Page 100 of Forgiven

Dylan smiled. “And once we’re both in a good headspace, I’m going to ask you to marry me.”

Callum straightened, staring at him.

“Shut your mouth or you’ll catch flies.”

Callum snapped his mouth shut.

Dylan handed Callum a skewer. “Shall we?”

They each took a marshmallow from the packet and pushed it onto their skewers, then Dylan picked up the lighter.

“Our pasts don’t define us,” Dylan said firmly. “Our parents don’t define us. We choose our own future and I’m choosing to be happy, with you.”

“I choose that too,” Callum said.

Dylan struck the lighter and touched the flame to the paper. The pile of regrets burned hot and fast, but they had just enough time to toast the white fluffy marshmallows. They cuddled up together as they ate the sticky, gooey sweets, and then they kissed the remnants from each other’s lips.

“I feel a lot better, thank you,” Callum whispered.

“Me too.” Dylan kissed Callum’s hand. “I thought maybe we could move your stuff over to my flat tomorrow.”

“That would be great. I’m sure Ezra will help.”

“Have you told him?”

“Yes.”

“And?”

“And what? He was cool about it. It’s not like I’m moving to the other side of the world, and I’m pretty sure he’ll be happy to get his boat back.” He kissed Dylan’s cheek. “He’s happy for us.”

They watched the city below for some time, just holding each other in contented silence. If it wasn’t for the chill creeping into his bones, Dylan could have happily stayed like that all night.

“Dylan?”

“Yes?”

“I want to make love.”

Dylan’s heart skipped.

“Not here, obviously,” Callum said.

The way red heat splashed across his nose and cheeks was adorable. Dylan hoped his lover never stopped blushing.

“I…umm…I read about how to get prepared for it.”

“You did?”

Callum dipped his chin. “And I asked Ezra for a bit of advice. I—hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.”

“He did give me a bit of a lecture.”

“Oh?”

“You know, safe sex and all that. He also told me I should think aboutwhyI want you to make love to me, instead of the other way round.”