Page 73 of Taming Georgia

“In the living room,” I call back. I hastily pick up the barrage of snotty Kleenex that lie about and throw them in the trash in the kitchen.

I turn to find Wyatt standing under the archway of the room’s entrance. He’s holding a massive bouquet of different types of flowers in varying shades of pink. It’s absolutely stunning.

“I brought you a present.” He grins at me in the beautifully infectious way he does.

I can’t help but smile back.

My entire face lights up. “They’re so pretty. Thank you so much. This is so sweet of you.”

I take a couple of steps toward him, and he swings his arm to the side with the assortment of blooms in hand, leaving his other arm in full view.

I gasp and bring my hands to my mouth.

My eyes fill with tears, but this time, they are tears of utter joy. I look from Wyatt to the lump of cuteness in his hand.My Mila.

“How did you—what does this—” My thoughts are jumbled as I jog forward and grab her from him.

Holding her to my chest, I rock and kiss her soft fur. She licks my face, and I giggle.

“She’s yours,” he says.

My attention jolts up to Wyatt. “What do you mean?”

“She’s yours. You’ve officially adopted her. You can keep her.”

“I don’t understand. What about the adopters? You didn’t break their hearts, did you?” I don’t know why I care so much about the couple who wanted her. I should just be happy that she’s mine. But I know it’d be wrong to take a puppy from them just because I wanted her.

“Well, I called them that night after you interviewed them. I told them the situation and let them know that it was completely their decision. They talked it over, and when they called back, they told me that it was actually a relief that I had called because they left the rescue, torn. They were having second thoughts about Mila because they also really loved her brother Bo. They were going back and forth on whether or not they’d picked the right one. So, they told me that you wanting her so badly was a sign, and they adopted Bo instead. They left today with huge smiles on their faces and Bo in their arms. They definitely aren’t heartbroken.”

I squeeze Mila tight, fresh tears falling to her fur. “That is, like, the most perfect story in the history of stories.”

“Oh, yeah?” He chuckles.

“Definitely. Thank you so much for doing this for me.”

“Anytime.” He winks.

With Mila in my arms, I stare at Wyatt. I can’t believe how much I love him. Even before we were together, there was a part of me that knew I loved him, but if there were ever any shadow of a doubt, there’s not anymore.

He’s kind, giving, beautiful, and so good. He’s one of the best people I’ve ever met.

I kiss Mila on the head and let her down. Wyatt hands me the bouquet, and I lower my face to the arrangement and breathe in. The scent makes me feel so many things but mainly happiness. There’s never been a time in my life where every aspect of it was perfect, but at this very second, I know what it’s like to exist among perfection. Obviously, it’s fleeting because a flawless reality isn’t sustainable.

But it’s here now, and I’m going to enjoy the heck out of it.

I drape my arms around Wyatt’s neck. “I love you,” I say aloud for the first time.

His blues stare back at me, revealing so much. No response leaves his lips, but he kisses me. With his mouth against mine, the connection is firm and sweet and then slow and heated all at once. He can’t tell me how he feels with words, but this kiss utters it all. Every emotion that I’m feeling, Wyatt is feeling it, too. He doesn’t have to tell me because I already know.

This is new territory for the both of us. We’re scared yet excited. We’re enveloped in adoration for one another while burying our fears. Because let’s face it; there are worries. Neither of us has been in a legitimate long-term relationship that held any promise. We’ve both been hurt. We’ve both hurt others. We’ve both built a life designed to protect us against the insecurities of our past.

We’re imperfect; that’s for sure. Though just maybe our flaws are what make us work.

Wyatt’s lips continue to caress mine. They cherish me with every movement. They want me as they pull out my bottom lip. They need me as his tongue enters my mouth. They desire me as we walk to my bedroom, his lips never separating from mine.

As Wyatt enters me, I feel it—his love for me. It’s unspoken, but it’s there. It’s present in the way he looks out for and cares for me every day. It’s there in the shy glances and hopeful smiles at work. He loves me quietly, and that’s okay. If I’m being honest, I’m not quite sure if I’m ready to be loved out loud.

20

---