I stay quiet because it’s honest but it sucks.
“But I think the people here today were just a fraction of who he’s hurt.”
“I agree.”
He squeezes me tighter.
“Are you okay? With how everything turned out?” he asks.
“I am. I’m still a little afraid that he’ll go free on some technicality. But all this was more than I ever hoped for. I’m so happy. I still can’t believe you did this. How did you get him to agree to do this?”
“I groveled.”
I groan. All too familiar.
“I told him that I wanted to work with him. That I knew there was no way to bring him down. I said we needed to have a press conference where we both agreed you were a liar.”
I can’t help but wince.
“I’m sorry. Even lying and knowing the end game, I hated doing it.”
“It’s okay. Trust me, I get it.”
“Let’s not think about him right now.”
“Great idea.”
We sit in silence for a while more. Another question pops up.
“How did you get Nancy to go against him? When I met her she was trying to get information from me about you.” I giggle when I remember the lie I told her. Which turned out to be not much of a lie at all.
“I had no idea. I had nothing to do with it.” He pokes my shoulder. “Why are you laughing?”
“No reason. I’m glad she’s going to be free of him. I can’t imagine what sort of life she’s had.”
He mumbles an agreement and runs a hand up and down my back. Again, we fall into comfortable silence.
After a few minutes, I say, “Oh, hey, Roe?”
“Hmm?”
“I love you, too.”
Under my ear his heartbeat picks up the pace. I nuzzle into his chest.
“That’s really good to know.”
“For a while now. Just in case you were wondering. I can’t help it.” I shrug.
“I think I’ve loved you since I saw your nipples… Ouch!” He rubs his ribs where I’ve pinched him. “Every time I see you I love you more, Maggie May.”
I sigh. His voice is serious now. Deep and rumbly. I never want to leave this spot. “You’re the greatest thing that’s ever fallen into my life. More than the money and the fame and everything associated with that.”
I look up and he’s staring down at me.
“And you’ve made me feel seen.”
Epilogue
