He wants to try with me? Does that mean ...
“Noah ... what are you saying?”
“I’m saying I love you, Odette. I know that goes against what you wanted this to be, but I can’t help the way I feel. I’ve tried. Trust me. I was as big a skeptic as you. But it’s because ofyouthat I believe again. I believe in love and a future. In forever, even, especially if it’s with the right person. I believe inus, and that’s a whole hell of a lot stronger than any curse because you’remyright person, and I want you to be my future too.”
This was not what I expected when I walked into this barn tonight. I figured I’d drink, dance, and spend the evening consoling Izzy. I had no idea I’d be walking into a love confession.
I wait for my heart to thunder in my chest or my palms to sweat. For my breaths to grow quicker and quicker. Or for that flight response to kick in.
None of that happens, though, and I know it’s because I love him too.
“Noah, I—”
“Wait,” he says. “Before you say anything or turn me down, just please know that even if you don’t feel the same way, it’s okay. I’ll wait. I’ll wait until you’re ready and until you believe me, no matter how long that might be. I’ll spend every day proving to you I’m not going anywhere and that I’m not letting any idea of a curse chase me away. I’m going to love you no matter what, and I’m going to be here.”
My lips twitch. “Can I talk now?”
He nods, swallowing roughly and dropping his attention to the floor.
I step closer to him until the tips of our shoes are touching, then slide my hand over his face and tilt his chin up until I can see his brown eyes.
He’s nervous again, and I have such an urge to kiss him, but I don’t.
First, I have to tell him how I feel.
“I’m glad you’re going to be there, because I plan to be there too. Right along with you, fighting these doubts every step of the way. Because I love you, Noah. I’m...ugh, I’m so damn in love with you I can hardly breathe sometimes.”
His breath stutters as if to drive my point home. “You do?”
“I do. I really, really do. Does it scare me? Yes, immensely. But I’m okay with that. I’m okay with being scared if it means being scared with you.”
He drops his forehead to mine, sighing. “Thank fuck.”
Then he kisses me.
Noah Stevens kisses me in front of everyone.
His hand cradles the back of my head, holding me to him, not caring at all that we’re giving the whole town quite the show as his tongue traces along the seam of my lips.
He just keeps kissing me, and I let him.
Our kiss slows after some time—way past appropriate—and I can’t help but giggle.
“What?” he asks, lips still ghosting against mine, almost like he can’t help it.
“Happy.”
It’s all I say because it’s all Icansay. It’s true. It’s real.
I am happy and can’t remember the last time I truly was, not like this.
I pull away, looking around the barn.
“Noah, this party ... it’s incredible. You made my wedding wish list.”
“I had a bit of help. Nearly the whole town chipped in. And don’t worry—we donated the old flowers and found something to do with the food. Let’s just say we’re all going to be eating a whole lot of cream puffs, strawberries, and macarons.”
He truly thought of everything. “I can’t believe you did this. Thank you.”
