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Ben’s eyebrows wing up. “Yeah?”
I nod. “I talked with my mom and Natalie today, and they reminded me that, in order to heal, I need to be open with you.”
“You know I’ll listen whenever you need to talk things out.”
I take a deep breath, giving myself a minute to gather my thoughts. “I know I’m not quite 100 percent yet. But I feel more like myself than I have in…weeks. Even before the attack. And I’m ready for us to be back to normal. In fact, Ineedus to be back to normal. I don’t want you to treat me like I’m fragile anymore.”
A small smirk pulls at the corner of Ben’s mouth until suddenly, he’s grinning so widely I’m afraid it may take over his face. “I can do that, Shortcake. Anything else?”
“I want to talk about Rebecca.”
Ben’s smile dims just a bit, but he nods his head in understanding. “Yeah. Look, I know I was an idiot. I knew it the minute I showed up there that I had done the wrong thing by not telling you, and I’m sorry. I’m sorry for assuming you couldn’t handle it, and I’m sorry it’s been bothering you.”
I open my mouth, but then close it again. His apology takes the wind right out of my sails. Which is probably why Mom suggested I talk with Ben about it. “Why didn’t you just tell me in the first place?”
“At the time, I thought I was protecting you. I had a feeling she was using her injury to convince me to get back together, and I didn’t want you to worry. I showed up at the park, where she’d genuinely hurt her ankle, and helped her to her car. I told her there was no chance of reconciliation no matter what she did, and I think she’s finally accepted that.” Ben pauses, his gaze locking on mine. “It’s always going to be my goal, you know. To protect you from having to deal with shit you don’t need to. But what I forget sometimes is how capable you are of protecting yourself. I’m not always going to make the right decisions, but I am going to do my best to remember how strong you are.”
“And I will try to let you take care of me more often. I know I don’t have to do everything on my own anymore.”
“I think as long as we talk to each other, we’ll figure it out.” Ben tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear, leaving his palm resting against my cheek. I nuzzle into it, happy to have that heavy weight off my chest.
“You know, it’s not always going to be as easy as having a conversation like this,” I say, snuggling deeper into his side.
“Nope, we’re probably going to fight like my parents. Between your sass and my tendency to be an asshole, we’re going to get on each other’s nerves.”
A laugh bursts from me. “Completely accurate, you broody bastard.”
“Oh, you’re going to pay for that one.” Ben throws me over his shoulder, making me squeal. He slaps my ass as he walks into my bedroom, my laughter flowing behind us.
When he dumps me on the bed, I feel all the worry and stress from the last couple of weeks melt away. With one look from Ben, I know we’re going to be okay.
“Don’t you move a muscle,” Ben demands, pointing a finger at me.
“Yes, sir.” I salute him, grinning when he narrows his eyes. He leaves the room but is back within a minute, holding something behind his back.
“I got you something while I was in Greensboro. Something that I hope will make up for my idiocy. At least this time.” Ben looks adorably chagrined, like he knows bringing me a present isn’t exactly going to make up for him keeping things from me.
He pulls the item from behind his back, and it takes me a second to understand what he brought me.
“You brought me Lucky Charms Marshmallows?” Sitting up in bed, I reach for the box he’s holding out.
“They’re your favorite.” Ben shrugs.
Tears swim in my eyes at the gesture, unable to contain my happiness. “I love you so much, Benjamin.”
“I love you, too, Sara.” He plucks the box out of my hands, despite my protest, then pounces on me, throwing me back to the bed.
I am going to love this man for the rest of my life.
I can’t wait.
43
BEN
Sliding my pen across the page, I scratch off the next item on my list. Is it growing? I’m pretty sure it’s grown in the ten minutes it took for me to stock the water bottles.
“How are the—” I look over my shoulder, but no one is standing next to me anymore. I thought our intern was still helping, but apparently not. There are several people buzzing about the park, hanging up banners and setting up tables. Everyone is busy preparing for the fundraiser.
