Page 15 of The Rancher's Mail-Order Husband

“Yeah,” Graham said with a shrug. “It wasn’t too difficult. Had all the materials. Didn’t want to spend the money on something I could just make myself.” And then, almost as an afterthought, he added, “Built the house too.”

Ciarán stared at him, a look of quiet admiration in his eyes. “This is... this is amazing. You never mentioned you were such a skilled carpenter.”

Graham blushed, feeling embarrassed. “It’s nothing special.”

Ciarán didn’t seem to agree. “It’s incredible. You’ve done so much for us.”

Graham shifted the conversation, eager to learn more about his husband. “And you? You never—mentioned what you did in New York. I know you’re a talented artist.”

Ciarán chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Oh, I’m not that good. Really, it was just something to pass the time. But... well, I went to school for stenography and typing, hoping to find work as a secretary. But, um…” He paused, his smile faltering. “A lot of places didn’t think I was refined enough.”

Graham frowned. “That’s ridiculous. You’re plenty refined.”

Ciarán’s smile was bittersweet. “Not everyone saw it that way. But I did find some sewing work. My father’s a tailor, you know. I was proud to be able to tell him that what he taught me was being put to good use.”

Graham’s heart ached. He knew what it was like to work hard for little reward, to feel as if the world was working against you. “I’m sorry you were treated like that, Ciarán. It won’t happen here.”

“It’s all right,” Ciarán said softly. “It worked out in the end.”

“But if anyone ever gives you trouble, you come find me,” Graham said firmly. “I’ll always have your back.”

Ciarán smiled again, though it was tinged with something Graham couldn’t quite place. “Thank you, Graham.”

The silence that followed was comfortable, though both men seemed unsure of what to say next. Finally, Ciarán spoke again, “I’m rather tired. I think I’ll go to bed now.”

“Yeah, of course,” Graham said quickly. “Good night.”

“Good night,” Ciarán replied, his voice soft. Before closing the bedroom door, he added, “Thank you for everything. The flowers, the ring, the wedding. It was more than I could have ever asked for.”

Graham stood there, speechless for a moment. He felt a swell of emotion, his chest tight. “It was the least I could do,” he muttered, though in his heart, he knew it hadn’t been enough. He should have done more.

“I’m glad you’re here, Ciarán,” Graham said softly.

“I’m very glad to be here,” Ciarán responded.

They exchanged one last smile, and then Ciarán disappeared into the bedroom. Graham, suddenly aware of the silence that filled the house, turned and made his way to the barn. The stars glittered above, the air cool and comforting. He paused for a moment, taking it all in—the vast, open sky, the land that stretched before him, and the house behind him, where his new husband lay waiting.

What a tremendous day it had been.

With that thought, Graham climbed into the hayloft, stretched out, and closed his eyes, letting sleep claim him at last.

Chapter Five

Graham dreamed, and it was a dream so vivid that he couldn’t help but know it for what it was. He was back at the wedding, only this time everything was even more perfect than it had been in real life. He was better. His suit clung to him in a way that seemed almost unreal, tailored to perfection, and his gait was strong, fluid, effortless—the limp that had plagued him for so many years, gone. It was a transformation not just of his body, but of his very spirit.

The music swirled around them as he danced with Ciarán, each movement smooth and graceful, an elegance he’d never thought himself capable of. When the song ended, the guests cheered, clapping their hands in unison, begging for a speech. With a smile, Graham stood, his voice ringing clear and confident as he spoke words that seemed to come from some place deep inside. They were witty, heartfelt, and so charming that they brought the room to tears—tears of laughter and joy, tears of admiration, and all of it ending in a standing ovation. He felt powerful in the moment, his words like music, his presence commanding the room.

As he turned to look at Ciarán, his heart swelled with pride. His husband was gazing at him with such intensity, with such tenderness, that it took Graham’s breath away. The look in his eyes was full of wonder, admiration, and a kind of love so pure that it made Graham's chest tighten. It was in that moment,that beautiful, magical moment, that Graham leaned in. He leaned toward Ciarán’s lips, soft and slightly parted, the corners tugged into a smile, waiting for him. The kiss was electric, warm, filled with everything they had shared, and everything they would share. And—

He woke.

The reality was jarring. The dream shattered around him like glass, leaving only a strange ache behind. He lay in the barn, the hay prickling his skin, the familiar sounds of cows lowing and sheep bleating filling the air. Sunlight streamed through the cracks in the wooden boards above, casting long, golden beams across the dusty floor. It was dawn, and Graham wasn’t at his wedding. He wasn’t dancing with Ciarán, wasn’t speaking words that made the room rise to its feet. He wasn’t in the midst of any of that.

He was a married man, sure, but the reality was stark and simple. And there was work to be done.

With a weary sigh, Graham ran a hand over his face, pushing away the remnants of the dream. What exactly had Liam put in that lemonade? The memory of the night before was hazy, but he remembered drinking deeply from the sweet, strong concoction. Whatever it had been, it had surely messed with his head while he slept.

That dream. He was hardly the type of man who would stand in front of a crowd, delivering a speech that would make people laugh and cry. And as for Ciarán looking at him like that, with such admiration and love—well, that was downright ludicrous. Ciarán was a friend, a kind-hearted companion who had agreed to this arrangement out of the goodness of his heart. That’s all he had ever asked for, and that’s all he would ever have.

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