To the Moon and Back

by N.R. Walker

“Look. He’s great. He’s smart and funny, and he’s sooooo good with Benson. But he’s employed by me, and that makes it weird, and gross. Not to mention that I am wholly sworn off men for all eternity.”

“We went to bed. Separately,” Gideon said. “And ten minutes later he knocked on my door, told me to shut up, and got into my bed.”

“The way you look at him.” “I was looking at Benson.” She raised a don’t-bullshit-me eyebrow. “No, you had an ‘awwww, there’s my cute boy’ look on your face when Benson was on screen, but when it was Toby, and Toby holding Benson, your whole face changed. Gideon, I know you.”

“Just so you know,” Toby said, “I’m vers. Top or bottom, I’m bossy either way.” Gideon’s coffee came out his nose.

“Toby!” Gideon’s panicked voice made Toby dash for the lounge room. “What?” Gideon was still sitting on the floor, his eyes wide. “He rolled over!” Benson was now on his back. “Oh my god!” Toby’s shock gave way to excitement.

“I told you, you didn’t have to bring anything.” “I’m not turning up empty handed.” “You’re bringing Benson. You win every time.”

“Toby, I fell for you the second you walked into my living room and called Benson a chicken nugget.”

“You are one of his dads,” Gideon murmured. “Not technically.” “Benson doesn’t know that.” Gideon’s eyes met Toby’s. “He just knows that you’re always there for him, that you love him, that he’s safe with you. And if that’s not what a dad is, then what is?” Toby blinked back tears.

“Love you too,” Toby said, kissing Benson’s head but looking at Gideon. “To the moon and back.” Gideon held up two fingers. “And back again, twice. Two times, for two kids.” Toby laughed, teary eyed at the bewildered look on Gideon’s face as reality began to sink in. “Twice.”