“I didn’t do this because you need me to do anything for you, Avery. You’re beautiful and smart and talented and driven, and I—” I reel it in, worried I’ve already said too much. When she doesn’t look away, I press my hand to her cheek, my pulse climbing. “I did it because Iwantto. Because I don’t want you to go. Stay, Avery. If not for me, then at least for this shop.”
Her eyes are wide, drinking me in as she scans my face. “You want me to stay?”
I nod, the truth finally spilling out. “I never want to imagine a version of my life without you in it, Avery. I love you. Don’t go. Stay with me.Please.”
The tears finally overflow and stream down her cheeks, a surge of relief drowning the tension that’s been cloggingthe air. She lifts a hand, laying it atop mine where it still cups her face. “I may love this place, but I love you more.”
My heart swells at her admission, and I can’t help but say it again. “I love you too, Avery. More than anything.”
“Anything?”
I nod, closing the gap between us.
“More than football?” she asks.
“Yes.”
“Books?” She tilts her head.
“Of course.”
“More than sushi nights?”
“That’s a tough one…”
She swats me in the chest.
“It’s a joke! I make jokes now. Good ones.” I grin. “I love you more than the Kings or orchids or any other crazy thing you’re trying to think of to throw at me. I love you, Avery. I’m choosing you. You’re it. You’re the only thing that matters.”
Avery bites her lip, trying to hold in the sob that bursts out between laughs. Her shoulders shake as she sniffs, pressing her face to my chest.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
“Yes. Yeah. I’m fine. Better than fine.” She steps back, staring up at me, that sunny smile tugging at her lips once again. “I’m just really happy. Relieved. And a little ugly when I cry.”
I cup my hands against her cheeks and bend down to kiss her forehead. “You’re beautiful, Avery. Everything about you is beautiful. And that’s why I love you.”
She squeals, throwing her arms around my neck. “Say it again!”
“I love you, Avery.”
Leaning down, my lips waste no time finding hers. Avery melts into me, filling the void that her absence had left. Despite the bittersweet moments that got us here, we’re here—together—and it feels right. It feels like home.
EPILOGUE
ONE YEAR LATER
TY
Avery’s silky bridesmaids’dress gleams beneath the disco ball Maggie swore she needed for her all-white tiled dance floor. The two of them prance along to the beat together, Avery’s curls spilling left and right like ink down a page. In every version of my story, I never saw myself here. Clapping along as Avery bops around to some new Lena Lux tune that allegedly was written about Decker, regardless of how much he denies it. The fabric of the tennis bracelet I got her last Christmas catches the light with every small twist. I enjoy the show but stay put in my chair at my assigned table on the edge of the dance floor, more than happy to let my girlfriend have all the fun. Nothing beats a happy Avery, and I’ll do everything within my power to keep her that way.
My part of the wedding is done for the day. I walked Maggie down the aisle and even used all those dance lessons to step in for the father-daughter dance. When she asked me earlier this year, I wasn’t too keen on “giving her away” to someone who I’d witnessed be so careless with her once upon a time. But I have to admit, Maggie was right. Anthony’s really shaped up. All the red flags from their past relationships have dissipated, and I’m finally okay with him officially becoming my brother-in-law. It’s a relief that she and I have both found the stability we’d been craving deep down.
Maggie grabs Avery’s hand, and the two of them do some awkward little champagne-soaked gallop together. I can’t help but wonder if their frolic would be more coordinated if they’d had a few less glasses or if Maggie’s dress had fewer layers. Regardless, I love how close they’ve become since Avery and I made it official last year. I love that Avery and I don’t have to hide anymore, and I love how well she fits in with my family.
I just love Avery.
And I want to remember this moment, the moment before everything changes. For the better, I hope. My hand lifts involuntarily, grazing the inside pocket of my jacket. I take a deep breath then finish my drink in an attempt to steady my nerves. As I pull my phone from my pocket and snap a candid of my two favorite girls, my screen lights up with a new message.
