Page 15 of Grumpy Girl and Amaryllis

Her cheeks flush again, and I smile softly. I love the effect I have on her, and I see it as a good sign that she came to see me and still blushes for me.

She takes a steadying breath before she begins. “Croix, I want to apologize for sending you away.”

“Accepted.”

Her head jerks up, surprised at how easily I accept it.

I never felt ill will towards her and what she thought she needed to do at that time—dealing with an ex isn’t easy, she has her kids to think about. Anybody would need a minute to process and work things out. I can’t hold that against her. I never will even if we can’t be more.

Her hands fidget some more. “And….”

Hope springs to life inside of me. I step closer, hanging onto whatever she is going to say next. “And?”

Letting out another big exhale, she’s so endearing. “And I’d like us to start over if you’re interested.”

I expected something else.

I glance out the window, and the snow is falling faster outside, a pure snow globe of wonder. The beauty is overwhelming, and I take a moment to cherish how I feel.

“What if I can’t do that?” I ask.

The air leaves her body, and she slightly drops. A small, sad smile lays across her lips, working at hiding the instant sadness. “Oh, you’ve moved on? I didn’t know…”

“No, Mari, I’m in too deep…with you. I love you, and I can’t take the feelings or words away. I loved you the first day meeting you. I loved you when you told me about the poop on a stick. I loved you when we made love and you bloomed in front of me. I heard what you said.Youare easy to love, Mari. I haven’t been able to do anything since I met you other than think about you.”

She smiles as tears fall like the snow outside down her flushed cheeks.

“And I hadn’t taken my hearing aids out, obviously and I heard you.”

“I wondered.”

I step closer to her again. “And I loved you when you sent me away because you love your kids so much.”

She sniffles. “It’s a twig, not a stick, but close enough.”

I take her in my arms and wrap her up tight. I gaze into her eyes. “You heard me, right?”

She gazes back. “You love me?”

“I love you so much.”

“I love you, too, Croix.”

Her lips are all I can zero in on as I lean over and take them into my possession. I give her the kiss of every dream because she kisses me with the kiss of life.

“Let’s go to my place,” I say against her mouth, not ready to lose contact.

“I have theDirty Hoesholiday party to go to.”

Rubbing my hands up her back, “Then let’s go to that.”

She leans back and bites her bottom lip. “You’re sure?”

“Mari, I never want to leave your side ever again. You’re stuck with me, honey.”

She tries to hide her smile, but I don’t let her hide from me. Mari’s bloomed into the woman she needs to be, and I won’t ever let her not shine… our love is beautiful.

Epilogue

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