I was just too fucking blind to see it before.
I pull back, somber, my eyes locking on hers.Eyes on me. I told her that the night before we got married. God, she was so nervous. It was me that got her through—my love, my eyes, her trust in me. “I love you, baby. More than life itself. I’m so sorry. For everything.”
Her eyes fill with tears, and I take my time memorizing her and every detail of this moment. The soft crease by her eyes from years of laughing. The smile that’s almost there but caught on emotion. Her gaze, steady on me.
Fuck. She trusts me.
She presses her lips together, shaking her head with conviction. “I never stopped loving you, Jensen. Not for one second.”
“I know, and I took advantage of that. I questioned it. I didn’t trust you to love me when I couldn’t be strong. I didn’t trust you with my weaknesses.”
Her voice softens, almost breaking. “You don’t have to be strong all the time, you know. You’re allowed to be human.”
“I know.” Then, because it’s long overdue, I add, “Thank you. For loving me. For sticking by me when I was at my worst.” The words scrape out of me, heavy but freeing. “And thank you for leaving my sorry ass when you did.” I shake my head, regret stinging my eyes. “I don’t know where I’d be if you hadn’t. Passed out somewhere, jobless… maybe dead. You saved me, Alley. I’ll never forget it.”
Her eyes glisten, and she gives me a soft smile. “You saved yourself.” She leans in, pressing her lips to mine. “And I’m really proud of you.” A tear slides down her cheek, and I swipe it away with my thumb. She winces, laugh-crying. “God, not the glove!”
I chuckle, kiss her once more, then push up to my feet. “Come on. Let’s get you out of the snow and down this hill before ski patrolactuallycomes looking for us.”
I brush the snow from my gear and extend a hand. She takes it, and I pull her up. I help her clip back into her skis, and eventually, we make it down the hill, but not without a dozen more falls and even more laughs.
Chapter Thirty-Three
ALLEY
I setmy Kindle on the bath caddy and grab my phone when it vibrates with a text, bubbles fizzing softly around me.
Michael
Hey, how’s it going? Dad said you were in the Berkshires this week with Jensen…
My stomach flips. I haven’t talked to Michael about Jensen in a while. Only Dad, and a little with Stella. Honestly, I’ve avoided it. He’s been so busy with the restaurant, and while he hasn’t said much, I could tell in the beginning he was skeptical—no, maybe that’s not the right word. It was more like a quiet,proceed with cautionvibe.
I hesitate, thumb hovering over the keyboard, unsure how much to share. Michael’s opinion has always mattered to me, and part of me is bracing for a response I don’t want.
Hi! I’m good. Yes, in the Berkshires with Jensen and the fam. It’s been really great. What are you guys up to this weekend?
Michael
The usual. Work. Might take the kids to the aquarium Sunday. When are you both in Chicago next?
Next weekend. Why?
Michael
You think Jensen could work from Chicago Thursday? I have it off. You could come for dinner…
Oh.Okay… this is better than expected.
Idk. I’d have to ask, but I’m sure he could work at the Chicago office or remotely for a couple of days. His boss is great with that stuff.
Michael
Great. Just lmk when you know.
Happy for you, btw.
A smile slowly spreads across my face. I don’t know why I was so worried. Michael’s never been anything but supportive of me.
