“The past is behind us now. It’s always going to sting, but we’ve got so many good years ahead that’ll make up for the time we lost.”
“You think so?” My heart lifted at the thought.
“With everything I have. I justknowwe’re gonna grow old together.” Charlie’s voice got thick. “We’ll get out of here, and we’ll get a little cottage on the water. We’ll sit on the porch, and you’ll describe to me how the mist rolls in over the sea as morning comes, and I’ll sing you to sleep every night.”
“That sounds just like heaven.”
“It will be. And to hell with the prophecy, you know? We either save the world, or we condemn it, but no matter what happens, we’re there together. Even if the world caves in, I want to be the one who ends it with you.”
His words cemented in me every feeling I’d ever have for him. I loved Charlie naturally. It wasn’t like I needed to tell my heart to beat, or my lungs to breathe, and that’s what it was like with him. He existed, and I cherished him.
My legs wound around his again, and he pulled me closer. I drifted my hands over his chest. “Can we act like we like each other now?”
“Definitely.”
I buried my face in the crook of his neck. This was paradise for sure. My world was safe again now that Charlie was in it.
There wasn’t a need to do anything or say something more. I think after a tumultuous past year, all either of us wanted to do was rest in the peace that we could be together again and not fight it. All the excuses I’d used to keep myself away from him seemed silly now, because what could be better than this?
“I just want to cuddle,” Charlie said, and he kissed my forehead again.
“Me too.” The bed felt so warm, even though the blankets were scratchy, and he smelled so good. I reached up and ran my fingertips over the stubble on his chin.
“By the way, I like your beard,” I said, and I gave a little giggle. “It’s sexy.”
“Really? I didn’t really notice it, to be honest. I just didn’t care to shave it, because I was depressed.”
“I think it looks hot, all short and scruffy.”
“Then I’ll keep it.”
I was glad about that. The door creaked open as Oberi yelped,I brought snacks!
He jumped on the bed. Chips and candy went everywhere as Oberi dropped snack bags from his mouth and barked.
“Where’d you even get all these?” Charlie asked as he picked up a handful of cookies.
I’m a cute dog. People will give me whatever I want, he said with a wag of his tail.Is everything all better yet?
I laughed and scratched his ears. “Yes. Everything’s perfect.”
Ooh! I’m so happy!Oberi wiggled his way between us and snuggled us both. He licked our faces and pressed his snout to our cheeks.Now we can be a family!
“We are a family, officially,” Charlie said. Then his expression slackened. His body went tense beside mine as he froze on the bed.
“What’s wrong?” I sat up, immediately concerned. “Are you okay?”
Alarm spread through me as I watched his eyes water and his lip tremble. “I didn’t realize… Idohave a family now. You took my last name. We’re married and everything.”
“That’s right!” A smile bloomed across my face immediately. “Charlie, we’re your family!”
Yay! Oberi began jumping on the bed.A real family!
Charlie sniffed and used his sleeve to wipe at his eyelids. “I’m not alone.”
“No. And you never have to be alone again, because you’ve got us,” I said, throwing my arms around his shoulders. I squeezed him tight, because I wanted him to know I’d always be there.
Permanently, Oberi added.
