Page 68 of We're At It Again

“I remember.”

He took a deep breath and cupped my face in his hands. His green eyes darkened with regret.

“I never apologized for that day. There is no excuse for what I did.” He took a deep breath, his expression filled with regret. “I’m so sorry for what I did. I was so lost and angry after losing my mom and I was terrified of losing you too, so I pushed you away before you could leave me.”

My heart ached as I listened to his confession. I placed my hands on his biceps.

“I would have never left you.”

He looked into my eyes, his own softened with sincerity.

“I know that, but I felt like I never deserved you. So, I sabotaged us before I could get hurt again.”

All the resentment I’d harbored over the years melted away at his words. I’d always wanted an explanation for his abrupt behavior. There were so many doubts about that day, but I’d gotten the closure I needed.

“I forgive you,” I said. “And I appreciate your apology.”

He seemed relieved; a weight lifted from his shoulders. He cupped my cheeks in his hands with a childlike grin.

“Close your eyes.” He said, a hint of excitement in his voice.

I hesitated but trusted that he wouldn’t murder me in the middle of the woods. I closed my eyes and took his hand as he led me down a path. After a few moments, he told me to open my eyes. When I did, I gasped, tears welling as I saw an updated version of our childhood haven.

“Our treehouse.”

“I figured I should rebuild what I broke.” He said. “It’s not the same as before, but it will suffice.”

“It’s perfect.” My hand covered my mouth as I struggled to find the words. “I can’t believe you rebuilt our treehouse. How long did it take?”

He kicked a pebble at his feet before gazing at me with a sheepish grin.

“Two years, eight months, and twenty-four days.”

My knees buckled at his words. I turned to him, amazed by his dedication.

“Why?”

He shrugged and pressed his lips together. His cheeks had a coating of red.

“Because I’ve always loved you, and building that treehouse gave me hope I’d get you back.”

It felt like my jaw was going to dislodge.

“You always loved me?”

He nodded, rubbing the back of his neck.

“I never felt good enough to tell you. I first had to become the man you deserved.”

Tears streamed down my face as I stood closer, my heart overflowing with emotion. Warmth spread in my chest, slow at first, then rushed, stealing my breath. I loved how his eyes crinkled when he smiled. How his voice softened every time he spoke to me. His presence felt like home. As if I’d completed a puzzle I never knew I was trying to solve.

“I love you too.”

The depth of his eyes equaled that of The Great Gatsby’s lighthouse. The answer was in front of me all along.

“You do?”

I nodded, my heart bursting with happiness.

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