I needed her to really know and believe that. Despite anything that life threw at us, and despite whatever relationship we had, I would always be in her life. I couldn’t imagine my own without her.
“Eight. That’s all I need.” A kiss to my jaw. “I just need to know you are always there, no matter what.” A kiss below my ear. “And you have been, in more ways than I could’ve ever imagined. You’ve changed my life this year, Daisy, more than you could ever know. Seven.”
“You’ve changed mine since I met you. I can never tell you exactly what you mean to me. You are the best gift I’ve been given.”
I wanted to tell her. I wanted to say everything I was feeling and how lost I’d be if she’d never showed up in my life. I wanted to tell her how much of my heart belonged to her. Had always belonged to her in some capacity.
“Six.” If she didn’t count faster, I was going to actually cry.
“Five.”
“Kaia, please.” I was getting more desperate. I needed her to kiss me. I didn’t think I could wait even another second.
“Four.”
“Kaia, if you don’t kiss me?—”
“Three.” She cupped my face and rubbed my jaw, staring at me with the softest smile I’d ever seen.
Two,she mouthed. Two more seconds and her lips were as good as mine.
“Please, Kaia.”
“Happy New Year, baby.” Before I could say anything, her lips were finally on mine, and I didn’t need to see the fireworks behind us to feel the ones happening inside of me.
Every kiss with her felt explosive, like there were tiny shock pads on our lips and when they touched, they ignited.
But this kiss felt… different. It felt deeper. It felt like it wasn’t only the beginning of a new year, but a new life. Our life, together. Maybe it was the alcohol mixed with the emotions of the night, but I didn’t think it was. This felt like our official first kiss.
She still had one hand on my face, holding me safely in place, like I’d even think about going anywhere. Her other hand firmly gripped my waist. I had one hand on her elbow and the other around her neck as I melted into the kiss.
Her tongue worshipped mine, and I could’ve stayed frozen in that moment forever. It was the perfect way to end the year and start a new one. Anything with Kaia was perfect.
I almost shed actual tears when she broke the kiss. She nodded behind me, and I turned around to stare amazed at the firework show. I glanced back at her and beamed when she came up beside me and wrapped me in her arms.
The night was absolutely perfect. Being with all our friends, sharing in our happiness together, and celebrating. I had to be honest, though. Just the two of us in this moment, watching the fireworks and looking at each other, that was what really made the night special. That was what made my whole year happy.
I looked away from the show when she squeezed my hand. “I’ve had an amazing night with you, but can we go home now?”
I smiled up at her, not wanting to do anything else. “Yes, please.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
KAIA
“Auntie Kaia! I want a book!”The cutest voice caused me to look up at Penelope walking in with Nora running in front of her. Nora was the spitting image of her mother. Big brown eyes. Straight brown hair in cute little pigtails. Little dimples on her cheeks when she smiled.
I accepted a hug from my favorite two-year-old. “Nora! You’re getting so big! What kind of book do you want? Hey, Pen, how are you? You look good.”
“I’m only a little tired. Being a mother is not for the weak. If you ever have kids, enjoy your sleep whenever and wherever you can. Speaking of, where’s Daisy?”
I smiled at the mention of my sunflower but paused at the insinuation we would have children together. Yeah, we were dating. Yeah, I was in love with her, but that didn’t mean it would get to that point. Did I hope it did? Of course. I’d love nothing more than to watch Daisy become a mother.
I shook my head, trying to get rid of those thoughts. We were in a really good place, and I didn’t want those negative thoughts to take over.
“She’s at home today. So, what kind of book are we looking for today?”
“Penguin cake!” Nora provided. Penelope and I laughed.
