Page 251 of Before Dawn

“I’m not scared,” I murmured. “We don’t have to rush any of it. We have more than enough time. I’ll make all our dreams come true, don’t you worry about that.”

She exhaled slowly then she gave a small, rueful smile. “Time... But we’re not getting any younger, you know?”

I chuckled, brushing my thumb over her cheek. “True, but we’re building something here—something strong, and that takes time.”

She leaned into my touch, her eyes warm and shining. “You know, you make everything feel so much simpler,” she whispered. “Like you ease all my worries.”

“That’s because I know you like that I talk you through everything,” I teased gently, feeling her smile against my shoulder. “And because you know I’m always here, listening to everything you say, focusing on whatever you want or need. I’m forever here with you, baby.”

“I realize you say that a lot. Herewithme, and not hereforme.”

I pulled back just enough to look at her, my eyes soft but intense. “There’s a difference between the two.”

She tilted her head, studying me. “Do tell.”

I took a deep breath, my hand moving to cradle her face, thumb tracing her cheek with tenderness. “Saying I’m here for you is me offering you support from the outside, waiting to help if you fall.” My voice dropped lower, a gentle strength entwined through each word. “But saying I’m here with you? That’s me right by your side, living each moment with you. It means if you’re hurting, I’m in pain with you. If you’re laughing, I’m right there in your joy. “With you” means every heartbeat, every breath—I’m all in, right here. I don’t just support you; I share every part of this life, this love. I’m forever yours, every step of the way.”

Her gaze softened, eyes betraying the depth of my words. With a tenderness only she possessed, her fingers traced my face. “Before you came into my life, I forgot what it was like to feel this seen… to be heard…to be loved…to matter.”

“I think some part of me has always been waiting for you to slip away, like it was just a matter of time,” she continued, voice soft but certain. “But you’re still here,thankfullyand I love you.” She let out a shaky breath, pressing her hand to my chest, right over my heart.

A tear slipped down her cheek, and I brushed it away, but her smile didn’t waver. “I used to think love like this was too much to ask for. But you…” She took a breath, and it felt like she was looking right through me, into every part of me I’d only ever let her see. “You’ve taught me that it’s possible to be loved and known and still wanted every day. And I’m still here, right by your side, aswithyou as you are with me.”

I leaned in, resting my forehead against hers, feeling the warmth of her words settle into my soul. Her voice dropped to a whisper, but it was as steady as I’d ever heard it. “You’re my home, and I never want this love with you to end.”

I kissed her forehead. “It’ll get hard at times, but it won’t end.”

She nodded, her eyes shining with emotion. “I’m proud of you, by the way. Last night was amazing, baby.”

“I still can’t believe it happened.”

She looked up at me, her green eyes catching the first light of dawn. “I can, and as of last night, so canForbes,People,The New York Times, and every other media outlet that came to witness your greatness, along with the thousands in attendance.”

I bent down to kiss her, our lips gently brushing. Her hand lay on my chest, above my heart, and I could feel it racing beneath her touch. “I’m overwhelmed,” I whispered against her lips.

“You’ve worked so hard for this. You deserve to be celebrated, and I’m forever proud of you.”

The sun broke through the snowy clouds, casting a soft, glowing light in the room as we smiled at each other.

I brushed a stray curl from her face. “It’s a new day,” I whispered. “A new beginning.”

She nodded, resting her head on my shoulder. “A new beginning,” she echoed. “And Merry Christmas, baby.”

“Feliz Navidad, mi amor,209” I replied, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Here’s to many more Christmasestogether.”

She tilted her head up, capturing my lips in a kiss that felt like home. When we parted, her eyes shone with unshed tears. “Te quiero,Mikkel,210” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. “Más que nada.211”

“Yo también te amo, mi reina,212” I replied, my voice thick with emotion. “Más de lo que nunca sabrás.213”

THE END.

Warning

The following chapter contains heavy mentions of mental health/physical health issues. Please refer to the content warning list to be reminded of any potential triggers. Your well-being is important to me, so please take care of yourself while reading.

Epilogue

Abigail-Ann

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