Page 155 of Stolen Kiss

He didn’t say anything for a moment. Then, “Well, hell. No need to get so defensive.”

“No need to get so protective,” I refuted.

“I’m your brother. That’s my job.”

“Well, you’re fired.”

“Real funny, brat,” he said, and I knew he was smiling. Then he asked seriously, “Why is this relationship making you doubt yourself so much?”

I let out a sigh. “It’s not this relationship, per se. It’s just, I feel like I will always be a burden to anyone I get involved with. I don’t want to be a burden to Jensen. I really like him.”

My brother didn’t need to know that I had fallen so deeply in love with Jensen that even “love” felt like such a tame word.

“Isn’t that what being in a relationship is all about? Carrying each other’s burdens?”

“You have to admit, he has the heavier load.”

“I hadn’t realized you’re supposed to keep track. Sounds like an unhealthy way to start a relationship, if you ask me.”

“Ethan,” I said, getting annoyed.

He let out a sigh that I heard loud and clear through the line. “Emilia. It’s not about the burden. It’s about the person carrying it. He knows about your leg, right?”

“Yes,” I said, moving my finger on the floor and tracing the line there. “Of course he knows.”

“He’s an adult. He knew what he was getting into when he got into this relationship with you. He wants to, and why wouldn’t he? You’re beautiful, and strong, and loving—when you want to be, of course.” I rolled my eyes at that, though there was some moisture buildup in them. “You’re also loyal, and fun, and one of the kindest people I know. Having only one leg doesn’t make you a burden. I bet Jensen doesn’t see it that way either. But if he does, you let me know, and I’ll kick his ass.”

I let out a watery laugh. “I’m just so tired of second guessing myself, Ethan. I just want to enjoy life again.”

“And you will, sweetheart. I promise you will. But you have to work for it. Happiness isn’t going to just land on your lap.”

I knew that. I knew I couldn’t expect happiness to just land on my lap, but just hearing him say those words out loud helped bring it home.

“Ethan?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

* * *

Later that evening,I drove back to the house, determination straightening my back.

Elodie was in the living room with Peppa Pig playing in the background while she did some coloring. I could hear Jensen in the kitchen, typing away on his computer, probably trying to get some work done while also watching Elodie.

I moved to the living room first and gave my girl a kiss.

“Mommy, I’m coloring,” she complained.

It’s been weeks since she’d taken to calling me that, and I was still affected hearing it now. I didn’t think I would ever get used to it.

And the title “Mommy” was a huge deal. It was a huge responsibility, and one I took very seriously.

“Sorry, sweetheart. Mommy just misses you so much.”

“Miss you, too,” she said, without looking up from her coloring.

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