That stops him.
Completely.
His eyes search mine.
“And you were scared,” I add. “Because you care. Because I matter to you.”
I squeeze his hand.
“You are the only thing that matters to me, Hadley.”
His expression softens.
Just a little.
“We’re going to get through it,” I say. “Whatever comes next. Together.”
The word hangs between us.
Solid.
Certain.
He exhales slowly, some of that tension easing from his shoulders.
“You sure about that, Cookie?” he asks, voice quieter now.
I smile.
Soft.
Certain.
“I’m sure, Stripes. You’re not getting away from me now.”
I lean in, pressing a kiss to his lips—gentle this time, not rushed, not desperate.
Just real.
He smiles against my lips.
“Gods, I love you,” he says.
“I love you too,” I whisper.
And for once?
There’s no fear in saying it.
Only truth.
Only him.
Only us.
Epilogue 2: Uncle Uzzi
From the Enchanted Desk of Uncle Uzzi Stregovich—Master Matchmaker, Fate Whisperer, and Architect of Happily Ever Afters
