Page 127 of Can't Kiss the Chef

“Oh thank god. I think I’m going to get the coordinates of campus. I never thought a place could mean so much to me but Westvale has given me everything I care about.”

I squeeze his hand. Byron Andrews will forever be the best thing to come out of my time at Westvale.

I sit and enjoy the comfort of the shop. The familiar sound of buzzing needles eases the nerves that come with every new tattoo. Byron goes first, his eyes turn glassy and I know it has nothing to do with the pain.

“I love you and am so proud of you,” I tell him as Cora brings the needle back to his skin. “Thank you for not pushing me away.”

“Thank you for not running when things got tough.”

I want to jump in his lap and just have him hold me. Unfortunately I have to settle for holding his hand.

When both tattoos are done we decide to grab dinner at the new bistro across the street.

It’s not lost on me that this was the same block I bumped into Dalton. That chance meeting led me back to Byron. Ittaught me that forgiveness isn’t weakness, that second chances are worth giving, and that I’m worthy of love. I’d go through all the embarrassment that comes with your boyfriend’s cheating sex tape being released if it leads me right back here. Everytime without hesitation.

“I have one more surprise for you today,” Byron informs. He digs through his jacket pocket pulling out a long box.

“It’s nothing big, but my dad gave one of these to my mom before he passed and I thought you’d love one too.”

Suddenly it feels like all the oxygen leaves the room. The sentimentality of this gift alone makes me want to rip his clothes off. The thoughtfulness of Byron thinking of me when he had every right to be selfish proves he is not just some goofy class clown.

I slowly peel the lid off. Byron’s leg anxiously shakes under the table.

Laying in the box is a beautiful golden locket, trimmed with an elegant flower border. When I open the pendant I’m greeted by a picture of Byron, Mia and I snuggling up on the couch.

I remember the night this picture was taken. It was a night after Byron first found Mia last year. My roommates were out of town for an away game and Byron told his friends he was staying in. He spent the night at my place. We sat on the couch watching movies with Mia snuggled between us. It was a simple night, but one of the nights I consider the beginning of Byron and me.

“Byron, I love it.” I gush, unable to stop staring at it.

He reaches across the table and takes my hand.

“We both didn’t have the family’s we deserved growing up but that picture represents the start of our family. The one we are going to build together. One where we listen to each other’s needs. We push each other to accomplish our dreams and when things change we’ll be able to pursue our new passions without judgment. Me and Mia will be your family today and always.”

“We love you just the way you are.”

“And we’re going to cook a lot of meals together,” I choke out. Just wanting to add to Byron’s beautiful words. There is no way I could articulate our relationship any better.

Byron chuckles and it sounds so beautiful. I’ve missed it over the last few weeks.

“And we are going to laugh a lot.”

I stand up and settle myself in Byron’s lap. Not a care in the world that we are not the only customers in this restaurant.

“Your stomach is going to be in constant pain by how much we laugh.”

“Thank you, Byron, for reminding me of all the beautiful things that can come from a loving relationship.”

“It’s me and you against the world, Pipsqueak.”

“Me and you against the world. I like the sound of that.”

54

Epilogue Byron

Epilogue

Byron

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