“Then I’ll make sure to tell you enough times that it becomes boring,” he said firmly. “Because it’s true. I don’t care that it hasn’t been that long. Fuck anyone who says you can’t fall in love fast. I did. Maybe even a little bit two years ago.”
My chest fluttered so hard it ached. I looked at him, really looked at him, and I knew.
I was safe.
I was loved. And, for the first time, I was ready.
“I’m ready,” I whispered.
Brooks smirked, tilting his head. “Hm?”
“For all of it,” I said, my voice stronger now. “Relationship. Brunching. Matching sweaters.”
He arched a gorgeous eyebrow, smirking. “Is that what you think relationships are?”
“Yes.”
He laughed, hard, shaking his head with a look of absolute fondness. “I’m all for brunch because, honestly, I love avocado toast. And I don’t give a fuck if that makes me a millennial. But matching sweaters?” He mock-shuddered. “Might be too much for me.”
“Thank God,” I breathed out, grinning. “I really didn’t want to do that. You have shoulders for sweaters. I do not.”
Brooks chuckled, pulling me into him, letting my head rest under his chin. “It’s me and you, Mitch. It was always you for me. But I’m glad we get this second chance.”
“Me too,” I murmured, running my fingers through the light dusting of hair on his chest.
My lips curved upward as warmth spread through my entire body. “God, I can’t believe we actually defined the relationship. We’re officially dating.”
“Yes.” He laughed and pulled me in for a slow, deep kiss. “And I can’t believe you said the word out loud.”
“Which one?” I whispered, teasing.
“Relationship.”
I scrunched my nose, pretending to cringe. “Don’t make me say it again.”
Brooks just smirked. “Too bad, Mitch. You’re my girlfriend now. And I’m definitely a relationship guy. That means telling you I love you a lot, calling you every single day, naked sleepovers, and at least one drawer at your place.”
My heart skipped a beat.
It wasn’t just what he said. It was the ease in his voice, the absolute certainty, the way he already knew this was forever.
“Okay,” I whispered, nodding. “Yes. I’m in.”
His entire face lit up, and he pulled me closer, his hands splaying across my back.
“About fucking time.”
I grabbed his beautiful, stupid face and kissed him so hard, so deep that he groaned into my mouth.
We stayed like that, wrapped around each other, until the water went cold.
And, for the first time in my life, I didn’t feel the urge to run.
Because this? This was home.
24
Eight months later
