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Story: Cameron & Rylan

“If it wasn’t for my Cameron’s unwavering support and his unending love, tonight wouldn’t have happened.” Rylan glanced at Cameron and gave him a private smile. “I wish you all a wonderful rest of your night. Thank you.”

Cameron sensed Rylan had enough of being in the spotlight and wrapped his arm around his waist and led him off the stage. Issa, Suzy, and Steffie pulled Rylan into a group hug. When Aaron, Tim, and Eric arrived, Rylan smiled at the trio and accepted their congratulations and hugs.

“Rylan?”

They turned to see his parents. Rylan fell into his mom’s arms and squeezed her while she beamed a smile at Cameron, letting him know how proud she was of Rylan.

When he pulled back from the hug, Rylan spotted someone in the background and froze. Without waiting to see who Rylan might have spotted, he stepped in between the threat and Rylan. But when he blinked, there was a tiny woman who leaned around Cameron and smiled at Rylan.

“Excuse me, Mr. Ellis-Hayes, I’m Ruby Summers, a fashion buyer from New York.”

Cameron turned to see Rylan blinking at the new addition almost as if he didn’t understand her words. He knew Rylan did that every time someone stunned him speechless, such as the morning Cameron proposed.

Not wanting Rylan to lose his chance to have everything he wanted, Cameron wrapped his arm around Rylan’s waist and they walked toward Ruby.

“Hello, Ms. Summers, this talented man is Rylan.”

“Please, call me Ruby. I was here for a quick visit with my family when I heard about this event. I’m very impressed by your work, Rylan. I know you’re busy on your big night, but I wanted to catch you before I had to leave for the airport. I’m coming back to Denver in a few weeks and I was wondering if I could talk to you about signing you to an exclusive deal.”

Rylan squeaked but Cameron was sure only he could hear his excitement coming through. Cameron squeezed Rylan.

“Thank you. I would like that.”

Ruby smiled at both of them. “Wonderful. Here’s my business card. Drop me an email on Monday and we’ll coordinate our schedules.”

“I will. Thanks so much for coming.”

Ruby waved goodbye and swept out of the room, but Cameron concentrated his attention on Rylan. Soon, there were bodies pressing in on them as their friends congratulated Rylan, and Rylan looked up at Cameron and smiled at him. They all jumped up and down as they celebrated Rylan’s successful night.

“I’m married to a soon-to-be famous and insanely popular fashion designer.” Cameron couldn’t keep the pride out of his voice.

“Let’s go to dinner to celebrate,” his father suggested.

Cameron nodded.

“How about Panzano’s at the Hotel Monaco?”

Rylan spotted the place after a night out and hinted he wanted to try it and Cameron wanted him to have everything he wanted. They agreed to meet at the restaurant and before they left, he and Rylan dropped by to see Sophia.

“I heard you were speaking to a fashion designer,” Sophia stated.

“You know everything,” Rylan murmured.

Sophia laughed and pulled Rylan into a hug. “I knew you would make it. You made tonight successful.”

“Thank you for the opportunity.”

“I’ll let you know how much we bring in and send you a percentage.”

Rylan looked horrified by that prospect and Cameron nodded as soon as Rylan glanced over at him.

“No, Sophia, I want all the money to go to charity. It thrilled me you asked.”

Her eyes filled with tears and she hugged both of them.

“And let me know if you want to do this again next year.”

“Thank you, Rylan. For everything.”