“I don’t feel strong,” she whispers.
“You don’t have to feel it,” I say, brushing her hair back, letting my thumb trail behind her ear.“You are.That’s not up for debate.”
“You say that like it’s simple.”
“It is,” I answer, quiet and sure.“To me, it’s that simple.You survived.You walked back into this mess when you could’ve vanished forever.That’s strength.”
She finally lifts her head.Her eyes shimmer—not with tears, not yet.But close.
“And what if I fall apart again?”
“Then I’ll be there to help you pick up the pieces.”I smile, just a little, just for her.“And so will Eddie.We’ll hold them with you.We’ll wait as long as it takes.”
Her bottom lip trembles.She bites it down.
“Barret—”
“I love you,” I say, because this moment demands it.Because if she’s going to feel like she’s fading, she needs something solid to anchor her back—and I refuse to let it be fear.“I’m in this.Not just for the safe parts, Cleo.For the scars and the doubt and the dark corners you don’t show anyone.I want all of it.”
Her breath hitches.Her hand curls into my shirt like it’s the only thing keeping her grounded.
“You—you mean that?”
“Every fucking word.”
Behind me, Eddie doesn’t speak.But when I glance at him, he nods once.Firm.Fierce.
“I love you too,” she says.Barely above a breath.Then again, louder.Like she’s choosing it.Like she’s daring the world to hear her.“I love you both.”
I press my forehead to hers, eyes closed.There’s nothing left to hide.Nothing left to pretend.
“Then we’re here,” I whisper.“All the way.No turning back.”
My hands find her face, slow and reverent.Thumbs brushing beneath her big brown eyes like I could erase the pain left there by all the things she’s endured.Not to fix her—but to let her know she’s seen.Held.Worthy of softness, even after everything.
“C’mere,” I whisper.
She tilts her face toward mine, breath catching just before our mouths meet.The kiss starts like a question.Gentle.Searching.Her lips are soft, almost shy, like she’s still testing if she’s allowed this moment.I answer with a kiss that saysyes.Yes, you are.Yes, I’m here.Yes, this is us—forever if you want.
Because nothing has changed since the first moment I kissed her.Well, that’s a lie.I love her even more and that love will grow with time.
My hands slide down to her jaw, then trace the delicate line of her neck, anchoring her to me.I kiss her deeper, slower, like I’m trying to memorize every curve of her mouth.Every hesitant press.Every inhale.
She tastes like the storm outside—like rain waiting to fall, like grief and hope wrapped up in one fragile, precious thing I will never take for granted.
My fingers drift into her hair, threading through the strands, not to possess her—but to feel that she’s here.That she’s real and warm and alive against me.My palm settles at the base of her skull, cradling her, while my other hand glides down her back.She shudders when my thumb traces along her spine, a sound catching in her throat.
I press in, deepen the kiss—not with urgency, but with need.With everything I’ve buried.The ache of watching her suffer.The nights I stared at my phone, wondering if she was breathing.The helpless rage I swallowed when Eddie told me where she was.All of it comes out through my mouth against hers.No words.Just this.
She moans softly, her fingers tightening in my shirt, pulling me closer like she wants to crawl inside my ribs and stay there.
I kiss her again.And again.Slower this time, until our breaths come in tandem.Until the world stops spinning.Until it’s just her lips beneath mine, trembling but sure.Until she melts in my arms like she’s finally letting go.
When I pull back, I rest my forehead against hers again, both of us breathing hard, her hands still gripping me like the kiss wasn’t enough.Like it never will be.
“You’re not lost,” I murmur.“You’re home.”
ChapterTwenty-Nine
