In the desert, halfway between Vegas and Hollow, a burning of the horses was held each year. It was a twist on an old Hong Kong tradition. People paid two hundred dollars for a horse made of paper. They drew pictures of their hopes and dreams on them and then tossed them on the fire. The smoke carried their wishes up to the gods. It was all in fun and the money went to a local children’s hospital. Austin had only heard of the event in passing. He’d never had two hundred dollars to burn. This was his first year, seeing it for himself. Thanks to falling in love with a brooding professional fighter, Austin had gotten to see a lot of things he’d never dreamed of seeing in the past year. Yet, he always found himself staring at Will every place they went. The supermodel eyes that caught his attention the night they met still fascinated him more than all the world’s greatest wonders.

“Let me see your drawing.”

At Will’s demand, Austin passed the paper horse to him. He watched Will as he eyed the drawing of the two of them holding hands with the word “forever” scribbled beneath it. It was the only wish Austin had. Will had made every dream he’d ever had come true.

“I should’ve known it would be perfect.”

Austin rolled his eyes at the compliment. Will never spoke ill of anything he did. It was one of his most amazing qualities. Still, Austin never got used to the praise. “Let me see yours.”

Will set Austin’s horse aside. “Hold on. I’m not finished with it yet.” Despite his claim, Will didn’t return to working on his horse. Instead, he stared at the crowd surrounding them. Austin glanced around, wondering what held his attention tonight. Several of the men who trained with Will were there. In fact, the event was put together by the owner of the gym where Will trained. Austin followed Will’s gaze to a fit, sexy guy who kept trying to climb a red-haired mountain of a man to see his horse. They stood close enough Austin wondered how the guy didn’t feel Will’s intense stare. He wondered sometimes if Will wished he was more like that guy. He obviously worked out, and every eye was on his antics. The guy had a spark Austin didn’t possess. Austin was reserved and not particularly shiny. In fact, he’d go as far as to say he didn’t stand out at all unless someone couldn’t see over his head. Austin dropped his gaze to the ground. Will was darker and quieter than usual. In fact, he’d been that way for days. At first, he’d thought Will was nervous about defending his title. Then, the fight had come and gone with Will hanging on once more. Nothing had changed. Something was wrong with Will or them or both. He hadn’t figured it out yet.

“That guy used to be my sparring partner,” Will said, motioning the fit guy’s way. “I went to Key Largo for a little while to train under his husband, leading up to my first title. They made me go deep sea fishing instead.” A smile touched his lips, but he still didn’t look Austin’s way. “Still, I was lucky to get the opportunity. Aden has trained more champions than any man alive. That’s not why I’m lucky,” he said, finally looking Austin’s way. There was something in Will’s eyes that tightened Austin’s throat. “I wasn’t nice to Remy back when we were sparring partners. His husband shouldn’t have bothered with me. Just like you. You shouldn’t have bothered with me, but for some reason, you did. I don’t think I’ve ever told you how grateful I am that you put up with me. You deserve someone lighthearted. Someone like that,” he said, motioning toward Remy, and proving how they feared all the same things, as usual. Before Austin could argue he’d rather be alone than ever replace him, Will passed his paper horse Austin’s way. Austin stared at the picture Will had drawn. He couldn’t breathe. His gaze lifted from the image of a marriage certificate with Austin’s last name changed to Masters. Will had dropped to one knee. Austin fought the urge to hug the horse to his chest.

Before Will could ask or Austin could answer, the horse disappeared from his arms. Remy tossed it onto the fire. “Wish granted. He says yes.”

Will’s laughter made losing the horse worthwhile. He cast Remy a wry look. “Is it okay if I ask first so he knows what he’s agreeing to do?”

Remy looked horrified. “Oh, shit. I didn’t mean to ruin the moment. Forget that happened. Still, he says yes.” A chuckle rose in Austin’s throat. It died when he spotted the ring Will held.

“Austin Burke, I don’t deserve you. You put up with a lot to be with me. I’m moody and possessive. But I love you and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. Will you marry me?”

“Yes. Please? Yesterday.” Will shot to his feet and snatched Austin from his. “I love you so damn much,” Austin said pushing the words past his rapidly swelling throat. Several people cheered, making him realize how many people were watching.

“This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” Remy cried, sounding even more excited than Austin. “Awwww, Aden. I want to get married again.”

Austin couldn’t stop smiling or holding Will as tight as possible. He completely understood Remy’s reaction. If the man loved his husband even half as much as Austin loved Will, he got it. Austin would marry Will a million times. Every day. For the rest of his life. Until the end of time.

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