The Darkest Hour Page 7
“All by yourself?”
The note of incredulity in his voice made me chuckle.
“Yes, I did. All by myself.”
He looked at the portrait once more then his eyes lit up. “Wow,” he said.
Everyone laughed.
“Do you like it?” Oliver asked again.
Cameron nodded. “I love it!” he shouted before racing off into the next room.
Oliver stood up and joined me. He wrapped his arm around my waist and kissed me on the cheek. “It’s official,” he said. “He loves the portrait.”
The party was wonderful. It brought back memories of the few childhood parties I’d attended. There was even fairy bread. Oliver had gone to a lot of trouble. The table was colourful and exciting with all sorts of cakes and snacks and treats. Leesa had organised some party games—a treasure hunt and Pin the Tail on the Donkey. While the children were occupied with that, Oliver took me by the hand and led me to the bathroom. He locked the door behind us and kissed me long and hard.
“Thank you for coming and making Cam’s birthday so special,” he said.
“It was my pleasure,” I replied. “I’m just glad he liked the painting.”
“Of course he liked it,” said Oliver. “I’ve already hung the hook in his room. I don’t think he noticed it, but tonight, before he goes to bed, there’ll be a masterpiece hanging on his wall, painted by my favourite painter.”
“You know I’ve had a pretty rough year,” I said. “I’ve been to some really dark places, places I wondered if I’d ever return from.”
“Daniel. Come on.”
“No. No. Let me finish.” I kissed him on the lips. “I never ever thought I’d meet anyone as perfect as you. I was hopeful, yes, but in the back of my mind I never thought it was possible. Perhaps that was the reason for my depression. I don’t know.”
I was beginning to get teary. At least this time there was a reason for their appearance.
“You’ve brought sunshine into my life, and I want to thank you for that.” I kissed him again. “I want to thank you so much for that.”
Oliver hugged me tightly. And in my ear he whispered, “You are my sunshine, Daniel.” He looked me in the eye. “You don’t know what you’ve done for me. When Jason passed away, I thought my life had ended. I made an effort for Cam, but I never thought I’d have the type of all-consuming love I had for Jason ever again. But I’ve got it, Daniel.” He kissed me quickly on the lips. “I’ve got it with you. So don’t go thinking you’re the only lucky one around here.” He kissed me again. “I love you so much. And thank you for Cameron’s present. Thank you.”
We kissed, wrapped in each other’s arms, until we were disturbed by someone frantically trying to get in.
“We’re busy,” Oliver shouted.
He winked at me.
“Oh Daddy, you’ve been in there forever,” said Cameron, trying the door knob again.
Oliver walked to the door and unlocked it.
I laughed when I saw the birthday boy standing on the other side with arms akimbo.
“What are you doing in there?” he demanded to know.
“Daniel was feeling a bit lonely. He doesn’t know anyone, so I was talking to him.”
Cameron gave me the once over then marched right up to me and took me by the hand. “Come with me,” he said, dragging me along behind him. “I know everyone.”
Oliver laughed.
I could only shrug and follow along behind Cameron.
“You don’t have to be lonely,” said the birthday boy. “I’ll look after you.”
As I was led from the bathroom, I looked back and caught Oliver laughing. For once I knew I wasn’t ever going to be lonely again. At least not for a very, very long time.
THE END
ABOUT WAYNE MANSFIELD
Wayne Mansfield is a Western Australian writer. He has been writing for nine years and has been published in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Additionally, he wrote a monthly erotic story for the German publications Macho and Dreamboys for two years. His novellas and stories usually have a horror, futuristic, or fantasy theme, although he does write contemporary stories such as The Hiding Place, which received Honorable Mention in the 2013 Rainbow Awards.
For more information, visit mansfield82.wix.com/wayne-mansfield-.
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