Page 89 of Love Out Loud

He shakes his head. “My feelings aren’t your responsibility. I was so hung up on whether or not you’d stay forever that I couldn’t see past you leaving temporarily. That’s not on you. I need to do better.”

There’s no point in arguing with him, even though I want to tell him that it’s okay if we tackle these big things together. From what he’s just said to Devin, I think he’s figured it out. “So where does that leave us?” I ask.

His tongue darts out and nervously wets his lips. He searches my eyes, then smiles. “When we were fourteen, you told me you like L names. You said they sound musical. Do you remember that?” I nod, my skin brushing against the palms of his hands. “You were right,” he continues. “L words are musical. Lark. Lennon.” He pauses for a moment. “Love. I love you, Songbird. I should have said it a long time ago, because I’ve always loved you. You’re my favorite person in the world, and I love you.”

“I love you, too.” I laugh despite my tears. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier to hear something in my entire life.

“I’ll go where you go,” he promises. “Always.”

I glance at Devin, who flashes me a quick thumbs-up. She wants me to choose myself. And if money and time and a sense of obligation weren’t factors, I know exactly what I’d choose.

“Seems like a sign,” I say. “Let’s go to LA. That sounds musical, too.”

The words slowly sink in, and realization dawns on his face. “Really?” His voice is quiet, as if he’s afraid to break whatever spell we’re under.

“Really,” I assure him. “I’ve never been happier than I was out there with you. And the same person who thinks I need to choose myself would also really like to visit on breaks.” I cock an eyebrow at Devin, who rolls her eyes.

Lennon laughs. “I can’t wait.” He grows serious as he threads his fingers through my hair. “Twenty-five years,” he says, reverent. “I’ve loved you for twenty-five years.”

“And I’ll love you for at least twenty-five more,” I promise.

He kisses me deeply, then. I sink into it, grabbing his soft T-shirt to pull him closer, letting him fill my soul in the way only he has ever been able to.

I’ve waited twenty-five years to be loved like this.

And it was worth every minute.