The sun was warm on Josh's shoulders as he knelt in the flower bed, his fingers sinking into the cool earth. The scent of freshly turned soil mixed with the floral notes of the petunias he was planting, was a sure sign that spring had arrived in full force. He wiped his brow, leaving a smudge of dirt behind, and sat back on his heels, admiring his work.
Their front yard was finally coming to life after months of dreary winter grays. A light breeze took the new heat of midday off his body and blew the rainbow flag that swung just beside the mailbox at their front door. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths dotted the garden bed, vibrant bursts of color against the deep green foliage. Josh had spent the better part of the morning arranging everything just right, and though his knees ached from kneeling, there was nothing quite as satisfying as watching a garden bloom under his care.
The front door creaked open behind him, and he turned to see Cody stepping onto the porch, a tall glass of lemonade in each hand. The sunlight caught the dark strands of Cody's hair, making the contrast against his pale complexion even sharper. Josh smiled as his husband made his way down the steps and across the lawn, his height giving him an effortless grace.
"I figured you could use a break," Cody said, handing him a glass.
Josh accepted it gratefully, taking a long sip. The tartness of the lemonade was a perfect refreshment against the afternoon sun. "You're a lifesaver," he murmured, licking a stray drop from his lips.
Cody smirked and lowered himself onto the grass beside Josh. "I know," he teased. His brown eyes flicked over the garden. "It's looking really good. You've got quite the green thumb."
Josh chuckled, setting his glass down beside him. "Well, one of us has to keep things alive around here. We both remember what happened when you tried to take care of that basil plant."
Cody groaned. "That was years ago. Are you ever going to let me live that down?"
"Absolutely not."
Cody laughed, nudging Josh's knee with his own. "Fair enough." He took a sip of his own lemonade before glancing up toward the street. "Hey, did you notice the moving truck?"
Josh followed his gaze just in time to see a large white truck pulling into the driveway of the house across the street. It came to a stop, and within moments, a pair of movers hopped out, heading toward the back to unload furniture.
"Huh," Josh mused. "Looks like we're getting a new neighbor."
Cody nodded, watching with mild curiosity as the movers began hauling a couch down the ramp. "Wonder who they are."
Josh wiped his hands on his jeans and took another sip of his drink. "Guess we'll find out soon enough." He glanced at Cody. "What do you say we go introduce ourselves later this week? Give them a chance to settle in first."
Cody smiled. "Sounds like a plan. We can bake something--maybe a pie?"
Josh arched a brow. "You mean I can bake something. And are we really that suburban now?"
Cody laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay, you got me. I'll provide moral support."
Josh shook his head, grinning. "Deal." He glanced back at the moving truck, watching as a figure stepped out of the front seat--a lone person, seemingly directing the movers with a nod. "Ohhh and he's attractive."
Cody leaned back on his hands, thoughtful. "That may just be one of the movers."
~~~~~~~~
The sun hung low in the sky as Josh and Cody crossed the street, a freshly baked blueberry pie in Josh's hands. The golden crust peeked through the pie dish, the smell of warm berries and sugar lingering in the air. It had been about a week since the neighbor had moved in and the moving truck had disappeared. Cody walked beside him, stealing glances at the house in front of them. The moving truck had been replaced by a stunning Mercedes-Benz in the driveway.
Josh glanced at Cody. "You sure about this? Is it doing too much?"
Cody smirked. "It's just a pie, not a marriage proposal."
Josh chuckled. "Fair point."
As they reached the porch, Cody knocked on the door. A moment later, heavy footsteps sounded from within, and the door swung open, revealing the man they had seen days prior off and on.
Mark was tall, maybe an inch taller than Cody, with firm muscles that strained against his sweat-dampened T-shirt. His brown hair was tousled, a few strands sticking to his forehead, and his hazel eyes flicked between them with mild curiosity. He was certainly an attractive man!
"Hey," Mark said, wiping his hands on his jeans. "Can I help you?"
Josh smiled, lifting the pie slightly. "Hi! We're your neighbors from across the street. I'm Josh, and this is my husband, Cody. We just wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood."
Mark's expression shifted at the word "husband." His relaxed stance stiffened, and his gaze cooled. His jaw tensed, his hazel eyes darkening with something unreadable. For a long moment, he didn't say anything, and the air between them grew heavy.
Cody, ever the optimist, stepped in. "We made you a blueberry pie. Thought you might like a break from unpacking. We were nervous it might be a little Desperate Housewivesy but..." His voice trailed off.
Mark's eyes flicked down to the pie, then back to them. "That's... considerate of you," he said slowly. But there was no warmth in his tone. He hesitated before reaching for the dish, his fingers barely brushing against Josh's as he took it. "Thanks."
Josh tried to ignore the tension but felt his stomach twist. He'd seen that look before--discomfort, disapproval. He exchanged a glance with Cody, who kept his polite smile intact.
"So, where are you moving from?" Cody asked, keeping the conversation light.
"Texas," Mark replied shortly. He leaned against the doorframe, pie in hand. "Got a job up here with the new firm, PNT."
"Them opening a branch here was all over the news," Cody replied.
Josh nodded. "Well, this is a great neighborhood. Pretty welcoming community."
Mark's lips pressed into a thin line. "Yeah. Sure." His eyes flicked between them again, as if reassessing. "So... you two are married?"
Josh's grip tightened slightly at his side, but he kept his expression neutral. "Yep. Seven years now."
Mark exhaled sharply through his nose, shaking his head slightly as if in disbelief. "That is some time."
Cody arched a brow. "Something wrong?"
