Page 76 of Love in Focus

“That’s in San Diego, right?” Val asks. “Our wallets will need to recover first but, afterward, yeah, we’ll be there!”

Couples of all different races, genders, and sexualities picnic around us, and along with the idyllic, peaceful atmosphere created by the beautiful scenery, I’ve never felt safer. Val and Kiara must feel the same, because, after a while, their shoulders relax and they stare lovingly into each other’s eyes.

Celeste, too, seems to be enjoying herself. And her face is full of wonder and awe at our surroundings as she sips her wine.

“I can’t believe a place like thisexists,” she says after we finish eating. “Like, I drove by it a couple of times when Iwas visiting the city for work, but I thought it was just some big monument or something.”

“Isn’t it amazing?” I say. “Totally random, but cool. As for me,Ican’t believe I’m here with all of you guys. Like, I’m so happy right now!”

I give Celeste a light peck on her lips before throwing out my arms to my sides to hug Val and Kiara. “You guys are gettingmarried! How are you feeling?”

My friends look at each other again.

“Honestly, I was a nervous wreck before you came,” Kiara says. “So I’m so glad you and Celeste are here with us.”

“Same here,” Val adds with wide eyes. “Really, even this picnic is helping a lot.”

“I’m glad we could help,” I say. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

“Aw, Gemma!” Kiara exclaims. “We love you so much!”

Val nods in agreement, and we all come together for a big hug.

After we say goodbye to my friends, Celeste drives us over to the Golden Gate Park. It’s only six minutes away, and the weather’s perfect for a little stroll.

“I remember being so pissed off when I found out that this park isn’t next to the bridge,” Celeste muses when we get out of her car.

“Ah yeah,” I laugh. “It’s named after the Golden Gate strait. Just Gold Rush things, you know?”

What’s nice about the Golden Gate Park is that, unlike many other urban parks, it’s relatively removed from downtown. Stepping into its grounds makes it feel like we’re transported to another world. A family of bikers rides past us, laughing and chatting, and tourists take group selfies at the flower beds in full bloom as we walk by them.

Celeste and I end up going around the park until sunset. The lake shimmers in the fading sunlight, and the sky is a gorgeous purple and pink. We’ve been in a comfortable silence for a while now, and I turn around to see that she’s staring at me, her eyes dark and thoughtful.

“Gem,” she says when our eyes meet. “I was waiting for the right moment to say this, since the last time I said these three words, it was… in not ideal circumstances. But I love you. A lot.”

I feel the same way and have for a while now. But after what happened the last time we said we love each other, I can’t help but feel a little nervous. Although things have beensogood ever since we decided to try dating again, there’s still a small part of me that’s afraid she might change her mind and leave again.

Something in my eyes must have revealed all the different emotions going through my head, because Celeste closes the distance between us. Before I know it, we’re kissing, her soft lips pressed against mine and our tongues saying the things we can’t.

“I love you, too,” I say, finally building up enough courage to do it.

Celeste beams. Then she suddenly laughs.

“What?” I ask, still smiling but a bit confused.

“Sorry,” Celeste says. “It occurred to me that this exact moment, us kissing in a romantic park during sunset… it’s a total romance book moment.”

“You and those romance books,” I tease. “Are there any other romance novel moments you’ve always wanted to try out in real life?”

“Getting married,” she says, so quickly that I gasp in surprise. “But I don’t think we’re quite there yet. I still have days when I’m convinced a happy marriage is a total myth. For people like me, I mean. Not for Kayla or your friends.”

I groan. “Well, it’s a good thing we don’t plan on getting married anytime soon. Anything else?”

“Cute picnic dates at the park.” She gives me a small, shy smile.

I laugh. “Check.”

She nods. “Thanks to Val and Kiara. Speaking of, I’ve also always wanted to attend a wedding with a partner. Since that’s a common romance book activity.”

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