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“Haven’t you done enough? I told you not to hurt her.”
“I didn’t mean to.”
“No one ever does, but that doesn’t change anything.”
“Please, just let me talk to her.”
“I said no.”
I was seriously considering if there was a way to dive past her when Aria appeared. Her eyes were rimmed red, and I could tell she had been crying. My heart sank, knowing that I had been the cause of her pain.
She placed a hand on her elder sister’s upper arm, “It’s okay. I need to say goodbye.”
“Are you sure?” Kelly asked, glaring at me.
“I’m sure.”
Kelly gave one last disapproving look over her shoulder before walking out to the garden, where I could hear the boys playing. I was left looking at Aria, the woman I knew would slip away if I didn’t handle the situation right. It was time to wear my heart on my sleeve.
“You can’t go.”
“Why? You made it very clear where you stand.”
“No, I haven’t,” I reached down and took her hands in mine. I was half expecting her to pull them away, but she just looked defeated.
“What do you want?” she asked, “Are you just here to torture me?”
“I’m here to tell you the truth. I should have been honest from the moment I realized that I had feelings for you.”
Aria looked up, surprised, “Feelings?”
“From the moment I laid eyes on you at my father’s funeral, I knew something was there. I was acting the fool, too scared to admit to myself the truth lest I get hurt. Now I’ve done something far worse – I’ve hurt you. Then there was that moment in the park where we kissed, and I just knew…”
“Knew what?” her voice was soft as she looked at me with wide eyes.
“That I love you.”
My words lingered in the air, resounding between us. I held my breath, waiting to hear what she had to say. Her mouth hung open, ever so slightly. Then she spoke.
“I love you too,” she whispered.
Blindingly bright joy flooded through my system as I closed the gap between our bodies. I tilted her chin up to look me in the eyes.
“You mean it?” I asked, grinning.
“More than anything.”
As our mouths met, I could feel the explosions in the pit of my stomach. I felt giddy with happiness knowing that the woman I loved was standing there in my arms, loving me back. When we pulled apart, I kept a tight hold on her.
“Please don’t go.”
“I’ve already booked the tickets.”
“Cancel them. I’ll pay for it.”
“It’s not about the money.”
“Then what is it?”
“I’ve made a fool of myself in front of our entire community.”
“No,” I shook my head, “I’m the one who was the fool. I should have never put you in such a compromising position. It wasn’t fair on you, and I can’t stand that I’ve caused you so much pain.”
“You’ve also given me some of the happiest moments in my life,” she gave me a watery smile.
“And I hope I can give you many more. Please just say you’ll stay.”
Aria’s brows unknitted, and she relaxed into my arms. Leaning her head against my chest, I waited for her decision.
“I’ll stay,” she murmured, “I’ll always stay for you.”
