Page 24 of Grace Notes
“I’m glad, you know—that you finally figured that out—because sometimes I worry that you take too much weight on your shoulders—things you were never meant to carry.”
My hand stills on her back. “You’re not wrong. I do, but I’m trying to work on it.”
Her chin bobs against my chest, and she’s quiet again. “I’m trying to work on things too.”
“Like what?”
Mossy green eyes flash open, meeting mine, and there’s a wariness in them when she says, “Like not letting my insecurities take over without talking to you about them.”
My brows furrow, pulling together until a wrinkle forms between my brows. “What insecurities?”
I stop the descent of my hand, waiting for her answer. Emryn pulls her eyes from mine before they dart back. “I just—before I tell you, I need you to know this isn’t a reflection on you. This is me—all me.”
The wobble of her voice cracks a piece of my chest.
“Emryn,” I say, dragging my hand back up and taking her chin between my fingers. “You don’t have to worry about hurting my feelings. I want you to talk to me—even if you think it might. We know what it’s like to bottle those emotions up, and I don’t want to go back there. So talk to me—without worry.”
Her gaze darts over my face, searching for the truth in my words, and I let her see it—all the ways I love her. I let it shine back to her through my eyes. And she must see it because the worry that wrinkled the creases of her forehead relaxes as she takes me in.
“I think sometimes I just need assurance that you love me and aren’t going anywhere. It’s not because you’ve done anything to convince me otherwise, but I just—I get in my head, and I convince myself that one day, you’ll look at me, and thatlove you have for me won’t be there anymore. I’m terrified of that.”
I try hard not to let those words hurt me, but they still sting a little—mostly because I never want Emryn to feel that way. But on the other hand, it doesn’t surprise me that she carries this worry around. Growing up with Emryn gives me the unique advantage of knowing her—really knowing her—and one thing I know about her is that she worries, even when those worries are misplaced. So I get why she feels that way, but I hate that she does.
“Has there been something that’s happened recently that’s set that worry off for you?” I ask, careful to hide that sting from her.
I was being honest when I said I want us to talk, even if it hurts our feelings, but I also know this small pain is not one she needs to know about—mostly because I know it won’t turn into a sore that festers in my chest. But if Emryn knows, she might clam up and hide her feelings because she doesn’t want to hurt mine.
Her bottom lip slides between her teeth, and I wait, giving her time.
“Maybe,” she says at last.
Scooting up on the bed, I lean my back against the headboard, bringing her with me.
“When?” I ask.
Her voice is a whisper against my skin when she says, “Your vows. I know you aren’t the guy who expresses himself in words. You value actions, and I appreciate that, but—”
She trails off, not finishing her thought.
“But what? Come on, pretty girl. Don’t stop talking to me now. I want to know these things.”
Taking a deep breath, she sighs. “But words are important to me, and I’ve somehow convinced myself that maybe you don’t want to write them because maybe you’re questioning this—us.”
“Emryn, I want you to look at me when I say this.” It’s not a question but a demand. The edge of my voice is rough. “There will never be a day that I don’t love you. From the time I was six years old until my last breath, my heart is yours. And you’re right—I try to love you with my actions, but if you need words, too, that’s all you have to say. I can give you those, but maybe just don’t expect poetry, okay?”
Her soft laugh is like a light in my heart, lighting me up from the inside.
“I just want honest, Brooks, and I want to give you the same. I should have talked to you sooner, but I was scared.”
“Of me?”
She shakes her head. “No. Maybe a little. I was afraid you wouldn’t understand, and this would become one of those weights you place on our shoulders—worrying about it. Because I do know you love me. I just have a way of convincing myself that I’m not worthy of that love.”
I don’t answer her, dropping my lips to hers and kissing her until my whole body feels like it’s on fire. And when I finally come up for air, I almost laugh because the truth is, I’ve always liked playing with fire. “You are worthy of everything, Emryn. Always.”
Chapter 15
Brooks
