Page 42 of From Fake Dates to Forever Goals

“How about this one?”

I nod, but my mind is elsewhere. I remember what Ava said to me back in Chicago—how she told me she loved me. She hasn’t brought it up again, and it’s been weighing on me.

“I have something important to tell you,” I say, holding her hands in mine.

Ava looks at me, her expression suddenly serious.

“Your father called,” I begin.

Her eyes widen. “He did?”

“What did he say?” she asks, sitting up straighter.

“He asked me a very important question,” I say, watching her carefully.

“What question?” she asks, her curiosity mixed with nerves.

“He asked if I loved you,” I admit.

Ava freezes. “And what did you say?”

I grin, trying to make her sweat a little.

“Sebastian! Tell me!” she insists, her anticipation evident.

“I told your father that I loved you,” I say simply.

Her eyes widen further. “Why would you say that?”

“Because it’s true,” I confess, locking eyes with her. “I do love you, Ava. I’ve fallen madly in love with you, and I’m in this for real.”

Tears glisten in her eyes as she wraps her arms around me.

“I love you too, Sebastian,” she whispers.

In her warm embrace, I feel whole. For the first time in my life, I feel like everything is exactly as it should be.

thirteen

Ava

“Errands run. Want to join me?” Annie asks over the phone. “I could use the company.”

Since she got married, Annie and I haven’t spent much time together. It’s to be expected—our lives are changing quickly, in the best ways.

“Yeah, I should probably grab some groceries too,” I say, staring into my bare cupboards.

“Great, I’ll pick you up in thirty minutes,” Annie says cheerfully.

At the store, Annie pulls out her endless grocery list and begins filling her basket.

“Organic kale and broccoli? Organic fruit bars? When did you start eating organic?” I ask, peeking into her basket.

“Since marrying Stewart,” she grins, pushing the basket forward.

I laugh, shaking my head.

“I think I’m done. Do you need anything else?” Annie asks, eyeing the long line at the register.

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