Page 78 of London, Love, & A Little Something Irish

“Let’s check the board for wait times.”

To our surprise, Crush’s Coaster doesn’t have much of a line. We start there, then hit all the other rides, one by one.

It’s so much fun. And for me, it’s more than just rides. It’s a glimpse of home. I grew up visiting Florida every few months, and sometimes we’d go to the theme parks with our family friends. Being here brings that nostalgia rushing back.

Time flies. Before we know it, it’s almost time for fireworks.

We grab cotton candy (yes, for the photoandthe sugar rush), and then we find a spot on the grass.

Nathan wraps his arms around me from behind, but I turn to face him.

“Thank you for today,” I say, wrapping my arms around his neck, holding him tight. “You’ve made it so special.”

“Anything for you, Nat,” he says, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “I love seeing you smile. It’s worth it all.”

He pulls me in and kisses me—deeper this time. His arms tighten around my lower back, pressing me close. My hands trail up his neck as he brushes his tongue along my lower lip and tugs it gently between his teeth. He smiles into the kiss.

“I love you,” he murmurs.

“I love you too.”

I think about how he champions me. How he doesn’t just love me, heseesme. Encourages me. He pushes me past the little zone of comfort I sometimes find myself clinging to. If there’s a door I want to knock on to open, he encourages me to kick it through. I love that he wants me to be the most real version of myself—someone who’s not held back by fear, like I have been for so long throughout my life. It’s not something I’ll unlearn overnight. In fact, I’m sure it’ll be a lifetime of grappling with the choice of faith over fear. Of choosing to step out, when it’s not guaranteed to be okay. He supports me in every way, and wants my dreams to come true. I love that he wants to give me the whole world.

It’s been three months. Just three months.

But there’s not a doubt in my mind.

This isn’t just for now. I love that I never settled for anything less. Fear tempted me to, but I would’ve missed out on so muchmore. Nathan makes me a better version of myself.

This is that forever kind of thing.

I glance at Nathan, warmth flooding my chest.

Is this the kind of love that has me head-over-heels, butterflies-for-breakfast, writing-his-name-in-my-notebook?

You bet.

EPILOGUE

Nataly

December, 3 months later

Today is Nathan’s birthday! A December birthday, which means it’s that time of year—the season of all things magical. And if there’s one thing about me, it’s this: I’m a birthday girl. I love birthdays. I love making people feel special. It’syourday, so let’s celebrateyou. Let’s do all your favorite things! Let’s make it magical.

And that’s where my heart is today. I want Nathan to have the best day. But I’m already annoyed, because the gift I got him isn’t ready.

Nathan’s a huge car guy, so I planned something I think he’ll love: an experience where he could drive a supercar on a race track. But of course, the dates didn’t line up. The soonest we can do it is January.

So now, I feel a little unsettled, like I’m already failing at making his day epic. Maybe my standards are too high. Maybe I’m overthinking this. But Nathan has gone above and beyond for me.

This is the guy who surprised me with concert tickets to one of my favorite artists. Who whisked me away to Disneyland Paris for my 21st birthday—where we stayed at his aunt’s house.

I felt like I was in another world. Every little detail was perfect. I didn’t want to leave.

How am I supposed to top that when we’re just in London?

Not that it’s a competition. It’s not. I just want him to feel how loved he is. I want him to know I’ve thought about him the way he always thinks about me.

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