I notice everything about him. Those long lashes and heavy brows. The exact curve of his cupid’s bow. The warm earthiness of his scent.
After a while, he musters a drowsy smile and traces my lower lip with his thumb.
“Glad you flew back, little butterfly.”
I grin and lean in for a gentle kiss. “Glad you opened up and let me in a little.”
“It’s a relief. I feel a million pounds lighter. I had too much bottled inside.” He hesitates, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Especially the big thing.”
“The big thing?” I raise a brow. “What, your mother, you mean?”
“No. I mean you.”
“What about me?” I ask, bemused.
There’s a pause.
His expression shifts, becoming luminous. He doesn’t smile, but he doesn’t need to. I’ve never seen a person look happier.
“I love you,” he says quietly. “I’m crazy in love with you.”
I take a beat or two to work that information past my heart, which is close to bursting, and let it sink in. I’m sure the dreaded beast will make a return appearance or several as we build our life together, and I’m fine with that. Especially when I’ve now met this wonderful and adoring man.
The one I suspected was trapped deep inside all along.
“I thought you told me love isn’t a thing,” I remind him.
“It is now,” he says, gathering me closer again and tipping my chin up for his kiss. “It is now.”
* * *
