We drive back to my apartment. Park in the alley and walk up the stairs hand in hand.
Inside, I lock the door and turn to face him. "Stay?"
"You have to ask?"
"Just checking."
He pulls me close. Kisses my forehead. "I'm not going anywhere. Not tonight. Not any night unless you want me to."
"I don't want you to."
"Good. Because I'm done leaving."
We get ready for bed. Normal routine like we've done this a hundred times. Brush our teeth, change clothes, Luke had his clothes from Denver in his truck, and we climb under covers.
He pulls me against his chest. I rest my head over his heart and listen to it beat steady and strong.
"What are you thinking?" he asks.
"That this is real, that we're actually doing this."
"Having second thoughts?"
"No. Just... grateful."
"For what?"
"For you. For Luke. For everything working out."
His arms tighten around me. "It's going to keep working out. I'll make sure of it."
"You can't promise that."
"Watch me."
I smile against his chest. Close my eyes. Let myself relax completely for the first time in months.
No more secrets. No more hiding. No more wondering if this is real or if it'll all fall apart.
Just us. Together. Finally.
"Callie?" Ethan's voice is quiet.
"Yeah?"
"I meant what I said earlier. I love you."
"I love you too."
"Good. Just wanted to make sure you knew."
I lift my head. Look at him in the darkness. "I know. And I'm not going anywhere either."
He kisses me. Soft and sweet. A promise of everything to come.
When we break apart, I settle back against his chest. His hand finds mine under the covers. Threads our fingers together.
This is what I wanted. What we both wanted. No barriers. No brother standing between us. No guilt or fear or uncertainty.
