Page 77 of We Can Forever

Tears fill my eyes, and I let them fall. “You help people. You’re a true hero, and I’m so proud of you. You’re…you’re amazing.”

I draw a deep breath and wait. Michael just stares at me, studying every inch of my face. It’s impossible to read his thoughts, and inside, I have my fingers crossed, praying that he forgives me and takes me back.

And if he doesn’t…

I’ll live, but will I ever get over it?

No. Because a man like Michael Greer only comes along once in a lifetime, and I would be stupid to think I’d ever meet someone half as amazing as him again.

“Hannah.” He steps closer, so close I have to tilt my head back to look at him. His hands find mine, fingers twisting together, and it’s like I’m drawing the first breath of my life. Like I didn’t know I was only half alive until now, this moment when he smiles down at me, blessing me with his love.

“I love you,” he says simply, reaching up to touch my cheek. “And after I kiss the hell out of you, I’m renting a moving truck and taking your things to my place. Tomorrow.”

I half laugh, half sob, and his lips crash into mine, stealing my breath and my heart. He slips his arms around my waist, cradling me close. Everything in the whole universe slides into perfect synchronicity, and it just clicks.

Me. Him. Together.

What could be more right?

The classroom door opens behind us, and I break the kiss to look over my shoulder.

Katie and Rose poke their heads out the door. “Are you back together yet?” Katie asks. “Because I just found a unicorn pattern I want to do instead of Dad’s gift.”

Michael and I both burst into laughter.

“You can get started on that.” Michael’s hands linger at my lower back, and I can feel how much he’s restraining himself in front of the kids. “We’re back together.”

Katie’s eyes widen. “Yes!”

She and Rose slip back into the classroom, and Michael pulls me close again, pressing his lips to mine and filling the whole world with glitter—and unicorns.

Lots and lots of unicorns.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

MICHAEL

Standing back, I study the appetizers spread across the firehouse kitchen. Potato skins. Pigs in blankets. Cheese and crackers. Olives.

It’s nothing too fancy, but for someone who has never hosted a fundraiser before, I feel I’ve done a pretty good job. It’s not like people will be here for the snacks anyway. Tonight’s fundraiser is Pine Island’s event of the week, so people will show up just to socialize and get an inside look at the firehouse.

“That looks good,” a light, musical voice says behind me.

Grinning big, I spin around and pull Hannah into my arms. She nearly drops her basket of scarves, hats, and gloves, but I grab it in time and set it on the table. “You look good.”

She rolls her eyes but smiles. “Really. I didn’t know you were so skilled at hosting parties.”

“All I did was make some appetizers,” I chuckle. “As far as hosting goes…”

“It’ll be fun.” She throws one of the scarves around my neck and uses it to draw me closer.

“Yeah.” I kiss the corner of her lips. “It will be,” I murmur, although all I’m really thinking about is getting her alone later. With Katie sleeping over at Rose’s, we’ll have the house to ourselves.

I start to kiss her again, but Pat comes into the kitchen, interrupting the moment. “Hey, Michael. I took a look at the new blueprint. It’ll work just fine, though I’m not sure about the colors of some of these fittings.”

Hannah gives me a wink before stepping away. “I’ll go put these pieces with the other donations.” She grabs her basket and walks her fine ass out of the room.

“Uh, you were saying…the faucet?” I turn to Pat, my mind completely scrambled, like it always is when my girlfriend is around.

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