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The kitchen door swings open, and like a shining light, my girl walks out, talking as she does so. Her words cut off when she sees me.
“What are you doing here?” Her eyebrows pull together, creating a valley between them.
“Hi,” I say, smiling.
Despite the nerves buzzing inside of me, seeing her makes everything right in the world. She’s my joy.
I walk to the counter by the stools where I normally sit. Sage remains frozen in place. When I notice she’s not going to say anything, I speak.
“I came to see you. How are you?” My question is weighted with meaning.
She looks okay, but I know better.
“I’m good now,” she says. “Again, why are you here?” Her eyes narrow.
“To see you.”
“Tristan, we already spoke about this.” She crosses her arms.
Her armor is firmly in place, but what she doesn’t know is that her shield is no match for me. I’ll fight until I break through.
“No.” I shake my head. “You spoke about it. Now it’s your turn to listen to me.”
I don’t care that there are people around.
“I know we started off unconventionally.”
Sage snorts when I say this, but it doesn’t veer me off course.
“What was supposed to be an easy plan turned into so much more. I never thought you’d become the owner of my heart. You’re everything I want, Wise Sage. I don’t want to live without you. Actually, life without you is boring and meaningless.”
She’s silent, so I continue speaking.
“Nothing I do has purpose if you’re not by my side. Not even Spread Joy. You inspire me daily, and I won’t let that go without a fight. I’m sorry for what my mom did. I know I don’t have to apologize for her, but I’m also to blame for the situation. She had no right, and I confronted her and my dad about it. They’ll never bother us again.”
I walk toward the opening in the counter, needing to be closer to her. She remains rooted. When Julie shoves her back, I chuckle.
“The money,” she whispers.
“I don’t care about that. I forfeited it. I’ll figure out another way. It’ll take longer, and I’m okay with that. Suddenly, I’m in no rush to travel the world. My entire world is right here.” I cross the barrier and stand before her.
Her eyes well with tears, and she tucks her lips between her teeth. Her breath falters as emotions move through her.
“Don’t cry,” I whisper as I wipe away her tears.
My hand cups her face, and she leans into it, closing her eyes.
“I’ve missed you,” I continue to speak. “So much. This can’t be the end, Sage. I won’t let it be because I know you feel the same way. You’re trying to protect me when I don’t need protection—not in the way you think.”
“You need that money, though.” She blinks her eyes open.
“No. All I need is you. I know that with you by my side, everything will work out. Can we start again? A fresh foundation?” I stare into her teary eyes.
When she nods, I smile.
“Hi, I’m Tristan. I have a deal I’d like to discuss with you.” I push my hand out between us.
“What kind of deal?” Sage eyes me warily.
