I never could’ve predicted all of this, but fuck, am I happy it all went down how it did. Everything that happened led us here, and it’s exactly where we’re supposed to be. I don’t have a clue where our lives will take us in a year from now, or two, but I do know wherever it is, we’ll be together, like the universe meant for us to be.

Maybe we’ll build more houses. Travel the world together.

Maybe we’ll get married like Aston and Knox, or have babies like Branson and Luca.

Whatever it is, I can’t wait to see it all. Live it all.

Big, strong hands come up and rest on my shoulders, pulling me out of my thoughts. Peeking over my shoulder, Stone’s handsome face lights up as he watches me. “What’re you thinking about?”

“Just about how happy I am, and how this year turned out way different than I ever thought it would.”

“I’m happy too,” he replies, massaging my shoulders. “Is it okay if I read the book now?” The shake in his voice lets me know he’s probably as nervous as I am to read it. It may be bits and pieces of my heart and soul, but it’s bits and pieces of him too, and I’d imagine it’s intimidating and maybe a bit daunting to see it on paper. To see yourself through someone else’s eyes.

Sucking in a deep breath, I turn around to face him. “Yeah, go for it. If you wanna go up to my office, it’s on the laptop that’s up there. I’m gonna stay down here, if that’s okay. Do some unpacking and let you have your privacy with it.”

******

Stone Philips

With shaky fingers, I open Cash’s laptop and enter the password. When it unlocks, the manuscript comes on the screen. Swallowing a heavy breath, I mentally tell myself it’s okay. Whatever is in here, whatever this says, it’s okay. It all led us back together.

Feigning more confidence than I feel, I begin reading. His words are as beautiful as I thought they’d be, if not more, and it’s easy to lose myself in reading. I’m not sure how much time passes, but eventually, Cash comes up with a plate of food and a beer. He checks on me, but I can tell he’s dancing around asking me what I think. He’s nervous, if the way he’s fidgeting with his fingernails is any indication. After a few minutes, he leaves me to it, heading back downstairs to do some more unpacking.