“So, relax and enjoy the day. Take notes for our wedding.” She glares, but there’s no heat behind it. “Or we could elope. I’m happy if you’re happy.”
I stop in the middle of the dance floor, cupping her face. My heart flutters when she leans into my touch.
I trace her bottom lip, eyes stuck on her soft lips painted deep red, and enjoy the way blush takes over her face and neck.
I don’t know what takes over me, but I’ve never felt this settled before.
Hazel completes me. She makes life so much more exciting. I look forward to every day I get to spend with her. We’ve come so far, and even with all the chaos around us, we keep leaning into each other. Keep giving our bond a chance to blossom.
There aren’t enough words that could describe the magic she has sprinkled over my life, but I need to start somewhere.
“I love you, Hazel.”
She freezes, caught between shock and confusion. Her lips part, but no words come out. I watch her unravel and can’t help but smile.
I should’ve known this would fry her brain.
When her surprise turns into something sadder, I bring her hand over my heart.
“Hey, it’s okay. You don’t have to say it. I can feel it.”
And that’s enough.
Maybe I’d be a little more worried if I didn’t already know she feels it too.
There’s no one else she’d dance with. No one else she leans into when things get rough. No one else she turns to when the world gets too heavy.
She might not realize it yet, but she chose me a long time ago.
And I mean it, she doesn’t have to say the words because she has been showing how much she trusts me all along.
“Dean…” Her smile is sad as her eyes fall shut. “I don’t know why I can’t say it back.”
A tear slips down her cheek, and I quickly wipe it away with my thumb.
“Good thing we’ve got the rest of our lives to figure it out.”
“You’re so cheesy.” She shakes her head with a laugh. “I don’t know what I did to piss off the fates so much that they bonded me to you.”
“You know it hurts my feelings when you say things like that.” I lower my voice, playing it serious. The second her smile falters, guilt flashing across her face, I grin. “But I’m willing to forgive and forget… for a head.” I wiggle my eyebrows.
Hazel punches me square in the center of my chest.
“Ow. That hurts, you beautifully crazy woman.”
She huffs, then finally gives in, falling into me. Her forehead presses into my neck as she curls closer, fitting against me like she belongs there.
I kiss the top of her head, and Hazel sighs softly before she starts humming.
The same quiet tune that burrows deep inside my chest and feels like home.
“What’s that song you’re always humming?”
She freezes, pulling back too quickly, but I keep her close with my arms around her waist.
“What did you just say?”
“The song you’re humming… I’ve heard it before.” I hum it softly, doing my best not to botch her tune, and Hazel goes completely still.
