Page 118 of All Your Firsts

It fucking hurts, and the pain will most likely never subside.

But I will endure the pain, imagining the breathtaking smile on her face as she reads my final letter. I hope it clips the final string, granting her the freedom to soar with no limitations.

When she ran, I told myself I would do anything to have her back. It was selfish. I was selfish.

Life is a series of choices, and she should have the freedom to make her own.

Rosie is a vibrant force that transcends the words we exchanged. No matter how vivid my dreams and imagination are, they’ll never compare to her in person.

I wonder if I’ll ever see her again. Maybe down the line at Gage’s house, with kids, or worse, another man. The thought makes the hole in my chest ache.

The unmistakable creak of the dock catches my attention, and I freeze while my stomach flips. Even without her voice, I can spot her from a mile away. Why is she here?

“Thought you’d be halfway to California by now,” I say as I attempt to keep my voice even.

My heart beats out of my chest as I hear her steps creak across the dock.

“Why? Why would you do this?”

Okay, not what I was expecting.

“Come sit.” I tap the spot next to me. “I told you I’d do anything to help you.”

“By giving your freedom away for mine?”

“Yes.”

“Take it back,” she says as her voice cracks.

I grab her small hand and look into her sad eyes. “I can’t, and I won’t.”

A notch forms between her eyebrows, and I hold myself back from running my thumb across it to smooth it out. “What about the guys? Won’t you miss them?”

“They were part of the deal, too.”

“Why would they do that?”

“We’re family. It’s what we do,” I say with a shrug.

The guys were ecstatic to have a connection to Gage. Rosie’s father’s actions caused significant financial damage to the club,leaving a substantial void. This agreement to work for Gage signifies greater financial resources, influence, and safety.

“This is insane. I can’t let you guys do this. I’m going to find a way to get you all out of this.”

I shake my head at her. “Our letters became a lifeline during my most challenging years, granting me the freedom and comfort I desperately needed. Let me give you the thing you want most. Now you can make more firsts, and most importantly, you can be you. You can be free.”

“What if I don’t want that anymore?” she says with tears in her eyes.

“What do you want?” I ask, confused.

“You.” Rosie grabs my shirt, dragging my face close to hers. “I want you. I love you, Vic.”

Her words bounce around in my head.

She came back.

She didn’t leave me.

She loves me.

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