Page 116 of Fake As Puck
When we break apart, Charlie’s applauding like we’re part of the street performance.
“Again!” she shouts.
“Maybe later, Charlie,” West says, but he’s smiling when he says it.
As the day winds down, we find a spot on Main Street for the fireworks show. Charlie’s passed out in West’s arms, and Emma’s curled up in the stroller, and I’m standing next to them watching explosions of color light up the sky.
But I’m not really watching the fireworks.
I’m watching West.
The way he holds Charlie like the little girl weighs nothing. The way he keeps checking to make sure Emma’s comfortable in the stroller. The way he looks completely at peace, like this is exactly where he wants to be.
And I realize something that scares the hell out of me.
I don’t want him to leave.
Not tomorrow, not ever.
I want more days like this. More moments where we feel like something. More chances to see him with his nieces and realize how much I want the future he’s imagining too.
I want him.
All of him. Not just for a weekend or a wedding or a fake arrangement.
I want this to be real.
“Beautiful,” he says, and I think he’s talking about the fireworks until I realize he’s looking at me.
“What?”
“You’re beautiful.”
“West,” I say carefully.
“I know. I know this is complicated and I know you have your life here and I have mine in Seattle. But I meant what I said earlier. About wanting a family. About wanting all of this. I want it with you.”
The words hit me, and I feel tears prick my eyes.
“West—”
“I’m in love with you, Liv. Really, truly, stupidly in love with you. And I don’t want to go back to Seattle tomorrow and pretend like today didn’t happen.”
“Then don’t.”
“Don’t what?”
“Don’t go back tomorrow.”
“I have training—”
“Stay another day. Stay a week. I don’t care. Just... stay.”
He stares at me, and I can see him processing what I just said.
The fireworks reach their grand finale, and the sky explodes in gold and silver and every color imaginable.
But all I can see is West, smiling at me like I just gave him everything he’s ever wanted.
