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“Jackson, you’re worrying me.”
Rory’s gorgeous emerald-green eyes look at me with such concern, and I know I’ve got to rip this bandage off once and for all.
“I need to leave because I can’t stand beside you at the altar and watch you marry Brad. The thought of you spending the rest of your life with someone who isn’t me…it’s killing me.”
Rory’s eyes go wide with shock, but she says nothing.
“There were so many times I tried to tell you how I felt, but I couldn’t. The fear of losing you as a friend if you didn’t feel the same was too great.”
Taking another step closer, Rory continues to stare.
“I know my timing is horrible, and I’m so sorry. I really am. But I can’t let you go out there without hearing the truth.”
I lower my voice as if I’m afraid of someone else hearing my confession.
“That first day, when you walked into Ms. Rhodes class, I knew then that you were it for me. Over the years, you have been the only person I want to share my life with. Every single up and down, you’ve been there. I want no one else. You’re the first person I think of when I wake up, and it’s you I see when I close my eyes at night. I’ve memorized every freckle on your face and each fleck of gold in those gorgeous green eyes of yours. Your smile, your laugh, and every delicious curve of your body. I burned every single inch of you into my memory.”
“Aurora?” There’s a knock on the door and as I turn, I hear Rory take in a shaky, fast breath.
“I love you, Rory Monroe. I’m in love with you. And even if this is the only time I get to say those words to you, I’m glad you finally know the truth.”
My hands grip her waist as I pull her close to me.
“Jackson, I—”
My forehead drops to hers, and she doesn’t finish her thought.
“Jackson? What’s going on here?” Skip enters the room and I know what this looks like.
Pressing my lips to Rory’s cheek, I give her a kiss goodbye. “I love you.”
Reluctantly, I release her from my grip and turn to face my chief and friend.
“Don’t worry, I’m leaving.”
