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Rylan squeezed her hand and gave her a smile. Sophia’s attention moved toward the stage and with one last smile, she moved to the podium to start on the auction. Cameron walked them backstage and toward the parking lot. Knowing his husband, Cameron waited until they were driving toward their destination before he spoke.

“You deserve all the praise and all the happiness your hard work brings you. I will tell you, every day for the rest of our lives, how beautiful and talented and loved you are. Not because you believe you don’t deserve it, but only because I’m amazed and awed that you love me. I see, every day, how much you give of yourself because of how unselfish you are, and I’m a lucky man.”

Rylan cleared his throat and Cameron reached for his hand and squeezed it in support.

“Ever since we met, it’s like I’ve been living in a dream.”

“I think only now you’re seeing your success from all of your hard work. You’re the only one brilliant enough to know what you needed to succeed and the talent to do so. You started a business and taught yourself what you needed to know on top of being a full-time student.

“But I became the lucky one the night you approached me at the bar. I’m stronger because of you, and I want to work harder, and be a better man who can support you in whatever you want to do. I want to see you thrive and as long as I’m next to you while you do so, I will be a happy man.”

Rylan squeezed Cameron’s hand, but didn’t say or do anything until Cameron parked the car. Then, he removed his seat belt and threw himself onto Cameron’s lap. Rylan kissed him until he absorbed his husband’s moan and gave one of his own.

“Let’s go eat dinner and then I’ll show you your surprise.”

He nodded. “I love you, Cameron.”

Leaning forward, he pressed a kiss to Rylan’s forehead. “I love you, too, angel.”

Cameron took Rylan’s hand after they exited the car and when they opened the door to the hotel, they spotted everyone gathered near the restaurant and he smiled. Their family and friends accepted them and loved them. But tonight was about Rylan’s success and they would celebrate with dinner before Cameron would show Rylan how much he needed him.