“I loved you from the first moment we met, when you stood in front of my desk, held out your hand, and asked me if I wanted to go on an adventure. It took me too long to realize, but just so we’re clear, I still love you now. I always have. I always will.”
Sam’s mouth fell open. His pulse pounded in his ears, drowning out every other sound in the room.
Ben wasn’t faking. Everything about him, from the tone of his voice to the way he was standing, was sincere.
Tears stung at Sam’s eyes. He hadn’t expected hearing the words to matter so much—he knew Ben loved him, in his own way, and had for a long time—but they did.
Sam swallowed, wanting to respond, but he couldn’t find any words. He wet his lips, trying to think of some sign he could give Ben, some acknowledgement that he’d heard him, and that he understood, and that this was, easily, the happiest, most perfect moment of his life.
Nothing came out. He was too busy being stunned.
“Sam?” Annie asked from behind him, obviously noticing his sudden silence. “Are you okay?”
He couldn’t do this with everyone watching. This meant so much more to him than any of them could possibly understand.
Except for Ben. He understood.
Hopefully, he’d understand that Sam had to get away.
He let go of Ben’s hands and brushed passed him, mumbling that he’d be in their room on the way past and finally letting the tears he’d been trying not to shed well up.
Ben loved him. Ben had always loved him.
His heart raced at the thought, hard enough to make him dizzy.
Ben had always loved him.
That was everything he wanted to hear.
