"We need to talk Mariah," I say lightly when she lets me into her office, gently closing the door. She looks up from the files she's perusing. "Finally, we're having this conversation,"

She gives me a knowing smile but I ignore it. "Can we talk alone? Just the both of us?"

"I'm guessing you snuck out of James's sight to be here,"

"A mother knows everything, doesn't she?" I pull out the chair opposite and sit.

"Especially when it comes to my baby,"

"I love James and I wish to marry him. You and I go a long way back and I don't want to do anything without your consent hence my coming to you,"

She sighs, takes off her glasses, and stares at me. "We're aware of what's been happening Michael but now I can't help but wish you'd waited a bit longer,"

Mariah takes out a large photo album from the pile before her and flips it continuously. A few minutes trickle past and I notice she's teary-eyed. When she sees I'm observant of her emotions, she shuts the book and turns to look out the window. "I hope you won't be like David. His true darkness was hidden and my poor James fell, just as he's falling for you now."

She shakes her head and wipes her face. "It's tough raising a gay and innocent son. He was born when we'd given up all hope. When Phil almost threw me out of his house,"

I stay silent, wanting her to be calm before I try telling her how I'd protect James with my last breath and blood. When she faces me again, I see the fire in her eyes. "It's all trust then. If I didn't recruit you to guard him then maybe this could have never happened. I'm glad it did now, and it warms my heart that my son has found the perfect one at last. Your darkness didn't drive him away as I'd thought but it brought you both together. James is the light of our family. He's different from the kids out there and isn't as strong as we'd loved him to be but he's still our son. He means everything to me."

I nod. "I'm aware of this hence he'll have my shoulders to cry on whenever he's feeling down,"

I've vowed to never see him cry. To hold our family together and be the perfect man James has always dreamed about. I know what Marian's asking for and I'm prepared to do it whatsoever it costs. "I'll never let him go. Never,"

"I want what's best for my son. I gave him a great childhood, a better life, and a comfortable environment where he'd be safe to express his sexuality. I never imagined he'd get married at last, not because it's not possible but because I thought the kind of man James deserve doesn't exist. The relationship you both share is one of the few that thrived on such short notice."

"Whatever we have, as I want to believe is natural. James and I may have varying personalities and different backgrounds but we also possess the same soul. I promise to love him even after time ends and this isn't some romantic fiction Mariah, it's reality. I would like your blessing and Phil's to marry James. It will help us go a long way," I go over to her side and bow slightly.

She laughs softly. "Phil's still taking his sexuality a little hard. He may not go with this idea at first but I'll explain things. You have my blessings, Michael. James is just like me; go with just a glance,"

She arranges the album and straightens it to look into my eyes. "Michael, can you do me a small favor again?"

"Anything for you Mariah," I say and meant it.

"You won't take James away from us right?"

I feel a stab at her words. "My true feelings towards James are simple. He makes me happy. He takes away the heaviness I've often felt most days and makes it impossible for me to give up. He's an excellent being who needs the love and support of both parents and friends. I'd never deny him this. I'm not that heartless to lock him away and have him all to myself,"

Relief softens her gaze as she nods in satisfaction.

"You deserve to stay in his life as long as you want," I add.

She takes my hand in hers and squeezes. "Thank you. For everything."

Back at the guest house, I slip into bed beside James watching his chest move as he breathes softly. The sheets are tucked around his waist and his face glows. I can never get tired of watching him like this. Eternity will pass with me dying, a happy man.

Suddenly, his eyes flutter open and his smile captures the sunlight which pours in through the window. He raises his left hand, staring at the diamond in shock. "Michael, what's this,"

In one swift motion, I'm on my knees at once. "Will you wish to spend your days henceforth with me by your side?"

"Oh my fucking God! Yes, Michael!!" he giggles, throwing himself at me. He wraps his legs around my waist tightly, never letting go. I throw my head back and giggle too, tracing light circles on his back. We stay like that for a long time, thinking of the better days ahead.

The End.