Chapter 39

“What do you think?” asked Ryan.

Dane took a few moments to consider his answer, or rather to ponder what Ryan’s decision meant, since there was no question of him leaving Ryan’s side. “I think we should do it. Step into the light.”

Ryan wrapped his arms around Dane and kissed him.

“But not here,” said Dane. “I want to go home. Be at home. With you. I’d feel better going on an unfamiliar journey if it began somewhere familiar.”

Ryan didn’t say anything. Rather, he smiled and took Dane’s hand once more, before they walked back the way they had come.

This time, Dane physically opened the gate, and the front door. “I want to do things normally this one last time.”

Inside their cocoon, both men held each other tight. Dane felt no compunction to speak. He was content to rest his head on Ryan’s shoulder, to feel Ryan’s body pressed against his.

“I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you,” replied Ryan.