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A rather large thump has both of us jumping. Auggie holds me closer, head whipping around in search of any danger.

“What was that?” I whisper.

Auggie’s chest begins to vibrate as his laughter builds. He kisses my temple and then turns my head.

As soon as I see them, I start laughing as well.

Cleo and Jesse have jumped onto the coffee table, knocking over a container of food to the awaiting trio of Buster, Toby, and Minna.

“Hey!” I half-yell, half-giggle.

The cats take off. Minna rolls over, attempting to look innocent. Buster hops away while Toby slowly strolls after him.

I turn back to Auggie and kiss him quickly.

“Maybe we should finish eating before our meal gets eaten by my pets.”

He kisses me back, “You’re probably right.”

I slide off Auggie’s lap, smiling for the first time in a long time. He wraps an arm around my waist and tugs me impossibly closer, until there’s no space between us.

We finish our meal and clean up together before returning to the couch. The rest of the evening is spent cuddled on the couch, alternating between watching Halloween romcoms and kissing.

“Moonlight,” Auggie softly calls.

My eyes slowly blink open, Auggie’s face coming into view.

“Did I fall asleep?”

“You did.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. Wrap your arms around my neck.”

“Auggie…”

“Humor me,” he says with a devilish grin.

The moment my arms are securely around his neck, I’m lifted off the couch.

“Auggie,” I yelp, now half awake. “Are you crazy!?”

“Trust me.”

I do. Without hesitation or second thought.

When we reach the bedroom, he sets me on the bed and steps back. I grab his hand before he’s out of reach.

“Auggie,”

“What is it, Moonlight?”

Silence stretches between us as my heart pounds in my ears.

Auggie kneels before me, taking both hands in his. “You can trust me, Cordelya. With anything.”

I gather all my courage and ask, “Will you stay with me?”