Page 172 of Aftersome

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Because he never gave up on me.

And without him, I wouldn’t have this life.

I wouldn’t have them.

And as I caught Doe’s eyes once again, but this time she was dropping down into my lap and cuddling into my chest, Icouldn’t help but close my eyes and revel in the feeling of her closeness.

This was my forever.

My purpose.

My entire existence, and I couldn’t stop myself from cradling her body closer to mine until I could feel the steady beating of her heart against my chest.

“I love you, Mal,” she whispered into my neck, just below my chin.

Then without hesitation, without a thought, I whispered back with my lips against her forehead, “I love you more, Doe.”

Forever.

The End

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