They stopped first to get some baked goods Jim knew from his old days spent with Mavis, and then made it to the car.
The whole time Jim considered things.
Considered the potential of him going with Spock to Spock’s world if they could get Spock there.
The biggest obstacle to that, other than the logistics, was Jim’s family. He loved his parents and his brother. Loved their life at the vineyard. He couldn’t just leave them. Couldn’t just disappear without a trace with them never knowing his fate. That would be far too cruel.
He stood by the driver side and looked over top of the car toward where Spock stood.
“I think you should meet my family.”
Spock angled his head.
“It’s not that far to Napa from here. Just over an hour or so east from our location. If we’re…bonded soulmates, I think whatever the future holds, Spock, I’d like them to meet you.”
They got in the car then by unspoken agreement and as Jim started up the engine, he glanced at Spock, who stoically stared straight ahead.
“Well?”
Spock looked his way. “Is it your intention to reveal my secret?”
“Nope. The less said the better about that. I don’t think anyone else should know right now. People talk, even when they shouldn’t or think they aren’t, if that makes sense. Stuff is revealed unintentionally. You’re just my boyfriend who lives next door and meeting my family is the next step. Okay?”
Spock nodded. “Okay.”
He then lifted his index and middle fingers toward Jim, who for a moment frowned in confusion. Then with a shrug, he lifted his mirror fingers to Spock’s. When the pads of their fingers met, Jim felt a thrilling warmth.
Jaw dropping open he said, “What is that?”
“An intimacy between bonded couples.”
Jim smiled. “Cool.”
They stayed that way for a moment or so and once more Jim felt Spock’s presence in his mind. He wasn’t entirely sure he could get used to it, but it was not unpleasant. Not at all.
Finally, he pulled his hand away, started the car, and headed for Napa.