As Michael held the note, the tears dripped down his cheeks, and the pain he felt in Graham’s words haunted him.
Never did he expect the man to pine away over him for seven years. Graham was gorgeous, and funny. He was smart and sassy.
That he’d come to this…
That he’d been willing to die alone than ever betray the oath he took to him when he put his initial on his leg…
That stole his breath.
To know that someone loved him that much…
Michael closed up the note and pulled the stack of letters from the box and stared inside.
At the bottom of the box, there were two smaller boxes. Taking out one, he flipped it open, and found it to be a treasure.
Inside, there was a medal.
The Victoria Cross.
Flipping it over in his hand, there was a piece of paper inside the box with it.
‘For bravery and exemplary service to Major Graham Lainey in battle for the honor of the cross and queen.’
Michael was surprised.
This was like being awarded the Medal of Honor. At some point, Graham had been given the Victoria Cross for a battle.
And a promotion.
It was clear that when Michael left, the man had thrown himself into being a soldier.
And suffered more than anyone likely knew.
Gently, he put it back in the box, and he was touched that he had planned to gift that to him. It was a treasure, and precious.
From one soldier to another, that spoke volumes.
In the second box, he popped it open, and his heart nearly stopped.
Oh, holy shit.
There were two rings inside of it.
Two very simple, gold bands.
Picking one up, he saw it was inscribed inside. Moving it between his fingers, he rolled it to see the words.
‘To my one and only on our wedding day. M'eudail, you are my only.’
Oh, Jesus.
He really had bought rings and was going to propose that night. Michael recalled that they’d made plans to have a romantic Italian dinner.
It was all coming back to him now.
Michael’s heart skipped in his chest. Graham didn’t think he was brave or worthy, but he’d held on for seven years and never once loved another.
That was the bravest thing he could ever do, and Michael knew it.
