“We all do things we regret. It’s how we come back from them that matters. I slept with my partner after Chris broke my heart back then. It ended up getting me shot, and him killed. As for Michael getting killed at work…it’s always a possibility, Graham. I’m high on the list of people who’d rather me be dead. I have senators who have been outed because of me, going to jail for child pornography. I’m always in danger.”
That terrified him too.
But he said nothing, so she did.
“I regret those choices to this day, because it kept me from being around for my father to say goodbye.”
What befuddled him was she wasn’t telling him what to do. What he’d expected was for her to tell him to let Michael stay, putting her safety first.
But she didn’t.
“So we shouldn’t or should leave?” he asked. “Ma’am, I’m not good with this kind of thing. Just tell me. I’m a soldier. I can follow orders. I can…”
She couldn’t do that.
Everyone had to make their own choice. If Michael was willing to leave his job, and he was, then Graham had to make that call.
“Do you love him?”
He didn’t have to think.
“Yes.”
“Are you happy there minus the whole people will talk thing?”
Again, this was a no-brainer.
“I have an amazing job given to me by your husbands. I love this old castle, even if she’s spicy.”
That amused her.
Now, she knew what was going on, so she could address this in the best way possible.
“Then, stay. D’Artangnan is tough. He’s been through some shit, and you know most of it. If he wants to leave, hopefully, he’ll tell you.”
He was curious.
“How much do you know about me?” he asked.
She laughed.
“Oh, I know a lot. I know more than you’ll likely enjoy me knowing, Major. I know your missions, and I know your failures. I know because, again, Michael is like a son to me. I love him very much,” she admitted.
He didn’t know what that was like.
And told her.
“I don’t have anyone who loves me like a child anymore. When I came out to my parents, they disowned me. I live one town away from them, and I don’t ever see them. I mean, I have Tony, and that’s one thing, but…”
Her heart broke for him.
If any of her kids came to her and told her that they were gay, she’d buy them a rainbow flag, get a commemorative tattoo, and buy a coming out cake. Her job as a mother was to be a shield—not judge.
She had four amazing men in her life, and all of them loved openly.
“You have me now.”
He didn’t understand.
