Page 131 of Rugger: The Huntress

My chest deflated. All the air had been sucked out of me.

“I– you knew?”

The question was rhetorical. He always knew. It didn’t surprise me one bit.

“It’s my business to know. And, I’ve known since he snatched Hermen from his bed. I warned you not to go looking because I knew what was waiting for you… who was waiting for you.”

“I didn’t seek him.”

“He found you. I’m aware.”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“Sometimes you don’t choose your person. They choose you.”

He continued putting distance between us. With each step he took, I felt my heart hurt a little more. I didn’t let him get too much further before I called out to him.

“Teddy,” I breathed out, shakily.

“Yes, Rugger?”

He stopped, again. This time, he turned to face me.

“How do you know?”

“Know what?”

“If you’re in love. What does it feel like? How does it feel?”

“Like that.”

“Like what?” I questioned, taking a step in his direction.

“Like you’re feeling.”

“I–”

“Your heart probably feels like it's falling from your chest at least four times a day. You can feel it in your bones. In your smile. In your words. In your walk. In your sleep. In your kneecaps. In your palms. All over, Rugger. It’s profound. It’s loud. It’s tantalizing. It’s addictive. It’s astounding. It’s courageous. It’s frightening. And, it’s contagious.”

There was a moment of silence between us. I swallowed the lump in my throat that was holding back the rest of my fears. My head lowered and my eyes found my shaking hands.

“Talk,” Chemistry ordered.

I looked up at him, matching his gaze.

“What happens next?”

“You keep falling, baby. Every day, you’ll find a new reason to love the person you’ve chosen. They’ll find new ways and new reasons to love you, too. And, when shit gets rough, that love will be enough to protect you from the storms that threaten to dismantle your connection.”

“What if I stop falling?”

“You’re a Childers, Rugger. You won’t. Once you’ve chosen, you’ve chosen.”

“Yeah.” I nodded.

“It’s okay, baby. Falling in love is not the end of the world. It’s the beginning of one. We’ll see you soon.Very soon.”

My smile pushed my cheeks upward on my face.

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