Page 55 of The Protective Gryphen

The Library

Ravensmire

Scotland

Now that Ian was alone with the caretaker of the castle, he was going to try and get him to help. They said timing was everything, and that was exactly what Ian was hoping.

What he needed was a way to get a few things from the local town so that he could pull off a huge surprise for Gryphen.

This was about making a memory.

Mainly, to propose.

Being here, surrounded by the history and majesty of this old castle put him in the mood to make this the place they marked as the perfect place for a wedding proposal.

Not inside, per se, but somewhere on the grounds.

Now, it was about making that happen.

They both earned it.

With their pasts being tumultuous, and their presents no better, this would be that one shining memory that stood out for them.

As he and Graham walked into the library, Ian was excited to see that it was in the fully finished part of the castle. From the walls lined with ceiling to floor shelves, and all kinds of books, it was deliciously inviting.

This was a bibliophiles dream.

No wonder Callen had taken care of this room right after the Master’s suite. It was stunning.

Along with the bookshelves, there were couches, and a roaring fireplace. It was the kind of place you’d come to on a snowy day just to watch through the huge windows as the snow was cascading to the ground.

“This is stunning,” he said.

Graham happened to agree.

“Aye, I like spending time here,” he admitted, standing there. “It’s the kind of place you lose time in when you get here. I’ve sat down to read, and came back to my senses hours later.”

He could see that happening.

Ian like the ambiance.

Honestly, it was very Callen and Chris. It was author-y with some doctor’s wealth tossed in to refine it. They definitely co-designed this place together because he could see them both in the furnishings.

He could also envision Callen at a desk in here working.

“Are you planning on reading about the castle?” he asked, walking toward a section of old tomes.

“Yes, at some point, but actually, I got you here under false pretenses. I need help.”

Graham lifted a brow.

That confused him.

“Do you want me to get you away from the other man? Is he the problem?” Graham asked. “He seems overbearing.”

Ian stopped.

“Who? Gryphen?” he asked, and then began laughing. “If you do that, one, you’re dead, and two, I’m not insane. I like how he is. He’s perfectly mine.”

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