Page 95 of Give Me Forever

“Life doesn’t have to be hard. Just let me do this—”

“No. Really. It’s not up for discussion. Why would you even suggest that?”

"Because I love you, Avery. And I want to be right next to you. Even on shit-show days. Especially on those, actually, because I know it's good for you to have me by your side."

I swooned completely, but I was still tripped up by the first part. "You love me?"

He smiled wickedly. "You know I do."

I shrugged, feeling shy all of a sudden. "I'd hoped."

He shifted, grabbing my hips and flipping us over so I was straddling him.

I propped my hands on his shoulders. “In case you didn't know, I love you too," I said. My face was hurting from grinning so widely.

"Really, huh?"

I nodded. "Yes. So damn much."

I slid forward a bit and sat on him, realizing he was semihard again. "How is this even possible?"

He wiggled his eyebrows. "I told you, I want to do this”—he pointed between us—“our whole life. And I'm going to prove it to you."

“We’re not going to explore New York at all, are we?”

He grinned. “Not tonight.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Sam

“You’re sure your parentswon’t mind that I’m only bringing pumpkin pie?” Avery asked, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

“No one’s expecting you to bring anything. Mom cooked enough food to feed everyone.”

“That’s not the point. It’s Thanksgiving. I don’t like showing up empty-handed.”

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