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She cracked the first tiny smile of the night. “Yeah. It’s gonna be a family thing.”
“Really? That’s awesome.” Even better, I could tell she was happy about it. “Congrats.”
She nodded, her eyes dropping. “Thanks. Since my dad died, there hasn’t been much good, so this thing with Matthew has been a gift.” She lifted her gaze. “And the time with you.”
“Faith—”
“Hold on.” She pressed a finger to my lips, shushing me, smiling when I gently bit her fingertip. “I know I’ve had a lot to say about trust and lies and you being overprotective of me, and while all of that is still true, these past couple of days with you back in jail and then sitting here alone thinking...” She blew out a slow breath. “I have to say, some things are clearer.”
“Clearer?”
“Yes. Like I can jump to conclusions.”
“Never.”
She rolled her eyes. “And maybe, sometimes, I do need someone to look out for me. Maybe.” She squinted and tilted her head. “Sometimes.”
We both laughed.
“I may not like what you did,” she went on, “but I understand it. And what I figured out while I was sitting here waiting for you was that, if the situation were reversed and it was me?” She tapped her chest with a fist. “I would do the same for you in a heartbeat.”
“So, you forgive me?” I was afraid to hope. So damn afraid.
“Isn’t that what love is all about?” she said as she cupped my cheek.
A gust of breath rushed through me, and I dropped my forehead to hers. “I love you so damn much.”
I felt more than saw her smile. “I know.”
“Wait.” I drew back. “Waiting for me?”
“Yes. Of course I was.” Her fingertips traced down my arm. “I knew you’d come for me. And haven’t you learned by now that I’ll always wait for you?”
I moved until I was positioned over her, face-to-face, and the love reflecting back in those blue eyes was all the promise I’d ever need.
“I won’t keep you waiting anymore, baby.”
I pressed a kiss to her lips that felt so much like the first time, yet a million times sweeter because we were finally free. Free of the past. Of the uncertainty. To be together. Our love had redeemed us, and it was up to us to claim our future.
