Page 98 of The New Place

“That’s very pretty,” Cheryl calls after her.

“You can watch it after we eat. You know the rules,” Ned says.

Abbot should get the salmon out. The potatoes too, and turn the oven on, since he’s learned it takes a good while to heat up. But that would mean stepping away from Ned and he doesn’t want to, not yet. Not ever, if he has his way about things.

“It is a good episode,” Dan says, peering toward the TV.

“Dad, it’s a kids’ show with animated sloths.”

“Funny animated sloths,” Dan says. “Do we need avocado with dinner? I can cut it up. I think I’ve got it down now.”

“I don’t see why not,” Abbot says.

“You’re just encouraging him,” Ned admonishes. His cheeks are a little flushed and Abbot wonders if his are too.

“You two look happy,” Cheryl says. “Did you hear about Newbury?”

Abbot is very happy, overflowing with it nearly. It courses beneath the strain of today, the confusion of Liesl’s call and Chris’s assumptions. He’s happy with Ned, and Ned is happy with him. That uncomplicated truth sings between them, now with a new shine on it. Engaged, he thinks again, wondering at the word.

“Not yet,” Ned says.

“I’m sure they loved your talk today,” Cheryl says.

Ned lets out a short laugh. “We can hope.”

“Newbury University,” Dan says. “I still can’t believe it, Henry. And Ned, you too. I’m already picking out which hat I want to get from their bookstore.”

“We’ll see,” Ned says. “But listen, we do have some news.” His arm tightens around Abbot’s waist.

Abbot expects Ned to hesitate, to show the uncertainty this entire situation has been wreathed in cropping up now, too, but Ned just smiles and Abbot finds he’s smiling too. They’re giddy. Why were they worried at all? He can’t remember now, leaning against Ned and riding the high of Peggy’s tight, quick hug.

“We’re engaged,” Ned says.

Dan slowly turns from the TV to look at them. Cheryl’s mouth falls open, her eyes wide.

They’re excited, right? Surely they must be, as a beat of silence fills the kitchen and then another, longer one. Abbot’s excited. He’s thrilled with the promise of this new family, and perhaps this is not the way this is all meant to happen, but happening it is.

“Finally,” Cheryl whispers and then Abbot does have to let go of Ned because he’s being hugged so hard it surprises him. She draws back to grab Ned, pulling him down to kiss his cheek.

Abbot doesn’t get a chance for a breath because Dan is pumping his hand in both of his, and then that’s forgone for Dan’s arms around him, Abbot’s back slapped again and again.

“We’re so happy,” Dan says over and over again. “So happy for you two. Just so happy.”

“My baby boy,” Cheryl says, kissing and kissing Ned’s face.

“Mom,” he says and then she’s traded Ned for Abbot again. He finds himself kissed too, Dan’s hand on his shoulder even as he hugs Ned with his other arm.

“You’re getting married,” she says. “You two are getting married. We just knew it.”

“You did?” Ned asks.

“We were waiting for this to happen,” Dan says. He hugs his wife and then he’s hugging Abbot again. “Welcome to the family, Henry. We couldn’t be happier.”

“I can’t wait to tell everyone,” Cheryl says. “We need to call your aunts, and I just have to tell Pat’s parents—do they know? Does he?”

“Pat knows,” Ned says and he catches Abbot’s eye. “He⁠—”

“Yes,” Abbot says before Ned can say anything. Knows the truth is layered behind Ned’s words, and that fact jolts through Abbot. Yet Dan and Cheryl are beaming at him, and he can still feel Peggy’s skinny arms around his neck. Liesl’s delight too, screaming through the phone.