My pulse picks up, and my palms are cold and damp.
“I tried to convince myself that what I feel for you isn’t really love, because I didn't want to believe it. It's so hard to admit that your heart is in the hands of someone else, someone who can hurt you."
Her eyes meet mine, and they're so full of melancholy that I want to walk over there and touch her. She feels guilty for hurting me, but it was never her fault.
"It was so worth it, Amy. Even though it hurt that you ignored me in high school, it was worth it. Because these last few weeks have been the happiest of my life. And even if you don't—" my voice catches "—if you never love me like I love you, I wouldn't trade this time I've had with you for anything."
Holy shit, are her eyes glistening? I rush over to her, and sure enough, a tear runs down her cheek. I fall to my knees. After reaching out and grabbing her hand, I press a soft kiss against her wrist.
"I've never felt more connected to another person in my whole life." My voice is shaky. "I've been wandering alone for so long, but when I'm with you, I'm home."
Her smile is faint, but it makes my heart soar.
“You told me yesterday to think hard about what I really want. I’m sorry to tell you that I didn’t take your advice. I didn’t think about it at all. There was no point.”
Her lips twitch downward, but her eyes are full of warmth.
“My love for you isn’t conditional. Nothing you’ve done could change it. It’s lived for years in my heart. Sure, it was battered and bruised by your dislike of me, but that only made it stronger.” I smile. “It’s not going anywhere. My neglected heart will love you forever, even after you tire of me.”
When she shakes her head, tenderness grips my chest so suddenly that I nearly fall forward. I take her meaning immediately.
“I could never tire of you.”
"Amelia Harrington,” I say, “you brought me to life six years ago, and I'll love you forever for it."
I'm startled when Amy grabs me by the face and presses a hard kiss against my mouth. The crowd erupts in cheers, and she pulls away, lowers her gaze, and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. Tears rise to my eyes. My girl is self-conscious. Even a quick public kiss took courage.
"I love you," I whisper with the mic pulled away. She doesn't say it back, but she smiles so wide that my heart threatens to explode.
I bring the mic closer to my mouth. "For this reason, there’s only one person I can pick tonight. She's been my pick from the very beginning. If I could have chosen her last year or the year before, I would have. It doesn't matter if she's part of the game or not. Amelia Harrington holds my heart in her hands."
The roaring of the crowd is deafening. The director grins as he approaches me and takes the mic. He starts talking to the crowd, but all the voices fade away as my gaze fixes on Amy.
Oh God, I could die of happiness. I think she really heard me. I think she understands.
CHAPTER 32
Amy
"Go get him," Serena says right after the director finishes his closing words.
People around us are rising from their seats, and conversations are blossoming, yet the eyes of the crowd on my back are a tangible pressure. My heart races, but I'm not going to let shyness deter me.
I'm going to kiss him again, and this time, I won't back away.
Tristan is having a conversation with the film crew, but his eyes dart in my direction every few seconds. As if magnetized, my feet carry me toward him, each step filled with purpose. He turns to face me, his bright-blue eyes locking onto mine, and time slows.
He loves me.
I love him.
Everything is as it should be.
When I'm close enough, I leap into the air, and he wraps his arms around me.
"Tristan," I murmur and press my lips against his.
It's a kiss full of the words I have yet to tell him. That I'll tell him tonight. As our tongues press against one another, cheers break out. I don't even care that we're being watched. My heart is too full.
