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Rose swallows, her lips set in a firm line as she shakes her head. So she's not going to make it easy on me.
“Fair enough. Liz,” I tell my daughter, looking her way. “I should have been honest from the beginning. It wasn't that I didn't want you to come out tonight. It was Rose. Because…”
Please, don't let this be a mistake. “Because I'm in love with Rose.”
“You are?” Rose whispers. There are tears in her eyes, making them sparkle. “For real? You're in love with me?”
“Head over heels. I've never felt this way before, but I can't spend another day of my life without it. I need you. Knowing you were here tonight made everything clear. You're mine, and I'm not letting you get away.”
“That was all I wanted.” She's laughing and crying all at once, brushing away her tears between giggles as she works her way out of the booth and throws herself into my arms. The peace that washes over me as soon as I've locked her in my embrace proves how right this is. How necessary she is to my happiness, my life.
There's someone else I can't forget, though. With Rose in my arms, I look at my daughter for forgiveness. She's wide-eyed, staring at us with her brow furrowed and her mouth slightly open. “I'm sorry, sweetheart,” I murmur while she gapes at me. “I can't help it. I tried, but there was nothing I could do.”
Pain begins to lance my heart once she covers her mouth with one hand. There was always going to be a sacrifice, wasn't there? I only wish it wasn’t her.
Except she isn't crying or holding back a scream.
She's laughing. “Duh!” She claps her hands, laughing merrily. “Finally!”
“Wait. What?” Rose turns to her, hands on her hips. “Don't even pretend you know about this.”
“I've known for ages! Are you kidding me? You're always looking at him, he was always looking at you, it was obvious. I almost felt like I should apologize just for being in the same room with the two of you.” She runs a hand under her eyes, crying with laughter. “But it was obvious neither of you had the balls to go through with anything, so I figured I'd wait and see what happens.”
Rose picks up a napkin and throws it at her. “I can't believe you! I've been twisting myself in knots over this!”
“Sorry,” Liz tells her, snorting on a laugh. “I couldn't help it.”
“And you're alright with this?” I ask, a little overwhelmed. My kid saw it. How blind have I been?
Her smile is warm, wise. “Yeah. I've had some time to think about it, and I guess some things you can't help. It's obvious this is the real thing, and I'm not going to get in the way of it. I just want you both to be happy, because I love you.”
“Do you mind if I cut out early?” Rose asks her. “I hate leaving you alone.”
Liz only pretends to gag. “Oh, my God, please. Go. I'll be loud when I come home so you know you're not alone anymore.” She makes a big deal of rolling her eyes before waving to the boys across the room, gesturing for them to come back.
“Give me a second.” With Rose's hand in mine, I turn toward the pair approaching the table. “You two. I remember you, and I know your parents. If either of you hurt my daughter, I'll cut your fucking balls off. Got it?”
“Yes, sir,” they both murmur, hands folded in front of them and looking contrite.
“Okay. So long as we understand each other.” While still holding Rose's hand, I leave the restaurant with her at my side.
The way she's meant to be.
The way she always will be.
CHAPTER8
ROSE
Ihave never been this happy. I didn't know it was possible for a person to be this happy. Sitting next to him, knowing he wants me. He wants to be out in the open with it and everything. I’ve never felt so proud as I do now, riding home with him. I want the world to know.
“You know I didn't really want to go.” I feel like he already knows, but I want to say it anyway. Just to be sure.
“I hoped so.” He reaches over and closes a hand over my knee. Even through my jeans, his touch is searing. “I saw it when I got there. You looked miserable.”
“I was, but I was trying to prove a point.”
“And you did.”
