Page 132 of The Protective Gryphen

Gryphen smiled.

“Oh, I brought this bag out with me,” he said. “It’s got Elizabeth’s windchimes in it. I did drop it though, so I hope they’re okay.”

Ian took the bag.

“I’ll check it.”

When he did, he saw another box in it. Strangely, he didn’t recall the woman wrapping anything in that.

“What’s this?” he asked.

He feigned being clueless.

“I don’t know. You should look though.”

He carefully unwrapped the pretty paper, and saw it was a box. Opening it, he pulled back the tissue paper, and saw a crystal snowflake.

On it, there was writing.

‘Our First Christmas Together.’

As soon as he saw it, he looked over at Gryphen.

“Did you do this?”

He smiled.

“I know Christmas is past, but we spent it as a couple. We spent it together, and I want to commemorate it. When I was in this one foster home, the family bought an ornament each year to mark that time. I thought that maybe you and I could do that, starting with the most important one.”

Tears filled Ian’s eyes.

“This is so precious to me,” he admitted. “This is beautiful,” he said, holding it in his hands as the snow began gently falling around them.

“As are you, My love. You’re like a snowflake to me. Every single one is different, and I was lucky enough to catch the most beautifully kind, spectacularly perfect one out there.”

“Oh, Gryph,” he said, kissing him.

They took that moment to share and make a memory. On that bench, by that fountain in the small-town square.

And it was the best moment so far.

When he broke the kiss, Ian cupped his cheek with his chilly fingers.

“You were worth the wait, Gryphen. You were worth it all.”

“As were you, Baby.”

With gentle fingers, Ian put the precious ornament back in its box so it would be safe. Then, he took the medal that the man had given Gryphen.

“I’ll go put these in the car. Wait for me?” he asked.

Gryphen would wait for him forever.

“Sure. Go. I’ll watch to make sure you’re safe.”

When he walked away, he kept looking back and smiling at him.

In that moment, he stole his breath.

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