Could I see myself picking up and moving hours away from everyone and everything I’ve ever known just to be with Sebastian—yes. But I still have over a year before I graduate, and I know so much can happen in that time. I just need to slow down and remember to take it one day at a time.

“Come on. We should probably head back in.” He drops a kiss to my forehead before turning to lead me back inside.

I didn’t realize how cold it was outside until the stifling heat inside hits me like a brick wall the second we enter.

“Sebastian.” I stop just inside, turning to face him. “Promise me that no matter what happens, you’ll always be honest with me. No matter how hard the truth may be. I need to know that there won’t be anything standing between us. If we’re going to make this work, I need you to promise me.”

“I promise, Tess. I promise a million times over.” He pulls me back into his arms. “Don’t overthink things. Just trust in this—in me, in us. We’re going to be just fine. You’ll see.”

“I’m going to hold you to that,” I say, smiling for the first time since all this started as I peer up at him.

“I hope you do.” He grins, pressing a firm kiss to my mouth.