your shining. I was worried the differences would make us incompatible, but they don’t. They balance us. And without you, I would never be able to find my balance again.”

I melt the more I hear it, despite my residual anger at him. I really am not good at holding grudges, especially when the apology comes with that sweet speech. That, and the fact that I’ve been missing him, means my anger never stood a chance.

Plus if this man is willing to go to the Scotch Whiskey Experience, he just might have changed. And I’d rather give this a chance and maybe be hurt than never have Callum again. I am starting a business, after all, and if I have the courage to do that, I have the courage to believe in Callum.

“Well, I love you, too. You giant, grumpy, Rain Cloud. I love how much you love history, and how much you know about it in that brain of yours and how you challenge me to look at it deeper so I can be a better historian. I love the way you take care of me, when I don’t think about myself. I love the way I need an advanced class to understand you, because it makes me feel special that you allowed me close enough to you to learn. Close enough to care. Close enough to love. And I love your forearms, especially when you wear a slutty little button-down.”

“Thank Christ.” He pulls me into his arms and kisses me. I curl against him in happiness to be back here. His lips expertly caress mine, his tongue playing against mine and eliciting a reaction that only he seems to be able to unlock.

I lose myself in the kiss until some catcalls interrupt the moment. We break away, me on a laugh and him on a growl directed at me for pulling away and at the tourists for ruining the moment.

“But what are we going to do about the future? You should know that I am not financially sound in this moment, and I’m starting a business in a contracting industry,” I say.

He laughs, a sound that only I can elicit from the man. I preen at the accomplishment, so much that I almost miss his response.

“I’m aware. But if anyone can do it, it’s you. I know you’ll be gone a lot getting this business started, and I understand the schedule better than anyone. I’ll treasure any spare day I get with you. And I’ll be here to celebrate your wins, which will start coming very soon. Because I love you, Wee Sunshine.” Having declared his love once, he seems to enjoy saying it again. That’s okay; I like hearing it.

“Hey, shouldn’t you retire the insulting nickname now?”

He shakes his head. “It might have started out an as insult, but it isn’t anymore. You shine, inside and out. And you light up my dark world.”

I kiss him again before pulling away before we can get too involved again. “Well, I love the rain, Rain Cloud. So I guess we’re even.” The Edinburgh weather, always obliging about rain, gives me some to prove me honest.

Callum pulls me under his arm, shielding me as best he can. “Come on, there’s a weekend of fun planned for me.” He tucks me into his side and pulls me toward the entrance.

“Wait, you’re really going through with it?”

“Oh, yes. I have to prove to my new girlfriend that I can enjoy life.”

“I already believe you. But there’s zero chance I’m missing out on seeing you in a plastic whisky barrel, so let’s go show you the exciting, frivolous, lightly historic, non-boring weekend of my dreams. With selfies!”

“Grand.”

He gives me another light kiss and opens the door, starting our lifetime of adventures together.

EPILOGUE

CALLUM

Two years later

“I’m here!”

“Callum Kelly, late? Are pigs flying? Is it snowing in hell? Did someone clone you, but poorly?”