Love is Always Write Anthology Bonus Volume

in her home. And now this Christmas she sent me a card and a family picture."
    "You said it was to show off all the great-grandchildren."
    "Well yeah. But even writing my name and address on a card is a giant leap forward. And the picture– that was like saying I'm still family. But it's been a long road to get this far. So don't regret that you didn't put your foot down with your father earlier. It might well have been a disaster. Let's just be happy you still have your job."
    "I am, I guess." Jacob sniffed and wiped his hand across his nose. "Damn. I'm sorry I'm such a mess."
    "Do I look like I care?" Daniel ran a hand over Jacob's carefully groomed hair to muss it, and then pulled him in for another kiss.
    The door to the bathroom opened and Daniel's co-worker Ken walked in. Jacob would have jumped back, but Daniel locked his arms tight. Ken glanced over at them. "Hey, Daniel, is that finally Jacob?"
    "Yeah. You haven't met him yet, have you?" Daniel eased off enough on Jacob for him to get a hand free. "Ken Brower, my lover Jacob Segal. Jacob, Ken works with me in the art department."
    Ken stuck out a hand. "Good to meet you, Jake."
    "Likewise." Jacob shook hands and then stood dazed, leaning into Daniel, as Ken peed, washed his hands, and nodded their way as he left.
    "How many gay guys do you work with?"
    "A few. But Ken isn't one of them."
    "He's not? He seemed so okay with us."
    "He's a good guy. He believes in live and let live."
    Jacob sighed. "Things are changing, aren't they?"
    "Yeah. Someday I'm going to introduce you as my husband."
    "Really? You want to get married? I know some of the guys do that."
    Daniel chuckled. "Aren't I romantic, proposing to you in a bathroom. It's a good place for propositions but not proposals."
    "Your workplace lavatory is probably not the place for propositions either," Jacob said tartly.
    "Don't worry. My break is almost over. I don't have time to get carried away." Daniel cupped Jacob's cheek in his hand. "I'm not proposing. And I don't see any need to have a fake wedding. But someday, someday , it's going to be legal for us to do the real thing. And on the day that New Jersey allows us to be married in the eyes of the state and the whole world, that day I will propose to you."
    "You're a dreamer." But Jacob's eyes were bright with something that wasn't tears.
    "You already knew that. It's a nice dream."
    "It's a wonderful dream. Unlikely but wonderful."
    "Have faith." Quickly, because he really did have deadlines, Daniel leaned forward and kissed Jacob again. "So are we good? You're going to keep your job and I'll come eat canapés and watch the rockets' red glare with you next week?"
    "Yes."
    "And you're going to get out of here so you don't miss your twelve o'clock meeting?"
    Jacob glanced at his watch. "Damn! Yeah, I have to hurry. I'll see you tonight. I'll try to get out early."
    "Me too."
    Daniel followed Jacob out the bathroom door. He stood watching as Jacob hurried toward the elevators. The accordion door opened and a couple of people got out. Jacob stepped on board and then stopped, looking back at Daniel. Ignoring the guy in the elevator, and the couple who were moving off down the hallway, Jacob called out, "See you in a few hours, honey." For a moment Daniel got a glimpse of his lover's face, at once embarrassed, even appalled at his own boldness, and yet happy. Then the doors closed and he was gone.
    As the people in the hallway turned to glance at Daniel, their expression ranging from curiosity to distaste, Daniel tried to wipe the smile off his face and failed miserably. It appeared that Jacob was taking his coming out seriously. And it might be a lot of fun to watch. He thought about the first time he would cross the hallowed threshold of the Segal house. He wondered if Jacob's mother would faint. He probably should be worried about all the implications. But as he hurried back to his drawing board and six views of an expensive little black dress, he knew his smile had become a full-out grin. His Jacob was finally out.
    ****

CHAPTER 15
    September 7, 1988.
    Jacob watched indulgently as Daniel walked up and down the row of metal cages. Inside each one of the cats responded to Daniel's cooing overtures in their own fashion, from aloof indifference to one skinny brown tabby who rubbed against the bars in a frantic ecstasy of purring. Daniel peered and smiled and reached in to stroke proffered cheeks with his fingertip. Finally he turned to Jacob in front of