Page 87 of Finding My Forever

My cheeks hurt from smiling. “But how did you find me?”

He looked to the ceiling and sighed. “It took some work. I called Sophia to find out where you worked. She didn’t know the name of the shop either but said you worked with your cousin Skylar. So, I went back to your MyPage and found her. Luckily, she’s your only friend with that name.”

I laughed. Yeah, that would have made this even more challenging.

“She had your hair, so I figured she was the right one. I messaged her and she told me where to come and when you would be here.”

How did she keep this a secret! “I can’t believe it.”

He smiled down at me and kissed my forehead. “I know we haven’t known each other for very long and we still have a lot to discover about each other, but I can’t imagine life without you. I don’t want to think about that.” He paused and looked into my eyes. “I never believed in love at first sight.”

“Me either.” I bit my lip, waiting.

“But I think we did. I think from the moment I first saw you I’ve been falling.”

I gasped. Was he really saying what I thought he was?

“I’m falling in love with you, April.”

There it was. The moment the words left his mouth my heart filled. I didn’t want to acknowledge it before right now.

“I love you, Liam.” The confidence in my voice surprised me. There was so much unknown in my life and future, but I was sure of that.

“I love you, too.”

Before I could think his lips were on mine. So soft at first, but within a heartbeat, we pressed into each other. My hands went to his hair. He was here with me. I never could have imagined the day going like this.

The past few weeks of stress and uncertainty melted away.

He was here. We were in love.

We broke apart when cheers erupted from behind us.

I spun to see Mom and Skylar beaming from the doorway. I waved them in. It was time to make introductions.

Skylar skipped forward and barreled into Liam for a hug. “I’m so happy we pulled it off!”

He laughed and placed her back on her feet. “Me too. Thanks for your help.”

She turned to me and pointed to my chest with a shriek. “It’s clear!”

My hand instinctively went to the necklace and picked it up. She was right. The gem that had been ruby red just moments before was back to crystal clear.

Since Skylar had tipped off my mom, she had time to gather our family for dinner so they could meet Liam.

Luckily, challenging myself to break my record got us ahead of schedule so I could hurry home and get ready before meeting everyone. I had Liam follow me to my house where I was hoping we’d have some alone time, but my dad’s car was in the driveway when we pulled up. Mom must have told him to hurry home.

I got out and waited for Liam to reach me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and smiled. “I still can’t believe you’re here. After last night…”

“It was just a lot to take it, April, but it doesn’t change the way I feel about you.”

I tugged him down for a kiss. His lips felt so familiar, yet new and exciting. Knowing how he felt about me changed things.

“Hello. You must be Liam.”

I jumped back and looked at my house. Dad was standing on the front porch, smiling at us with his hands in his pockets. I narrowed my eyes at him and his smile grew.

Liam’s face reddened and he cleared his throat once before walking up the path to meet Dad. I followed behind him and made the introductions.