And Caleb…he's not just "fun" or "exciting"— he's so much more than that. He's strong-minded, thoughtful and cares so deeply for the people he loves. He'd do about anything to make sure they're okay. If she can't see that…then…maybe she wasn't the right girl for either of us.

Sarah’s eyes flicker all over my face, reading my hesitation.

“What’s going on with you?” she asks, pulling back. “You came all the way here for me, didn’t you?”

“Well… yeah, but—”

“But what? You chased me, and you caught me, silly.” She smiles, nudging my shoulder. “Now what the hell are you going to do with me?”

I look down at our clasped hands. “Sarah… you know you’ll always have me in your life… even if we’re not together, right?”

Her brows pinch. “But… that day at the café, you told me you couldn’t do this anymore.”

I shake my head. “That wasn’t fair of me to say. Truthfully, I didn’t know what I wanted. You were right—you’re all I’ve ever known. I didn’t know who I was without you. But these past few days… I’ve realized that’s not true.”

“I don’t understand. Are you saying… you don’t want to be with me?” Her lips quiver slightly, and my heart sinks. I don’t want to hurt her, but…

Is that what I’m saying?

Memories from the past few days flicker through my mind. It’s been short, sure, but I’ve learned more about myself this weekend than I ever thought possible.

Caleb showed me how fun it is to be free. To be myself. To feel loved.

I want Caleb. I want him so badly, it hurts. I can’t lose him again.

I nod, tears stinging my eyes. “Yeah, Sarah. I’m saying I don’t want to be with you. Not like that.”

Sarah’s eyebrows raise as she sucks in a deep breath and exhales hard. “Whoa. I did not see that coming.” She shakes her head. “You know, when a guy chases you across borders, you kind of assume he’s into you.”

I let out a soft laugh.

“I’m sorry. I think I was chasing after something… but I don’t think it was you.”

“Ouch,” she says with a joking wince.

“I’m sorry.” I bow my head. Hurting her is seriously the last thing I want to do. But, I have no clue how else to go about this if it’s not telling her the truth.

Sarah’s shoulders drop as she looks at me. Then she throws an arm around my back, resting her cheek on my shoulder. “Well…if all of this led to you finding something important out about yourself, then I’m really glad you came.”

My brows raise. “Really?”

“Of course. You’re my best friend. If you’re happy, I’m happy. I’ll always want the best for you.” She squeezes me tightly.

I suck in a breath and throw my arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a big hug. I kiss her hard on the temple. “I needed to hear that. You have no idea,” I say, eyes closed. I hadn’t realized how much I needed it.