“Semantics.”
“Important semantics.” Colin’s thumb brushed her cheekbone. “And for what it’s worth, I think you’re incredible.”
Maren felt tears prick her eyes. “You barely know me.”
“I know enough.” Colin pulled her closer. “I know you put everyone else first. I know you’re brave even when you’re terrified. I know you make terrible jokes when you’re nervous. I know you cry when you’re overwhelmed but you don’t let it stop you. I know?—”
Maren kissed him to shut him up.
When they broke apart, both smiling, Colin said, “And now I know you do that when you don’t want to hear nice things about yourself.”
“Guilty.”
“I also know that I love you.”
Maren’s heart stuttered. “What?”
“You heard me, Maren Walsh. I love you.”
“But you…you haven’t known me long enough.”
Colin shook his head. “I have known you long enough. Long enough to want to take you on a proper date once this is all over.” Colin’s mouth curved. “Introduce you to my family. Let Juni spoil my mom’s dogs rotten.”
Maren stared unbelievingly at him. “You’ve thought about this.”
“Yeah. I’ve thought about almost nothing else since last night. But, if this is too soon for you?—”
“It’s not.” Maren surprised herself with her words. But it was true, she realized. It didn’t matter that she’d only known Colin for such a short time.
“I love you, too, Colin.” She smiled. “So much.”
They lay there in comfortable silence for a while, wrapped around each other as the darkness outside started to fade toward dawn.
Finally, Colin said, “We should probably get up soon. Before Juni gets back.”
“Probably.” Maren didn’t move. “Five more minutes?”
“Five more minutes.” Colin pulled her closer. “Then I’ll make you breakfast.”
“You cook?”
“I can operate a waffle iron without burning the house down. Does that count?”
Maren laughed. “That definitely counts.”
“Good.” He pressed a kiss to her hair. “Because I’m planning on making you breakfast a lot.”
“Are you?”
“If you’ll let me.”
Maren thought about that. About Colin in her kitchen. About Juni chattering over waffles. About normal, everyday moments that felt impossible two weeks ago.
About choosing to want this.
“Yeah,” she said quietly. “I’ll let you.”
Colin’s arm tightened around her. “I love you,” he whispered against her hair.
