Tango

Jinx

As time passed, their lives calmed down. Hamilton and Jefferson began to speak more openly with each other, about any doubts or fears they would have. Both of them went back to work, leaving Grace with a Nanny while they established a certain routine and Thomas' relationship with his sister seemed to flourish anew. They made it a point to meet regularly and work on improving their connection. Slowly rekindling the childlike wonder they used to share as children.

By now Grace was 20 months old, and it never ceased to amaze Thomas that, in just a few more months their daughter would be turning two years old. And in the few short months that had already passed, she had made strong bonds with her two cousins. Both, Alex and He noticed how much brighter Grace seemed to be, whenever she got to spend time with Dylan and Randy. And today was no different. The four adults met on a Sunday afternoon for a playdate. The two toddlers were in the garden, lost in a game of their own making, Randy wadling after them as best he could while the grownups watched, from afar. Sitting around the garden table.

"Happy birthday." Lucy gently whispered to Thomas, handing him a small modest box.

"Oh... Lucy- I- You didn't have to. I don't cel-"

"Just open it." She supplied. Stopping his poor attempt at an excuse.

From his left side, he could feel Alex holding his arm in support. Watching curiously over his shoulder, waiting to see what's in the box. Thomas looked at it again and was reminded of his age but, this time it didn't make him feel like it usually did. He opened it gingerly to reveal a beautiful pair of gold cufflinks in the shape of the letter 'G'. The gift had him stumped.

"They're beautiful, Lucy. I don't know what to say-"

"Thank you." Alexander answered for him.

"I thought, you could wear them for special occasions-, or you can just wear them to work. I just, thought it would be nice to give you a little something to remind you of Grace." She said, sheepishly.

"No, absolutely. It's a wonderful gift. Thank you. Come here." He set the cufflinks aside and gave her a tight hug. They sat in comfortable silence once more, but this time Thomas couldn't tear his eyes away from the two gold G's that lay against a navy blue satin cloth in the tiny box. Suddenly Jane and Lucy were rushing towards the kids. Randy's cries echoing in the yard. The poor boy had fallen and scraped his hand on a rock, so the girls took him inside to wash up. Leaving Grace and Dylan to play under Hamilton and Jefferson's watchful eye. Without a fuss they resumed their game, oblivious to the world around them.

"Forty years old..." Thomas sighed heavily.

"Pardon?" Alex wasn't paying attention.

"I'm forty years old. Can you believe that?"

He gently squeezed Alexander's hand, looking for reassurance. Alex covered his hold with his other hand.

"Is that bad?" Hamilton wasn't sure where Jefferson's mind was at right now.

"I'm not sure." He frowned. "A few years ago I was afraid of hitting forty." He shifted in his seat to better face his partner. "I was afraid of that day, always picturing myself miserable and alone in my kitchen with a cupcake in lieu of a birthday cake. You know? With just a single candle. It was all very much straight out of a terrible comedy-"

"I know, Thomas. I get it. But, you're not alone." Alexander tightened his grip on Thomas' hand, hoping to make him feel loved, still not quite sure where this was going.

"That's the thing. That's why I don't know how to feel about it anymore. For so long it was just me. And now I have you. Not only that, we have a daughter together. And amazing friends. And, hell, even my sister's back. That's the last thing I would've expected when I was your age. Thirty-three... fuck. What was I doing when I was thirty-three? I had just begun working for Washington and had royally fucked up my chances with you, that's what I was doing." He gave a soft dejected chuckle in disbelief.