I kiss him one more time, and then I get up to pee and blow out the candle. This time when we settle, I really think we’ll fall asleep.
But he surprises me by blurting out into the dark, “I love you, Faith.”
I freeze.
“You know that, right?” he adds. He’s got one arm around me.
“I was beginning to suspect.” I find his face and kiss him.
It’s felt like a forbidden word for so long. Dangerous. Too much of a risk. But I don’t even have to hesitate now.
I say, “I love you too.”
***