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Ryan stared at the blank wedding invitation in his hands, the soft white card crinkled slightly in the pressure of his grip. It was ironic,really. After everything, the fights, the schemes and all the times he'd pushed people away, he'd somehow managed to find love. Yet, the realisation hit him like a train: there was no one to invite.The pen beside him sat untouched. He had filled out his side of the guest list weeks ago, or at least tried too. One name. His sister, Chloe. It had been at the top. but now, even that had been scratched off.Chloe wasn't coming. After years of keeping their distance from their mum, she'd rekindled their fractured relationship, slowly letting their mother back into her life. Something that wasn't an option for Ryan. It stung. but Ryan understood. They had been through almost everything together. And now, when he needed her the most, she wasn't going to be there.He couldn't blame her, nor really. Their past was complicated. But, it didn't stop a hollow feeling seeping deeper into his chest. His fingers brushed over his phone. He didn't know why he kept going back to it like a lifeline, but eventually the compulsion was too strong to resist.He opened his contacts, staring at Mike's name. Mike Milligan. The only adult who had somehow managed to put up with him, even when Ryan had been his most difficult. He hadn't really spoken to Mike since leaving Ashdene Ridge. There were texts and photos when he first left, but that fizzled out and now Ryan couldn't tell how long it had been. The idea of getting married without reaching out to him felt wrong. But Mike didn't even know about his life now. About who Ryan had become.Ryan hadn't told Mike he was gay. No one knew. He'd kept it hidden. He was ashamed back then.But he was about to get married. and Mike didn't even know the most important part of his life. What did that say about him?With a sigh Ryan unlocked his phone and pressed call.After a few rings, there was a familiar voice on the other end of the line. "Hello? Mike Milligan speaking."Ryan cleared his throat. "Mike..It's Ryan. Ryan Reeves."There was a pause, followed by a warm laugh. "Ryan! I can't believe it, It's been years since we last spoke. How are you?""Good." He started, his voice tight with nerves. "I work at full time at Park House stables now, training and equine therapy, mostly, but it's been great.""That sounds brilliant, Ryan. I always knew you'd find your feet, and i'm so glad you managed to stay with working with horses." Ryan could almost feel Mike beaming through the phone before the tone slightly changed, "What's on your mind Ryan? You haven't called about the horses? Are you in trouble?""No, nothing like that." Ryan whispered, he hesitated, the weight of what he was about to say felt like it was crushing him. "Actually, I'm calling because...I'm getting married."There was a brief silence on the other line before Mike spoke up again, "You're what?" His voice held a mix of shock and something else Ryan couldn't quite place."I'm getting married." Ryan repeated.There was another brief silence before Mike's voice softened, "Congratulations Ryan! I didn't know you were dating anyone. What's the lucky girl's name?"Ryan coughed awkwardly. "Actually, uh, his name is Aaron."Another pause. Ryan could hear Mike processing the information. "His name's Aaron?" Mike parroted slowly."Yeah." Ryan confirmed. "I'm gay."There it was. The words hung in the air, and Ryan found himself holding his breath. He had no idea how Mike would react. He almost regretted calling Mike, maybe it was a mistake? Maybe it was too much too fast. He remembered being the angry, manipulative and nasty and closed off kid at Ashdene Ridge, almsot everyone had hated him there, and he had caused so much trouble, he wondered what mike would think of him.Mike's voice, when it finally came, was soft, "Ryan, I.. didn't know. That doesn't change anything and I'm really proud of you."Ryan swallowed hard. "I didn't tell anyone, Well,not from back then anyway."There was a pause, Mike clearly was figuring out something to say to change the tone of the conversation. "So, tell me more about Aaron. What's he like?"Ryan smiled, as he talked about Aaron, how they'd met at when Aaron had come to Park House Stables for a work retreat, how they bonded over a love of horses, and how Aaron had been patient with Ryan's issues. They'd built something solid, something Ryan had never thought possible growing up.Mike listened, and Ryan could tell he was smiling on the other end of the line. "He sounds like a great guy. When's the big day?""Next month." Ryan started, biting his lip. "That's why I'm calling actually, uh Chloe's not coming, So I actually don't have anyone to invite." He paused, trying to hold back tears. "I know we haven't spoken in a long time, but I was wondering if you'd...""Ryan." Mike interrupted gently. "Of course I'll be there. I wouldn't miss it for the world." He paused again, before his voice became slightly inaudible, "Why is Chloe not coming? I thought you two were close."Ryan's jaw tightened. "She rebuilt things with our mum, and we argued, and I get it but, at the same time I thought she'd be here." He paused. "But i'm glad you can make it, really Mike, I am."Mike smiled through the phone, "Like I said Ryan, I wouldn't miss it for the world and i'm so proud of you."
Ryan and Mike talked a bit more after that, but as soon as Ryan put the phone down, all he felt was happiness.