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“You know what the stupid part is?”

His brows furrow.

“What?”

“I wasted so much time being afraid.”

“Amanda—”

“I was scared you'd leave again.”

His face crumples.

“Baby—”

“I was scared to trust you.”

“I know.”

“I was scared of promises.”

He closes his eyes briefly.

And the pain on his face nearly kills me.

“But you came back.”

I stroke his cheek.

“You got help. You fought for us. You saved me.”

“Amanda, you don't owe me⁠—”

“Stop.”

His mouth closes immediately.

“Alessio, I love you.”

He exhales like he's been holding his breath for years.

“I love you too, Rusty.”

“No, let me finish.”

His eyes widen.

Because now I'm crying and laughing at the same time.

Which is apparently my thing now.

“I almost lost you tonight.”

His forehead rests against mine.

“You'll never lose me.”

“I better not.”