It was as if Aiden’s declaration released the lock trauma had snapped closed around his vocal cords. Mike opened his mouth and sound actually came out. His voice was dry and cracking but each of the words he spoke was clear. “I love you, too.”
“I know you do, Beefcake.”
Mike wanted to say so many things. But what he wanted most was for Aiden to have his surgery. There would be time later for them to talk about their feelings, because he believed that Aiden was going to be all right. “Sleep. Let them operate.”
Although his face was pinched with pain, Aiden gave him a small smile.
“Okay.”
He relaxed, his eyes slipped shut, and the golden glow began to fade.
Mike stayed with him until the doctors and nurses came out of their daze.
“Who are you and how did you get in here?” the nurse closest to him demanded.
“Someone remove him.”
Mike released Aiden’s limp hand and stepped back from his side. Without any more prompting, he quickly exited the room to let the medical staff do the work of helping the man he loved.
