by Jamie Craig
Jefferson ducked his head, until their foreheads almost touched. “You are my dearest friend. I will always remember you as the companion of my soul. You have not wronged me by loving me, Joseph. You have honored me.”
Micah actually heard the ghost’s wet intake of breath. Jefferson moved to wipe his mouth again, but Joseph caught his wrist, turning it to lay a silent kiss to his palm.
“Always. Remember me always.”
Jefferson didn’t have time to answer before ashes swirled around them. When Micah had blinked to clear it from his eyes, Joseph was gone.
Jefferson made a choked half-sound, his fingers wrapping around Micah’s wrist. With a sharp tug, he pulled Micah to the ground and immediately buried his face in Micah’s neck. Jefferson held him like he was never going to let go.
There were no words that would soothe the ache he knew rampaged through his lover. Micah did the only thing he could, the only thing he wished to, and cradled Jefferson against him, breathing in his scent to replace that of the smoldering ruins. Joseph’s declarations would haunt both of them for years to come; of this, Micah was certain. He could only remain true to the promises he had already made Jefferson, as well as the promises he had yet to make.
“You did what you must,” he murmured, when long minutes had passed. “I am certain he’s at peace now.”
“I hope so. I hope he has found some peace. Somehow.” Jefferson lifted his head and cupped the side of Micah’s face. “I love you with all I have. Don’t ever forget that.”
“I shan’t. You’re my very soul. I would deny you nothing.”
Jefferson lifted the hand that still clutched the bloody handkerchief. “He was solid, was he not? You saw him too?”
“I did. I’m sorry I ever doubted you.”
“No, your apology is unnecessary. I pushed the very boundaries of credibility by asking you to believe in a spirit. And then I went further, and asked you to believe that the specter who hurt me meant no harm.” Jefferson caressed Micah’s face with his thumb. “You helped save him too.”
Micah shook his head. “I was merely a spectator. Your heart is the one that released him.”
“Who do you think released my heart? I could never help him before, Micah. Not before you came into my life.”
Tightening his fingers around Jefferson’s, Micah gently pulled him to his feet. He cared not who might witness their contact. It was far more vital at that moment not to let him go.
“I fear this is a discussion that will see no end,” he teased with a smile. “Perhaps we can continue it somewhere a little warmer?” He glanced at the ashen ground. “There is no more need for us here, I don’t think.”
“No. We’re finished here. You can take me home and put me to bed. I fear I might need a good deal of rest.”
Giving one last squeeze, Micah reluctantly relinquished his hold, settling into a slow pace back to the cottage. Their shoulders brushed against each other, solid and sure, and though he yearned for more intimate contact, Micah knew he had only to be patient a few minutes longer. They had their whole lives to spend together now, unfettered once they left behind the fear of his family.
Loving Jefferson was as wondrous an act as reveling in his verse. Beauty unbound. Joy. Peace. His world was a far better place for such a gift.
He would do everything in his power to honor Joseph’s legacy, to keep his vow.
Always.
THE END
ABOUT JAMIE CRAIG
Jamie Craig is the collaboration of Vivien Dean and Pepper Espinoza. Both have been in love with romance, adventure, fantasy, and the written word since childhood. Pepper lives in Utah with her dog and cats and loves to golf when she’s not working. Vivien lives in Northern California with her husband and two teenagers.
For more information, visit jamie-craig.com.
ABOUT JMS BOOKS LLC
JMS Books LLC is a small queer press with competitive royalty rates publishing LGBT romance, erotic romance, and young adult fiction. Visit jms-books.com for our latest releases and submission guidelines!
