The words land softly, but they settle deep.
“You love him,” she continues. “And he clearly loves you back.”
Neptune nudges his nose against my arm as if he senses the emotion building inside my chest.
“Don’t go into this with expectations about how the relationship is supposed to look,” April says gently. “You two have something special. Grab it and run with it. Don’t waste time on misunderstandings or waiting for the perfect moment.”
She pauses for a moment before continuing.
“Our days on this earth are a blessing, but they can end at any time. Fall in love. Enjoy every minute of it.”
Her fingers tighten around mine.
“You deserve that.”
Later that evening, once everyone has returned home and the house has finally settled into a peaceful quiet, I change into comfortable sleeping clothes and step outside.
The night air is cool against my skin as I cross the lawn toward Aiden’s house, the familiar path between our homes already lit by the soft glow of his porch light.
I let myself inside quietly, closing the door behind me and locking it before heading upstairs.
When I reach his bedroom door, I knock softly.
“Come in,” Aiden calls from inside.
I open the door and step into the room.
The moment he sees me, his face lights up.
“I was wondering if you were going to come kiss me goodnight,” he says.
I smile.
He pats the bed beside him.
Just like the night before, I move toward the edge of the mattress and sit beside him, but before I can settle there, he lifts his arm, inviting me closer.
I slide onto the bed beside him and curl up against his side, resting my face against his neck while his familiar scent settles around me in the most comforting way imaginable.
All I can think about in that moment is warmth.
And comfort.
Andhim.
He presses a soft kiss against the top of my head before wrapping his arm around me.
“Please stay with me,” he murmurs.
I don’t hesitate.
“Always.”
Chapter 46
Turns out nearly dying has its perks.
It’s been a week since the accident happened, and May has barely left my side except to go to work. Even while her sister was still in town, her attention stayed fixed on me, making sure I followed the doctor’s orders to the letter, whether I liked it or not.
