Page 70 of Rhys: and the girl who was always his

It feels like a moment that matters.

“I love you,” I say, cutting straight to the chase. I know he loves me, but I’ve never told him.

He freezes. Not dramatically. Just stills in a way that makes me think he’s scared to move in case he didn’t hear it right.

“I love you, Rhys. I’ve loved you for a long time, even when I was pretending not to. Even when I was terrified to admit it.”

His breath stutters.

“I keep running because it’s easier than hoping. Easier than believing someone could choose me and mean it. But you do. You always have. And I’m done pretending that I don’t feel it back.” My words tumble out in a rush. I need to get them out before I stop myself.

Tears prick the corners of my eyes, but I let them fall. Choosing to let him see all of me.

“So if you still want this… I’m here. All of me. No more running.”

Rhys reaches for me, cupping my face with both hands, his eyes shining. His love for me evident.

“You havealwaysbeen it for me, Ally. Since the day you tried to kiss me after I punched that kid for picking on you.”

I laugh through the tears. “He was a jerk, but I had it handled.” It was the first day I really noticed Rhys, and it was the day I decided that I’d never let myself fall for anyone again. His rejection cut me deep. I understand now why he shut me down, but it doesn’t make that day hurt any less.

“I hate how that day ended. I fell in love with you the moment I saw you on my first day of school, but I knew I had to keep you at a distance because of Ashley. I hate that I hurt you, but I love that you just went for what you wanted. I’m sorry I had to shut you down, Ally.” The memories of that day come flashing back.

“I understand why now, and it’s okay, Rhys. I love you, and we can be together now.”

“I love you more than anything, Ally.” He kisses me then, and it’s not desperate or rushed.

It’s warm.

Steady.

The kind of kiss that doesn’t ask for anything, just promises everything.

When we pull apart, he leans his forehead against mine.

“We’ve got this,” he says with so much conviction.

I nod. “I know.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE

RHYS

The call comes just after midnight. I’m half-asleep when my phone buzzes violently against the nightstand, jolting me awake.

I groan as I rub my eyes and reluctantly grab it. Ally stirs beside me, murmuring something indistinct, but my attention is already fixed on the glowing screen—Hayden’s name flashing up in harsh light.

I sit up immediately, my mind racing. Hayden only calls this late when he’s in trouble. “Hayden?” I croak, my voice rough with sleep.

“Come quick,” he blurts, panic lacing every word. “She’s in labour. Millie—she’s—fuck, she’s having the baby.” His tone is frantic, and behind him, I hear the clamour of voices and hurried footsteps in the background.

My pulse spikes. “Okay. Where are you?”

“We’re at the hospital. Yasmin drove us here in a mad dash. We didn’t want to wake you until we knew for sure it was active labour. I don’t—I don’t know what the hell I’m supposed to do, man.” His breathing quickens, and his words tumble out faster than I can keep up.

Over the panic, I pick out snippets of an odd mix of determination and dread.

“Listen,” I say firmly, already throwing on a shirt as my mind races through what needs to be done. “Stay put. I’m on my way.”

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