"Again, you're not dreaming."
He waved me off. "Sure."
I frowned. "What can I do to convince you?"
"A kiss wouldn't hurt."
I choked back a laugh. "Okay, but if I get sick before my mother's wedding, it's on you."
"Actually, you're right. On second thought—mmph."
I cut him off with a kiss.
My lips met his, and it was wonderful. His fingers tangled into my hair as I held his face between my hands. After kissing him, I slowly leaned back, hanging on until the last possible moment.
Tolliver's eyes were still closed when I opened mine to look at him.
"Well?" I said.
His smile was devastating. "I believe you, Dream Freya."
I shook my head as he leaned back against the pillows, taking the bear with him.
"Me and Mr. Bear are going to rest now."
"Mr. Bear? Very original. What's his first name?"
"Frolliver. Thanks for visiting."
I got up to leave then turned back. "I also wanted to ask: will you be my date to my mom's wedding?"
Tolliver's smile grew. "Of course, I will, Dream Freya. I love you so much."
The words made my heart soar.
"You do?" I asked.
"Love you," he said again.
"Maybe you're just saying that because you're tired. Or sick. Or confused. Possibly all three."
"Nope. I. Love. You. Kent."
"Okay, glad that's settled." Shaking my head, I couldn't fight back a smile. "I'll be back tomorrow, Stone."
He hummed deep in his throat.
As I was leaving, I could've sworn I heard him say, "Best dream ever."
Hopefully, he'd remember what we talked about.
But if he didn't, I guess I'd have to remind him.
I smiled as I left and walked to my car. Love was a difficult thing to define. It was hard to know what it was and wasn't. I'd started to believe maybe each person had to figure that out and decide for themselves. Telling someone you love them was more complicated than I ever would've thought—and yet, it was worth it.
So yeah, love could definitely be complicated.
But I was lucky.
