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“Fuck, my heart is pounding.”
“Mine is too, Lachlan. But I need you to know this,” she starts before pulling back again.
“I love you, Lachlan. Every part of you. I’ll take your past as you’ve taken mine. I want you forever and not a day less. Can you do that for me? Can you return my love every day?”
“Avery, I love every part of you with my whole being. I love your warm heart and pure soul. I love you. Thank you for showing me that there are still parts of me worth loving.”
I tilt my head up slightly before grabbing the back of her head and crashing my lips onto hers. This kiss is different from the others. It’s the first one made of true love with all our truths out in the open.
She breaks away, panting.
“Before this continues. Please, Lachlan, let me hear you say it. Not for me, but for yourself.”
“Say what?” I reply slightly incredulously.
“Tell me you forgive yourself.”
Chapter 24
Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.
Romans 12:9-10
Lachlan stares at me like I’m the one who’s saving him, not the other way around. Hearing his story about the night that changed his life was devasting. I could feel the ghosts of his past consuming his soul.
I know there is even more to it than we discussed—I’m sure of that. But what I’m even more sure of is my love for Lachlan.
He’s brave for telling me his darkest secret. A young adult who was lost and confused turned to one person who gave him a helping hand when he needed it most.
I couldn’t wait to meet Father Patrick. That man saved the love of my life. Lachlan needed a fatherly figure to guide him to the right place. I’m just thankful that led him to me.
“I promise you, Avery, with my last breath, I will try to fully come to terms with the fact that I am not at fault for that night. It’s hard for me to know that I couldn’t save her. That I let Liam down as well. I promise you I will try every day to get there with you by my side.”
I close my eyes tightly and smile.
Opening them, my smile takes over.
“Thank you for trusting me. I’ll always be here for you. When you are in the dark, let me be your light.”
I slowly bring my head back down to his face before leaning in to give him a gentle kiss. Lachlan slowly gives me small kisses back. First on my lips, then he moves down my neck to my collarbone and back up again. My head falls back to give him more space as I grip his broad shoulders tightly.
“Fuck, I need you, Avery. Can I take you as mine?”
My head snaps forward as my eyes find his.
“Right now?” I ask, a little shocked.
Yes, our sexual connection is a big part of our relationship, but I don’t want to use it in place of what Lachlan might emotionally need from me right now.
“Yeah, baby. I need you.”
I hesitate before nodding.
“Yes, Lachlan. Take what you need from me.”
I stand up to pull my shirt over my head, leaving me in my white lace bra. Then wiggle my shorts down, leaving me in my matching panties.
“Fuck,” he says as he drinks in my body.
