Page 240 of The Valiant Knight
Reading over it, it made him want to cry.
It appeared that last night wasn’t some bad dream, but it actually happened.
A little part of him hoped it hadn’t.
‘I’m worried about you. You’re my brother now, and when I needed you, you had my back. We’ll get you through this. You have to fight for me. I spoke to Elizabeth, and she is sending someone in a few weeks. She just has to work on the schematics. Please hold on for me. I love you, man. Fight hard! You promised to be at my wedding. It’s not that far away. Give me six months to find D’Artangnan. Please. Call me later. I want you to check-in every day with me. I’m not letting you go under, Graham. I’m a Marine, and we leave NO ONE behind—G.’
Because he needed to, Graham read it over again and again.
What he needed was non-stop company. He tended to get into trouble when he was left to his own devices. Graham appreciated that Elizabeth would be sending someone to keep him company.
He just hoped it wasn’t another couple. The last thing he wanted was to watch two more people fall in love.
It just might kill him.
Don’t get him wrong, but if he had to watch more people find their other half, he was taking the bridge.
Literally.
For now, though, he needed to own his choices, and get a grip.
He knew he was off the booze. It made him a hot fucking mess, and no one needed that.
Typing up a few messages, he deleted them all. Finally, he found one he liked.
‘I’m sorry that I worried you. I’m okay today. Thanks for caring about me, Gryphen. It’s been a while since someone has. I miss you and Ian a lot. The place isn’t the same when I’m alone. I know how hard you fought for me last night. I’ll keep my promise. I’ll see you for your wedding. Thank her for trying to find D’Artangnan. I need to know that he’s okay, and that he survived. Tell Elizabeth that I appreciate all she’s doing for me, and I’ll thank her in person when I meet her. I’ll talk to you later. Thank you for being my friend. I desperately need one.’
What he wanted to tell him was that he loved him and Ian, but he couldn’t.
Because it would be a lie.
He wasn’t able to love anyone anymore. His heart died all of those years ago when he chose to be stubborn over love.
When that was done, he knew that he had to get his day started. Despite feeling like shit, he had work to do.
The Blackhawks hired him to take care of Ravensmire, not get shitfaced drunk.
Pulling on some clothes, he dreaded chopping wood, but it had to be done, or the castle was going to be so cold tonight.
When he pulled on his flannel, he knew he needed aspirin, coffee, and a wakeup call.
Not necessarily in that order.
Wandering into the house, he really expected to be alone. He remembered them saying they were going to research today, so he would have the house to himself. Later, after chores, he was sleeping this hangover off.
Only, when he entered the kitchen, Graham was not alone.
Bark Twain came at him, and his barking only made his head throb.
Yeah, he deserved this.
When he saw Tony, he paused.
“Morning,” he finally said.
The other man got up from where he’d been working, and pointed.
“Sit,” he said, and for some reason, he did.
