Ray was fully expecting to see Fraser around the corner, possibly feasting on specks of dirt or boring someone to death with a heroic tale about moose. Maybe even helping a little old fairy across the pathway, all of which sounded incredibly normal and comforting.

He came to a sudden halt when he saw who was actually there, staring at Asher like he couldn't believe his eyes. His stomach still dropped out of him as if he really were witnessing Fraser doing something disgusting, but it slammed back into him soon after, like it was doing loop-de-loops on a rollercoaster.

There had been moments, scary, depressing moments over the past few days when he'd truly believed he was never going to see Asher again. It was surprising how quickly those feelings could reappear, even when standing right in front of him.