A Bouquet of Love

Ennis walked through the creaky front door, his arms laden with a bouquet of fresh flowers, their vibrant colors and sweet fragrance a stark contrast to the rustic simplicity of their ranch. As he entered the living room, Jack looked up from his spot on the couch, a book paused in his hands, and a warm smile spread across his face. "Hey, sugar," Ennis said, his voice low and gentle, as he approached Jack. "I brought home some lovelies." He handed Jack the bouquet, and their fingers touched briefly, sending a spark of electricity through Ennis's body. Jack's eyes lit up as he took in the arrangement – a mix of sunflowers, daisies, and baby's breath, tied together with a simple twine. "Thanks, baby," he said, his voice filled with affection, as he kissed Ennis's cheek. Ennis's heart swelled with love and adoration, and he kissed the top of Jack's head, inhaling the scent of his hair. As Jack carefully placed the flowers on the coffee table, Ennis couldn't help but think about the weekly ritual that had become a staple of their relationship. Every week, without fail, he would stop by the flower shop on his way home from the feed store and pick up a new bouquet for Jack. It was a habit that had started a few months ago, and one that he cherished deeply. The cost was steep – fifteen dollars a week, which added up to sixty to seventy-five dollars a month – a small fortune in 1966. But for Ennis, it was worth every penny. There was something about seeing Jack's face light up when he walked in the door with a fresh bouquet that made it all worthwhile. As Jack worked on arranging the flowers in a vase, Ennis sat down beside him on the couch, watching the way his hands moved deftly, his fingers gentle as he worked. The quiet intimacy of the moment was something Ennis cherished, a sense of peace and contentment that he felt only when he was with Jack. As they sat there together, surrounded by the beauty of nature, Ennis felt a deep sense of gratitude for the life they had built together. He knew that their love was not always easy, that there were challenges and obstacles that they faced as a gay couple in a small town in Wyoming. But in moments like these, he felt like they could overcome anything, as long as they had each other. As Jack finished arranging the flowers, he turned to Ennis and smiled, his eyes shining with love and appreciation. "You're the best, Ennis," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. Ennis's heart swelled with emotion, and he pulled Jack into a gentle kiss, the world around them melting away. "I love you, Jack," he said, his voice low and rough. "I love you too, Ennis," Jack replied, his voice filled with conviction. And as they sat there, wrapped in each other's arms, Ennis knew that he would do anything to keep this love alive, to nurture it and cherish it, no matter what the future held.