The next day, Hank and I dealt with the last of the fine-tuning needed to prepare the machine for the long jump. “I guess that’s it.” I held out my hand. “Godspeed, my friend.”
“What?” He looked confused. “What are you talking about? You’re coming with me.”
“No. I’ll stay with Nick.” I slid an arm around my lover’s waist. We’d talked through the night about it and agreed things would be better for the two of us here in the future.
“But your family?”
“Nicky wondered about the same thing. They have their own lives and can get along without me. Do me a favor, though. If you see them, tell them I love and miss them, but I’m fine and happy.”
“You are, aren’t you?” Hank gripped my arm, then turned to Nick. “Make sure you take care of him.”
“I will.”
“Ed?”
“I’m going.”
“What about the el
