Page 181 of After All This Time

“Of course, I love you. Even if you’re an idiot. My idiot.”

Gripping onto her back, I dip her before I plant a kiss on her. My hand is cupping one side of her face. Her lips are soft and sweet. I’m high on adrenaline. The rush of all this feels addicting and fucking incredible.

My lips release from hers. I bring her back up, so she can stand upright.

One of the elderly women stops us on our way out. “That was quite something, wasn’t it? Tell me who this handsome young man is, young lady.”

“This handsome young man is my boyfriend.”

The woman’s eyes land on me. “Hold onto this one.”

“I plan to keep her for a very long time.” I smile, winking at Dani.

She grins at the floor, cheeks turning red.

We say goodbye to the group of women and make our way out of the hospital. My sister and Nurse Leia are waiting for us in front of the sliding doors.

“Well, you guys definitely put on a show there,” Lizzie says with a big dumb smile spreading across her lips.

“You saw us?” Dani asks Lizzie.

“We both did. It’s hard not to because the doors are transparent and you were both in perfect view.”

“I’m going to go pull up the car.” I kiss Dani’s cheek. “I love you!” I shout as I walk away from her.

Running to the car, I feel so damn relieved I finally told Dani I’m in love with her and how I love her. The best part is she’s in love with me too. She. Loves. Me.

I wasn’t kidding when I told one of the elderly women we talked to in here. I’m keeping this woman for a long time. Or for as long she’ll keep me.

Pulling in front of the hospital, I roll down my window. “Ready to go home?” I ask my sister.

“Does it mean I have to deal with Mom and her annoying antics?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“I’d rather stay here.”

“Lizzie, Dad’s funeral is in two weeks.”

“Please don’t remind me.”

I’m not ready to say goodbye to Dad. And I know that Lizzie isn’t ready to say goodbye to him either.

God, I hope the next two weeks go by as slowly as possible.

CHAPTER SIXTY

noah

TWO WEEKS LATER

I’m standing in front of Dani’s mirror in her bedroom and wearing a suit I never imagined I’d be wearing to a funeral again.

Let alone my dad’s funeral.

Since I was a kid, I’ve been to four funerals.

My grandparents on both sides of my family passed away before I started high school.

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