Page 247
“You didn’t have to tell everyone who you were, by the way.”
“I know, but it was good for backing you up. And I think they took it well.”
“They’re in shock,” Jade said. “Just wait.”
“I helped a lot, but I’m still just Gabriel. I left. I have a feeling the disappointment will hit soon.”
She hummed. “Wanna bet?”
“Bet what?”
“A car.”
“Really? You’re going there?”
“Hey, I’m still driving my shitty one from high school. This is an easy bet I’ll win.”
I laughed and rolled my eyes.
“Fine, but you’ll lose.”
“I love it when you’re falsely confident.” She laughed and kissed me. “Now, what do we do with all this free time?” Her voice lowered. “I have a new idea for your child-free night.”
“Joke’s on you. I had this idea the second they wanted to stay with Atticus.”
“I had the idea first.”
“No, I did.”
“Stop arguing and kiss me. Mayor’s orders.”
“You’re so gonna abuse that.” I rolled my eyes again but did what I was told. Her kiss was soft at first, but she quickly dove in for more.
There was something about this that was so different. Every kiss, every touch had been tinged with the feeling of sadness that this was going to end. Even when we were teenagers, we always worried we would drift apart.
Now there was nowhere to go except for back to each other.
I’d accepted this already, but having her in my arms proved to me that this was my future. There were no more lonely nights. I had her and I was keeping her.
There was no better ending for me.
“I love you,” I said into her lips.
She blinked and pulled away. “Fucking finally.”
“Excuse me?”
“You could’ve had a sappy moment if you didn’t wait so long to tell me.”
“Sorry, sorry. I did take way too long.”
“Do you have a good excuse?”
“I was too busy saying goodbye.”
She huffed out a laugh. “You are so stupid.”
“I’ll make up for lost time.” I pulled her back to me, savoring the way she felt in my lap. No more goodbyes. Only I love yous.
