Page 283 of The Protective Gryphen

‘My Hero.’

And that was the truth.

Gryphen would forever be that for him, and there was no doubt in his mind that he wanted to spend forever with him, and Lord Carter.

He was going to get the best of both worlds.

He thought about the lake, the thugs in the alley, and even Will Jackson. Gryphen would forever be his savior. There was no doubt there.

“It’s perfect,” he said. “Thank you for everything you’ve done to help.”

“When are you going to do the deed?” he asked.

He was honest.

“I need the perfect moment, so I’m not sure. If he expects it, it won’t be the same.”

Graham lowered his voice to clue the man in, so he was aware.

“He thinks it’ll be when you go home. He mentioned he was waiting for you, but he is dying to have you ask.”

He grinned.

“Well, then, I know he’ll say yes.”

Was he serious?

He had news for the man.

“Uh, Ian, he’s going to carry you to the altar over his tartan draped shoulder. He might run with you.”

That he could believe.

Graham wanted to say something to him.

“Ian, I’m sorry what happened to you. I’m sorry that someone hurt you the way they did because that’s horrible. Not all men are like that.”

Oh, he was aware.

Ian knew a few good ones.

Like Gryphen.

Like Saint.

Like Raphael.

Being around them and living with them had taught him that. Since leaving the Secret Service, he’d made friends who would do anything for him.

That healed.

“It’s okay, Graham. I’m going to be good. I’m strong now, and I’m put back together with Gryphen’s love. He’s my hero, and he saved me in ways he’ll never understand. I can’t wait to commit my life to him. I really can’t.”

It just went to show that you couldn’t tell what people had been through. When they came here, he never knew their lives hadn’t been perfect. They seemed to have an ideal love, but now, he saw the struggle to find each other.

“I’m happy for you.”

“For the first time in my life, I’m happy too, and nothing will take that away from me.”

---