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A blush crept across my cheeks at the endearing term being publicly used. It was the first time Jeremy had openly referred to me so affectionately in front of our colleagues. We had to conceal our feelings for each other, but now it seemed he was finally ready to acknowledge it in front of everyone.
Returning his smile, I replied, savoring the sweet warmth throughout my whole body.
Side by side, we strolled towards the exit, unaware of the subtle glances and knowing looks exchanged among our co-workers. It was apparent that our newfound openness hadn't gone unnoticed. However, instead of feeling self-conscious, I basked in a sense of pride and happiness.
As we reached the sidewalk and ventured toward a nearby restaurant, I couldn't resist asking, "So, how hard has it been for you to handle all the looks and whispers this morning?"
Jeremy chuckled affectionately while locking eyes with me as he reached for my hand. "Not at all, actually. I've spent far too long hiding us away. No more secrets."
I felt butterflies as I showed my appreciation with a reassuring squeeze of his hand.
Soon, we arrived at the restaurant, and again, Jeremy surprised the hostess by asking for a visible table. I looked at him with wide eyes in wonder at Jeremy’s sudden desire for a change of scenery, and all I could do was giggle.
Over lunch, the conversation was filled with laughter and joyous banter as we reveled in the delicious food and the freedom to share our relationship with the world openly. It felt like a weight had been lifted from our shoulders, and I was grateful for the journey that finally brought us to this point.
Jeremy and I were stronger than ever. Our love had endured storms and emerged even more resilient.
After lunch, as we departed the restaurant hand in hand, a wave of excitement for the future ran through me. Our love was no longer concealed- no longer a hidden secret- and I knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, we would confront them side by side as a united and unstoppable force.
We walked back from our lunch date, holding hands.
We stopped for a while when we reached the office building and faced each other. His look was affectionate, and he gently pushed away the stray hairs that had fallen over my face.
“I love you,” he whispered in a soft voice.
My heartbeat skipped, and I beamed with joy. That was the first time he said those three magic words to me.
“I love you too,” I told him sincerely.
Jeremy leaned forward as our lips touched in a gentle yet sweet embrace, which spoke more lovingly than any words could ever do.
As our kiss ended, I was overwhelmed with happiness and excitement for our future together. Love had ceased being secretive and had become something celebrated and treasured, evident to everyone around us.
Jeremy walked me inside my office and kissed my forehead, giving me one gentle, office-appropriate hug before returning to his doorway. “See you later,” he said, smiling back at me.
I nodded my head toward him with a contented smile. “Can’t wait!”
I watched Jeremy walk away until he disappeared into his office. We had overcome various challenges leading up to that moment together. Our love had grown stronger daily and would be allowed to grow without limits.
Walking into my office, I sat down, thinking about the long, winding path that had brought us to this point. Although both of us had gone through our share of difficulties and sadness, we finally found peace in one another's arms.
Sitting in my office chair, there was a sense of expectation for the evening. Our love had been let loose, so who knew what other beautiful things we would encounter in the next chapter of our story together?
The telephone rang, and my eyes flickered towards the caller ID. It was my mother. With a broad smile, I picked up the phone and greeted her, "Hello, Mom!"
"Jill, honey, how are you?" Her tone carried a hint of worry, alerting me that something weighed heavily on her mind.
"I'm doing well, Mom!" I responded soothingly. "Is everything alright?"
"Well, I heard some news that worries me a little," she admitted softly. "I just left the grocery store, and Twyla told me that Cole had made his way to New York. Is it true, Jill?"
I hadn't discussed the recent events with my mother because I’d hoped to spare her any distress over the ordeal. Now, though, I had no choice but to tell her everything.
"Yes, he did come here, but we are not together. Don’t worry. I haven’t taken him back. He came here to try to talk me into working things out, but I stayed strong and told him no. He’s actually already back in Ohio. I got a text about it this morning. Everything is under control, Mom," I reassured her. "He didn’t hurt me, and he left, and everything’s going to be okay, I promise."
There was a momentary silence on the other end of the line before my mother spoke again gently, "Jill, honey, all I want is for you to be safe and happy. You know that, don't you?"
Her concern moved me. I replied, "I know it well, Mom, and I am grateful for it. But honestly, I am fine. I promise."
