“The place we explored each other,” I continue. “The place where so many of our firsts happened. And when I left after the accident, a piece of me was left back at that field with you. I’ve never been able to look at fields without thinking of you. When I first moved here, I would find random fields late at night when I couldn’t sleep, and I’d lie there and pretend you were there with me. Pretend your essence was washing over me while I was there. It felt like a piece of you was there with me. So, when I found this property, I knew I had to have it. I knew I had to buy it, build it, and make it ours.”

His eyes are bloodshot, cheeks soaked with tears. “Ours?” he whispers.

I nod, cupping the back of his neck. “I want you to move in with me. Please. I built this house for us, and nothing would make me happier than to make this house a home with you. What do you say? Will you move in with me?”

“Is that even a question?” he asks with a chuckle. “Did any part of you think you could show me this… this incredibly fucking sweet gesture and think I could ever—or would ever want to—say no?! Yes, of course, I’ll move in with you.”

Gently, I press my lips down on his. His hands fist the shirt on my sides as he opens for me. When my tongue dips inside, the saltiness from his tears mixes with a taste that is just so him. He moans into my mouth before sucking on my tongue, causing a shiver to race through me.

We get lost in each other for a minute, tongues tangling and tasting one another, hands roaming all around our bodies, only stopping once we need to come up for air. As we pull apart, Houston strolls into the room with tiny Whitney trailing behind him, as curious as ever.

Cash’s whole face lights up when he sees them, and he immediately kneels down. “Houston, I missed you, little guy.” His baby voice warms my heart. “I hear you got a new friend, buddy. Is that true?”

His attention moves to Whitney as she rubs her wrinkly body against his leg. “Look at you, sweet girl. Your eyes are two different colors. How special are you, princess?” He looks up at me, a smile so bright on his face, you can see it in his eyes.

“Like her?” I ask, kneeling down to get on his level.

“Yes, she’s adorable. And she and Houston have been getting along still?”

“Yeah. They fight just like any cats would, but it’s playful. They fall asleep together every night.”