Ray and Br’er loaded Br’er’s overnight bag into the trunk of Ray’s car. Br’er could hardly wait until they were alone, and he could show Ray how grateful he was for Ray’s bravery in coming out to Mazie. Br’er understood how hard that must have been. He also was very curious as to what motivated Ray to do it.
They pulled away from the curb. Br’er tentatively laid a hand on Ray’s thigh. Ray glanced over at his passenger, smiled, and covered Br’er’s hand with his.
“This means so much,” Br’er said, his appreciation showing in his voice.
Ray nodded.
“Why did you do it?”
Ray’s smile deepened. “I realized that if I loved you as much as I keep telling you I do, then keeping you hidden away like…like…”
“Rapunzel?” Br’er offered, and winked.
Ray laughed. “No, more like…you were something to b
