Page 118 of Love Me Forever

"And my mom caused it."

"I also don't care that your mom is un-fucking-believable. You are mine, and I love you: every quality, every flaw. Everything is part of you, and that's why I love you."

He stepped closer, putting a hand on my waist. "This isn't the first or the last time this will happen." My throat clogged up. "But I need to know that you'll stick with me through the good and the bad, and that you won't leave my side whenever things are tough."

I sucked in a breath, shaking my head. "I won't, I promise. Tonight, I was simply caught off guard. I didn't know anything like this could happen.”

Tears welled in my eyes. He looked stricken. I took a step back, drawing in a deep breath and pressing my hands over my eyes. "I don't even know why I'm crying. I'm so sorry. I wasn't intending to cry. It's like the waterworks have their own on-and-off button, and it's not connected to my brain or my heart or anything in my control."

"That's okay. I love that about you too."

I lowered my hands, looking at him suspiciously. "You do?"

"Yeah." He touched my shoulder, skimming his hand up to my face. "You're a very lovable person, you know that?"

My entire body tightened up, and then all my muscles seemed to relax at the same time. I realized that until he said that, some part of me thought perhaps I wasn't. I supposed that when your mother rejects you completely, deep down, you always think there's something wrong with you. That you’re underserving. But this man, his mom, and, well, the rest of his family—they clearly didn't think I lacked in anything.

"Thank you for saying that," I murmured.

“Babe, it’s true. Now, are you sure you’re feeling well enough for the party?”

“Yes. I’d like to be there with you to celebrate this amazing evening. Unless you changed your mind about wanting me here.”

"Never."

I giggled, wondering how I could go from crying my eyes out to being this happy and full of bubbly energy within half an hour. I wasn't sure if the hormones or Travis were at fault, but either way, I was glad.

I felt so strong now. I soaked up Lena’s strength and Travis's love. I'd always been able to pull myself together, but tonight it was more than that. I felt like I finally belonged.

"The press is already gone, by the way," he shared.

“Oh. Why?” I was feeling a bit apprehensive about meeting them because I had no clue how to deal with them.

“They pissed me off.”

“Travis!”

“I mean it. Come on. Let’s go.”

We walked inside the main room arm in arm. I looked around. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. Some people were sitting at tables, eating. Others were standing at the tall bar tables, chatting.

Sam noticed us first and joined us. He bowed his head reverently. "Tonight was unexpected. Not just because my services weren't needed. I thought it might take you longer to come down here."

"I didn't need much convincing," I said.

Reese and Kimberly came up to us too.

"What did I miss?" I asked.

“Everyone’s having fun, and most are already a bit boozed up,” Kimberly summed up.

Sam nodded. "All in all, great party, brother."

We all moved farther inside the room. Declan and Tate were talking at a tall bar table, and we stopped next to them.

Declan looked straight at me. "We can sue them for defamation. Just say the word."

Tate stared at him. "Brother, I think you've just reached a new level of intense. Relax, will you?"

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