• The rain drummed softly against the windows as Guest unlocked the front door after a long shift at the hospital.

“I’m home,” Guest called, exhaustion evident in his voice.

“In here,” Noah replied.

Guest followed the familiar scent of garlic and herbs into the kitchen, where Noah stood stirring a pot of pasta while music played quietly in the background.

“You look exhausted,” Noah said gently.

“I feel exhausted.”

Without another word, Noah walked over and wrapped his arms around Guest in a warm embrace.

Guest let out a quiet sigh, relaxing almost instantly.

“I missed you,” Noah whispered.

“I missed you too.”

They stayed like that for a moment before Noah smiled up at him.

“Dinner’s almost ready.”

“You always know how to make a bad day better.”

“That’s part of the job description.”

Guest laughed softly for the first time all day.

As they set the table together, they talked about work, shared funny stories from their day, and planned a quiet weekend getaway. There was nothing extravagant about the evening—just two husbands enjoying the comfort of being together after a long day, exactly where they wanted to be.*