Page 152 of Pretender

He clears his throat, looking at me again, dropping his notes onto the table.

“You’ve elevated my standards,

You’ve raised the bar

Of what love means.

Love is no longer just that feeling

I thought it would be.

It’s no longer just perfect, or clear

Love is everything.

Including my mistakes

Including our lessons

Including the difficult days.

Love is imperfect,

But together we can fill the cracks with gold.

Love is being open, vulnerable

And daring to try.

Love is to grow together.

Love is waking up,

Every day

Choosing you

Choosing us

And making it what we want.”

Aiden finds his notes again. I wonder if it’s just to give himself a break. His hand shakes as it holds the papers, and it makes my lungs constrict.

This is Aiden trying. For me. His words sink in and I allow them to fill me.

Love isn’t perfect, and neither of us will ever be perfect—although right now this gorgeous man sure is close to it.

“I love you.” His voice cracks and he blinks at the paper. “Sorry,” he croaks.

Tears tickle my cheeks and I wipe them away quickly. Fuck, I promised myself I wouldn’t cry.

“I love you,” he repeats, and my breath comes out shaky. He turns back to Will and Amara and I take the opportunity to blink hard, fighting the next round of tears threatening to push through.

“Because

Your love makes my life a full life,

And I can’t wait