He already knew what it said anyway, right next to a picture of the two of them from a Jays game they’d attended in August.
Sam McAuley learned everything he knows about gardening from his father. Gardening with native plants is a hobby for the successful graphic designer, who is also the author of the popular web comic Scythe and Swords. Sam lives in Aberfoyle, Ontario, with his life partner, Bo, and their cat, Tripaw.
Sam went out the back door, grabbed what he needed from beside the deck, and came back inside to find Bo waiting for him in the kitchen.
“I didn’t know your dad taught you to garden,” he said. “And you called me your life partner!”
“That’s because you are,” Sam said. “I have something for you. Close your eyes.”
“Do couples do Thanksgiving presents?” Bo scowled. “I don’t have anything for you.”
“It’s not a Thanksgiving present. It’s a just because present.”
“Oh. Okay, then.” He closed his eyes.
Sam placed the little pot he’d been holding behind his back in the middle of the table. “Okay, you can open them now.”
“Aw, little blooming primrose.” Bo touched a leaf with a fingertip. “Like the ones you got me that first night.”
They’d been a bitch to find since they usually bloomed in spring. He’d wanted them for move-in day, but the nursery hadn’t been able to get them for him until today.
“Did you ever find out what they mean?”
“Yeah,” Sam said. “Depending on which website you take as truth, they can symbolize patience, kindness, and gentleness.”
“That’s you!”
“It’s also you,” Sam argued, though he knew Bo wouldn’t believe him.
Bo rolled his eyes, confirming his suspicions. “Maybe not the patience part.”
Bo had more patience than he realized, but before Sam could make his point, Bo said, “But what do they mean?”
It was a total coincidence, but a happy one. He couldn’t have planned it better. Leaning back against the table near Bo, Sam brought Bo’s hand to his lips and kissed his palm. “They mean, I can’t live without you.”
Bo’s smile was beautiful.