He runs his thumb over my cheek, gliding it across my bottom lip. “A letter for the plane. So you know I’ll be thinking of you while you’re in the air. When you land. And every single minute of every day until you’re back home.
Home.
Standing here, about to leave for six months, I have never been more sure of where that is.
Home is with him.
Pressing up on my toes, I wrap my arms around Brian’s neck and bring our mouths together, pouring myself into the kiss. Brian slides an arm around my waist and hauls me against him, his free hand settling on my cheek as we sink into each other, knowing that this is the last kiss we’ll have for a while.
And fuck, it’s a good one.
It’s the kind of kiss that people write songs about. Paint pictures of. It’s the kiss that has been described in books thousands of times, only to come up short because this kind of kiss has to be experienced to be understood. It’s a declaration and a promise. A kind of claiming. It’s hearts and souls, the deepest sort of love, and two people who are never meant to be apart, learning how to say goodbye.
“It’s time, Bry,” I murmur against his lips, lingering there, memorizing the feel of him for all the days ahead when I won’t be able to feel him at all.
“My girl,” he whispers, pressing his forehead to mine. “See you soon, Liv.”
“See you soon,” I manage, kissing him one last time.
He bends and picks up the bag I dropped at our feet, handing it to me and then wrapping his arms around me, holding metightly for another minute before kissing the side of my head and letting me go with a soft smile and the words he doesn’t say, but that I hear all the same.
I love you.
And with one last look at the man who holds my entire heart in his hands, our eyes locked together for one final beat, I turn and walk straight into my great adventure.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
OLIVIA
DAY 0
Dear Liv,
Now that we’ve had our big dramatic airport goodbye, I needed to tell you again how fucking proud I am of you, and how excited I am for you and everything you’re going to do and see and experience over the next six months. You deserve every single bit of this adventure, and I can’t wait for you to tell me everything about it.
The last month with you has been the very best of my life. I’ve wanted you for so long—dreamed about you for so long—and I still can’t believe that I get to call you mine.
I am the luckiest guy in the world.
You are my favorite person, Liv, and I already can’t wait until you’re back in my arms.
Love,
Brian
P.S. Check the front pocket of your backpack. I wasn’t sure what the M&M situation is in Italy, so I stocked you up.
DAY 1
Me
15 bags of M&Ms? Seriously, you are my favorite human.
Also, hi, I landed. I’m in Italy, which is so fucking cool, and also, I miss you.
Brian
Miss you more. There are fifteen more bags in your suitcase.
