Odds of Love: Past Wounds

Episode 7

Nigel couldn't believe his ears. It was what he had always wanted to hear from the man on the hospital bed. But. But.

" You want to marry me? "

Richard smiled and said," Yes. I do. I like those words. I do. Give it a try. I do. "

Nigel laughed dryly. " I want to marry you too. " He hesitated. " But I can't. "

Richard's smile slipped away from his face. " Why the hell not? You said you loved me. I know it's not been long since I came out and we started..... But we've known each other six years. "

Nigel sat back in the chair and exhaled a long deep almost weary breath. " Because my past...."

" I don't care about your damn past. We all have a past. "

" No ! My past will screw up your life being connected to me. Seriously. What will they say at the firm if they find out what I used to do for money? What if your family finds out? Your kids? I'll be an embarrassment to you. "

Richard shook his head. " No. First the firm won't find out because I put the fear of me in Lonnie Hawkins. And I'll put that same fear in anyone else who dares try to blackmail or hurt you again. And even if the whole world found out I would not care. " He grabbed hold of Nigel's hand and squeezed it. " I almost died. If you hadn't come back for maybe hours I may be dead now. I don't want my safe secure boring bland workaholic life anymore. I want life with you. And anything that comes down we will face together. Now please give me a real answer to my question. Will you please marry me? "

Nigel was embarrassed because he was outright crying and he was not an attractive crier. He sniffed and blinked his eye as he looked at Richard who impatiently waited. " Ok. You always get your way, don't you? "

" Pretty much. "

Nigel smiled. " Ok. I'll marry you. This time is your last bloody wedding. "