“Say it again. Tell me you love me.”
“I love you, Sunshine. So fucking much it’s not even funny.”
“I love you too, G. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier than I am at this moment.”
Her happiness is all that matters to me. I want to make each day the happiest of her life. Forever.
12
September
Katie and I arrived at Boston Logan Airport early on Friday morning. It’s Labor Day weekend, so our coach gave us the weekend off, and we don’t start classes until Tuesday next week. Our trip was a last-minute decision to surprise Griff, so we couldn’t sit together on the flight here.
I know I said it was to surprise Griff, but as soon as we made the decision to come, we called him to see if he was okay with it. He moved in earlier this week, so aside from our daily FaceTime calls, I haven’t seen him in five days. I know, I’m pathetic. But can you blame me for being insanely needy? We declared our love for each other before he came inside me for the first time, and then he moved across the country the next day for the start of our four-year long-distance relationship.
Now, Katie and I are waiting by the arrivals terminal for Griffin to pick us up. We’re sitting on a bench, resting our ankles on our carry-ons.
“Are you excited to visit Griff?” Katie turns to look at me.
I can feel her gaze. “I am, but I can’t help but have a minor case of PTSD when it comes to visiting my boyfriend at college now. Don’t get me wrong, I know Griff would never cheat on me, but the fear from my past is still there.”
“While I don’t blame you, just know that Griff is completely obsessed with you. I know he’s one of the top prospects for the NHL next year, but in Boston, everyone treats him like he’s a god.”
“I know. I remember you saying that when you and your dad spent Christmas break here last year because of his hockey schedule. And I saw it first hand the few times he visited me on campus.”
She nods in acknowledgment. “I figured you already knew, but I didn’t want you to feel blindsided by the amount of attention he receives here.”
I nudge her shoulder and thank her for the head’s up. The sound of a horn pulls our attention to the curb. Griffin gets out and rounds the hood of the vehicle. I don’t waste any time, quickly hopping off the bench so I can leap into his arms.
“Sunshine. I missed you so fucking much.” Griff squeezes me in his arms. His familiar scent fills me with longing. The feel of his arms surrounding me makes my heart swell in contentment.
“I missed you more,” I say and instantly feel needy as fuck.
He pulls back and, as if reading my mind, demands, “Don’t. We’re mutually, pathetically, sickeningly in love with each other.”
“You can say that again,” Katie chimes in. Griff places me back on the sidewalk, and we both turn to look at Katie. “Oh, did you forget about me? Where’s my big welcome hug, G?”
Griff opens his arms and motions for her to come give him a hug. Katie pulls away from the hug and jousts him on his side. “I’m just giving you two shit. You know I’ve shipped you two from the start. How else is my bestie supposed to become my sister-in-law and auntie to my kiddos someday?”
Instead of Griff outwardly freaking out, he just shakes his head at his sister and replies, “Just don’t make us an aunt and uncle too soon, Katie Cat.”
She beams at him, then turns to me, “So when’s the wedding?” she asks, completely ignoring his comment.
“You’re hopeless,” I tease.
“Wrong. I’m actually full of hope. That’s how I justknowthis is going to end up just like I’ve always envisioned. Kenna, in a beautiful white dress, walking down the aisle to my amazing big brother, who will be bawling like a damn baby.”
Katie shakes her head and holds her hands up in surrender. “Alright, alright. I’ll lay off for now. But promise me one thing.” She looks over at me expectantly.
“That depends,” I reply.
“Promise me I’ll have the best seat in the place. I don’t want to miss a single tear or snot bubble on Griff’s face—” She hasn’t even finished her teasing before Griff tackles her and tells her to get in the car.
“I’ll let you take shotgun, Kenna,” Katie calls over her shoulder. “After all, it’s been five whole days since my brother got to hold his girl’s hand.” She turns on her heel and shouts, “Oh, G. You’refancy. Thanks for picking us up in style.”
Griff shakes his head as he places our luggage in the back of the Mercedes he pulled up in.
“Whose G-Wagon is this?” my question comes out high-pitched, my voice laced with panic.
