I straddle him and run my hands over his chest. His eyes are trained on my face, and I can see from the wrinkles on his forehead that he's trying to figure out what's inside my head.
This is it. This is the right moment.
"I love you, Sky. I didn't say it that night because I was too frightened that once I said it, I wouldn't have any more secrets. It didn't take me very long to figure out my sexuality because you were there with me like a guiding light. I think I loved you then. Even when I was all the way in Europe, my compass was always pointing west. I think my heart always knew that one day I'd be back, even if I didn't want to believe it. And I think I fell in love with you all over again that night at the bar when you saw me for the first time, and the first thing you did was smile."
"Jesus, Jud. You couldn't have just saidI love you too."
He chokes, and I laugh.
"Apparently not."
26
Skyler
I'm on top of the world as we leave the cabin to attend the award party.
The producers arranged a car to pick us up, which I'm thankful for because I can keep my hands on Judson the whole way there.
We're all dressed up because the whole thing will be filmed to show during the final episode, but right now, I couldn't care less about it all.
Judson Hale loves me. If I had a school book to write it on, I'd be scribbling away for the rest of the day.
Judson Hale loves me. Judson and Skyler forever. Judson loves Skyler.
I shake my head and reach out to Jud, who laces his fingers with mine.
"What are you smiling for?"
"Because the cutest boy in school loves me."
He laughs. "School was a long time ago."
"Doesn't matter. I still feel like I'm a teenager who was just asked to the prom by the guy he likes and never thought he stood a chance with."
"Are you kidding? You were Mister Popular at school. If anything, I was the one who never stood a chance," he says.
"Baby, you were theonly onewho ever stood a chance. Do you know I didn't lose my virginity until I was twenty-two?"
He gasps. "No way."
"I was waiting for you to come back. When I heard you had moved to Paris, I lost hope."
"Did you ever have a serious boyfriend?"
"Not really. There have been a few guys that I've hooked up with more than once, and a couple of short-lived relationships, but I've never let it get serious because I was too afraid to lose them like I lost you."
He squeezes my hand. "I really am sorry for leaving like that. It all seems so stupid now."
"Hey. None of that matters. Everything we did has brought us to this moment. I'd go through all that pain again knowing I'd be here now, holding your hand, and knowing you love me as much as I love you."
"I really do." He brings my hand up to his lips and kisses my palm. I take the chance to caress him. "We're finally getting somewhere with the accountant in Paris. They admitted that Pierre didn't actually tell them that he wanted to buy me out until a week ago. Sounds like they initially took his side but then were pissed off that he lied to us and made them look incompetent."
"That's great, babe. Soon you can leave all that behind and move forward…with me."
"What?"
"That wasn't very smooth." I chuckle. "Judson Hale, love of my life, will you move in with me?"
