I break the kiss, resting my forehead against his as we breathe each other in.
“You’re my best friend, Charlie,” Brooks whispers. “I love you in so many ways, it’s hard to count.”
“I love you, Brooks. As long as I have you, I’ll have everything I need.” Comet gives a bark. “Okay, you too, Comet.”
The dog in question stretches out along my legs, making himself comfortable.
“I don’t think I’d ever be able to leave because Comet might love you the most,” Brooks tells me.
“That’s a given.” I laugh.
Brooks wraps his arms around my shoulders and pulls me in for a hug, burying his face in my neck. “I’m sorry it took me so long to catch up to you.”
“I’m just glad you did.”
If this is what I get with Brooks, I would’ve waited a lifetime for even one minute with him.
Because waiting for Brooks was worth it.
Epilogue
BROOKS - THREE YEARS LATER
YOU MADE ME AN ORNAMENT?
Breathe, Brooks. Breathe.
Everything about this night has gone off without a hitch. Two of our best friends are getting married, and tonight has been the perfect night.
Dinner. Dancing. Drinks. I know that this marriage is going to last. I have no doubts that these two will make it.
Watching these two fall in love and plan their wedding has restored my faith in the institution. Not that falling in love with Charlie hasn’t, but I had to separate him from marriage.
Because otherwise, I wouldn’t be freaking out between the pine trees right now.
“What are you doing out here?” Charlie comes outside, tugging his jacket on over his dark purple suit jacket.
I hate that he’s hiding in the oversize winter coat. When he walked out of our room earlier, it took every ounce of restraint I had not to push him back into bed and have my way with him.
But I’ll get that tonight.
“Needed some air.”
“Brooks, it’s freezing out here.” Charlie throws my own coat over my shoulders and pulls me toward him.
Just like Charlie. Always taking care of me. It has a smile tugging up the corner of my mouth.
“What’s that face for?” Not even two minutes outside and pink blooms on Charlie’s cheeks. The tip of his nose is red.
“Can’t I just appreciate my boyfriend?”
A smile lights up Charlie’s face. Every time he looks at me, I see this same face. I don’t know how I never saw it before. Because he looks at me with so much love, I don’t know how I deserve it.
“You can always appreciate me. But can’t we do it inside?” Charlie whines. “My toes are going to freeze off.”
“C’mere.” Linking hands with Charlie, I drag him between the rows of Christmas trees. These trees weren’t cut down this year. Hunter told me all about how he does it, but right now, that doesn’t matter.
I want a moment with Charlie. A moment I’ve been dying to have with him all night.
