Page 108 of Forgiven

“You’ve been watching rom-coms again, haven’t you?”

Dylan laughed. “Yes! I needed to get ideas.”

Callum looked around the room slowly. When his gaze finally met Dylan’s again, he sighed contentedly. “You’ve done a great job. Thank you.”

“Happy birthday, baby.”

Callum rested his head on Dylan’s shoulder. “I love you. I can’t believe you remembered to do this.”

Dylan stroked his back. “We’re still on the rollercoaster together, and I have no intention of getting off.”

“Me neither.”

Callum gasped as Dylan got down on one knee.

“That’s a good thing,” Dylan said, reaching into his pocket.

Everyone had gathered in a circle around them, watching with bright anticipation on their faces.

Callum stared at him.

“I made you another promise,” Dylan said. “Over marshmallows. Do you remember?”

Callum nodded.

Dylan held the ring between his thumb and forefinger and held it out to Callum. “I never thought I’d find anyone who I’d trust enough with my heart. Then you showed up and turned my life upside down.” His voice wobbled over the words. “You complete me. Will you marry me?” He held his breath while he waited for Callum to reply.

Callum’s chin wobbled as he nodded. “Yes.”

Dylan stood and slipped the ring onto Callum’s finger. It was a perfect fit. “Black, just like your wardrobe.”

Callum laughed and then hugged him tight. “God, I love you.”

“So you keep saying.”

“And I’ll keep saying it, because it’s never not going to be true.”

They held each other and kissed. The DJ started to play a slow song, so they danced while everyone watched them. Someone turned the mirror ball on, which scattered slowly rotating pinpoints of light around the room. Combined with the fairy lights, it created a magical atmosphere.

“I’m taking your name,” Callum whispered.

Dylan smiled “Callum Thompson does sound good.”

“Better than good. It sounds perfect.”

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