Bristol wanted to believe her. Everything inside her wanted to fall into Annie’s arms and never leave, but she’d been hurt before, and it was hard to trust people. Annie said this now, but what if she was wrong? What if she resented Bristol for giving up on her dreams?

“Bristol, look at me,” Annie said gently. She dropped to her knees in front of Bristol. “I know we haven’t spent a lot of time together, but that’s why I’m here. I love you. Do you hear me? I love you. I don’t have to compromise anything. I can have you and my music and my family. I don’t need to sign with a huge label to have the career I want. I might not be as famous as I could be, and I’m one hundred percent okay with that.”

Bristol broke. She dropped her head into her hands and cried. She cried because for the first time in a very long time, she was happy. She felt complete with Annie in her life. Her mother had just told her that the only thing that would right her world was love, and she was correct. Annie straddled her lap and moved Bristol’s hands away from her eyes. She kissed the tears on her cheeks.

“Bristol, I love you. We can have this together. I know we can. We can still have careers, and I know you’re worried that I won’t be happy in the future, but I was happy before. You gave me the opportunity to shoot straight to the top in the business, but you also gave me love. And I can have both. I want both. Not everybody can handle your level of success, but I can handle what I’ve been given because of you. Does that make sense?”

“Repeat the first part.”

Annie laughed. “I’m running on caffeine and emotion right now. I can’t remember what I said, but in summary, I love you, and I’m here to make it work.”

“You love me.” Bristol wasn’t being snide. She was repeating words she didn’t think she would ever hear from Annie.

Annie nodded and smiled. “I definitely do. I mean, not only are you incredible in everyday life, but twenty-four hours in your bed solidified my opinion.” She playfully fanned herself with her hand.

Bristol had never blushed more than when she was with Annie. The fact that Annie brought up their lovemaking made her feel invincible, empowered, and loved. She pushed aside the cautious words that threatened to spill out of her head and instead let the ones from her heart speak up. “I love you, too, Annie Foster.”