Page 114 of Vince
“Really? What’s that?” she asks with genuine curiosity.
Looking at the water, I let everything I’ve been holding onto off my chest. “For the first timeever, I fell in love and was happy beyond belief. I allowed myself to hope for what my parents had. To have a partner in life who pushes me to be better. But of course, I’m stupid and pig-headed and threw it all away because I didn’t think I deserved it.”
When I finally glance in Sydney’s direction, her mouth hangs open.
Fuck. That’s what I thought. I did throw it all away.
Shaking my head in defeat, I look to the sky to gather the strength I need to get through whatever it is she’ll eventually say. I can’t even look to confirm my reality because the thought of losing her completely makes my stomach feel as if it’s been lined with lead.
Syd’s sassy tone doesn’t disappoint. “Are you kidding me?”
Still not able to look, I mutter, “Nope.”
“Vincent Daniel Larson, if I didn’t love you much more than you irritate the fuck out of me in this moment, I’d smack you back to reality.”
What?
Slowly, my eyes open, and I force myself to meet hers.
Did she really just say what I think I heard?
Needing confirmation, I sputter, “W… What did you just say?”
Sydney’s finger points at my chest, and the fire within her comes to life. “First, you don’t get to decide how I react, Vince. You don’t deserve to play the martyr, but most importantly, why the hell do you think those things you want aren’t obtainable?”
Taking a moment to process her words, I lose my chance to respond.
“You haven’t thrown things away… at least not as far as I’m concerned, but if you’ve changed your mind… well… then I guess you’re entitled to.”
Her confidence wanes for a split second before she’s back in full force. “You know what? You’re right, youarestupidifthat’s what you choose to do.”
My voice is thick as “I don’t” slips out.
“Wha…?” she starts, but it’s my turn to interrupt.
“I don’t want to lose you. I love you more than I could possibly imagine. I’m miserable without you, Syd. I’m so sorry for putting you through everything this past week. Will you please forgive me?”
“Oh, Vince… there’s nothing to forgive—because you’ve donenothingwrong. Though, I’d rather you didn’t push me away, I understandwhyyou felt you needed to. I should’ve talked to you last night, but I’m sure you’ve figured it out by now—I’m a bit stubborn, too.”
Standing, I pull her to me so that we’re chest to chest. “I’ll make you a deal, Syd.”
Syd’s beautiful smirk sends a direct bolt to my heart. “Oh, yeah, what’s that?”
God, I love this woman.
“Since neither of us can guarantee we won’t be stubborn, let’s just agree to call each other out on it. I’ve always had a strong belief that family sticks together through thick and thin.”
Sydney blinks. “But… I’m not… your family.”
Shaking my head, I realize she’s missed my point, so I spell it out for her. “You may as well be. Besides, if I have anything to say about it, it’ll only be a matter of time.”
Syd’s mouth drops open, and her eyes bug out.
I can’t help my smirk that I’ve rendered this beautiful woman speechless.
“Did you… are you…” she sputters.
“Not yet,” I say with confidence. Then I assure her with, “But you’ll be the first to know when I do.”
Sydney’s beautiful smile practically splits her face in two. “I think I can live with that.” She pulls me in for the best kiss of my life.
When we pull away breathless, Sydney reaches for my hand. “As much as I love this place, are you ready to get out of here?”
“I could be persuaded to leave,” I tease. But God knows, I will follow this woman anywhere.
