He moved his head so we were forehead to forehead. “Whatever happens, we fight. I don’t want us to lose anyone. Not me, not Aiden, and not you.”
“We fight,” I agreed.
“Do you think the reasonyou were given two mates was because we were so broken we counted as one?” Aiden asked, his tone dull and dejected.
“No, I think the reason I was given two wonderful men was because I have enough love for both of you,” I assured him, holding his hand in mine as we watched the lazy waves on the beach.
It had gotten brighter in our dreams, but Aiden and Derek had yet to meet. Aiden was taking it the hardest, his need to reconnect with Derek was obvious.
“You sure?” he whispered while his glassy eyes looked down at our clasped hands.
“Of course, I am. Fate wouldn’t give me you two if it knew I wasn’t the man for you. It knew my heart was big enough to heal and love you, I have no doubt about that.”
Aiden turned his head, his tears falling freely. “I promise to be worthy of your heart, Nolen.”
“The sun ishigher today,” I said, taking Derek’s hand in mine as we walked through the green lush forest.
“I thought it was just me! But it definitely is!”
“Do you think once it turns night it’ll mean you’re healed?” I asked, knowing it was likely too good to be true to wish for that.
“It could be. Every dream gets brighter, and now as we’ve both pointed out, the sun is moving higher and higher.”
“And it’s around mid-day, if we were to be specific on the placement,” I mused. “So, maybe we’re halfway there?”
He sighed dreamily. “God, I hope so.”
The waves were brutal against the cliffside, but the sun was still bright and warm on Aiden and I’s skin.
“I never thought I would love anyone other than my dads,” Aiden admitted as he held my hand and studied my fingers closely.
“Really?” It hurt to hear how sure he was of that fact.
“I didn’t want a relationship, and I’ve always struggled with friendships, being broken and all.”
“Hey, don’t say that, I’m sure your friends loved you,” I assured him, because he was so lovable, anyone would be blind not to see how precious he was.
He smiled, his eyes still locked on my hand. “You only say that because I’m your mate.”
“And,” I countered, “Because I love you.”
He stalled his inspection of my fingernails, his eyes finding mine. “You… You love me?”
“Of course,” I replied. “I loved you from the moment I saw you.”
His eyes searched mine. “I think I loved you the moment my lips met yours.”
I grinned. “You have a mate who loves you and a twin who does, too. And your dads. So much love is waiting for you as soon as we wake up.”
“I can’t wait to see my dads again,” he whispered, staring out at the wild waves of the ocean. “I hope they’re okay.”
His dads were a sore topic, and one we tried to avoid. There wasn’t much we could do, and since we wouldn’t know what had happened to them in the time we were asleep, worrying wouldn’t do anything other than hurt us.
“You’llsee them soon,” I promised, knowing I would do anything in my power to visit them soon.
“And you and Derek?” he suggested.
“Will be there with you to meet them,” I finished for him, knowing that was what he wanted.
