“None of us are perfect.” I raise my hand to my cheek, covering his. “Give yourself some grace.”
God knows he deserves it after everything he’s been through.
“I’m sorry for acting like a dick in Pittsburgh. I shut you down when we should have dealt with the issue head on. Together.”
“Figured that out, did you?” I look up at him from under my lashes, smirk firmly in place. “Took you long enough.”
He shrugs. “Better late than never.”
“That’s debatable.”
“I’m serious, Sutton.” That he uses my actual name is proof enough. “I should’ve given you the benefit of the doubt. That’s what it means to trust someone.” His eyes lock on mine. “I trust you. You’ve never treated me differently because of my dyslexia, and I realize now that any perception of pity was my own insecurities talking.”
I want to tell him it’s okay, that I understand, that I trust him too, but the words get stuck in my throat.
“Forgive me?” He brushes his thumb across my cheek.
“There’s nothing to forgive.”
We’ve all got our demons to slay. Naming them is just the first step.
“You’re an amazing woman, Sutton Cruz. Have I told you that?”
I cock my head, pretending to think it over. “Not today.”
“Well, how about this?” He lowers his forehead to mine and wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me flush to his body. We’re separated by pads and clothing and my puffy winter jacket, but it doesn’t matter. I’m right where I belong. “I love you, Shorty.”
My entire body flushes at his words, heat tingling across my frozen skin from the top of my head all the way down to my toes.
Helovesme.
Devin lovesme.
I knew he cared about me, but…
“I love you, too.”
The biggest smile I’ve ever seen breaks across his face as he scoops me up in his arms and crushes his mouth to mine. The kiss is hot and wet, a toe-curling promise of things to come, and when we break apart, I can still taste him on my lips.
“If we’re doing this, we’re doing it right,” he warns. “Dates. Sleepovers. Meeting the parents.”
My belly twists. What if his parents don’t like me?
“Don’t give me that look. I thought you were fearless.” He smirks, and there’s a wicked glint in his eyes. “Come on, Shorty. Go all in with me. What do you say?”
There’s only one answer I can give. “Yes.”
“That’s my girl,” he roars. “Now let’s go make it official.”
“Official?”
Before I can protest, he carries me onto the field and as we exit the tunnel, the cheers of Wildcat Nation reach a crescendo, confirming what I already know. This is just the beginning of an incredible journey, one I get to take with the man I love.
EPILOGUE
Parker
“I can’t look.”
