Page 184 of Be My First

“No, it’s never just been sex. I love her, Eli. She’s the one for me. The only one.”

He’s looking at me now – studying my face. I hold my breath, waiting for him to respond.

“She feels the same way,” I say.

“She does?” He still looking at me warily.

“I’m glad she has so many people who love her and care about her including you, but I love her too. Hell, I’d marry her tomorrow, but I don’t think she’d go for it. I’ll have to settle for being her boyfriend for now. We don’t need your blessing, but I know your relationship is important to her – to both of us. This is happening whether you like it or not, so I hope you get on board.”

He blows out a big rush of air and then says, “Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Yeah. She’s right. It’s her decision.”

I pick up my coffee and take a sip. I’m trying to stifle a smile.

“And, honestly, you already fit into the family. She could do a lot worse.”

I laugh. “Thanks.”

“Be good to her.”

“I will. I promise,” I say.

He smiles for the first time since we’ve been here. “Yeah. This is going to be good.”

Chapter Seventy-Three

Juno

Everyone is gatheredaround the table at the White House for Thanksgiving. Bode is sitting next to me, holding my hand.

“You hiked a glacier with Ian in the carrier?” Brooklyn says to Declan.

He just laughs. “Don’t act surprised.”

---