Page 38 of Just Forever

“Does it get less… intense over time? Less terrifying?”

Sawyer tilts his head to the side. “Which part is terrifying?”

I shrug helplessly. “The thought of losing him?”

At the bar, Lake is grinning at something Kelly says. My chest jolts, and I smile.

“I’d say so,” Sawyer says, calm as ever. “Not less intense, but you settle into a life together and you spend less and less time thinking about what could go wrong because there’s so much future to be had.”

I blow out a breath and consider my words.

“What if I’m holding him back?” I blurt.

“What if you’re giving him wings?” Rachel counters. “Don’t overthink the easy parts. That way lies trouble.”

“Easier said than done,” I mutter.

“Not really. What it comes down to is that you make him happy. Whatever crap comes your way, you’ll figure it out as you go.”

I draw in a deep breath, hold it for a bit, then let it out. “Thanks.”

Rachel smiles and squeezes my arm.

Once Lake and Kelly come back to the table, we share the two bottles of water they brought over before Rachel yawns and snuggles against Sawyer’s chest.

“Tired?” he asks.

Rachel nods. “Take me to bed. I’ll let you ravish me in return.”

“A good offer if I’ve ever heard one,” Sawyer says.

I look at Lake. “Ready to head out?”

“Yeah.” He nods and sways just the tiniest bit. Still adorable. We head outside.

Lake goes and hugs his friends, and I follow suit.

“Thanks for coming, guys,” Lake says.

“We’ll do it again soon,” Rachel promises smacking a kiss on Lake’s cheek.

We watch Rach, Sawyer, and Kelly wave down a cab. I turn to look at Lake, and he smiles at me.

“It was a good night,” he says.

I nod. “The best. Thank you.”

“For what?”

I shrug. “Sharing your life with me.”

“Sappy,” he says with a laugh.

“Only with you.”

The Uber I ordered while we were heading outside arrives, and we get into the car. The driver looks exhausted and not in the mood to chat, which is very much welcome. I sit right next to Lake, our shoulders, hips, and thighs pressing against each other.

After a few minutes, Lake’s head drops onto my shoulder, and he’s out like a light.

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