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“And while you were… a totaldick. I get that intent matters. I can understand where you were coming from. It was stupid and moronic, but I can see why you were scared. And maybe because of it, you don’t deserve me. Maybe because of it someone on the outside looking in might say that you don’t get to have the woman you love. But see, I think it’s about time the universe be kind tome. And I think it’s high time I get whatIdeserve. And I deserve love, for once. I choose love. And I’m pretty damn sure that you will make me happy, if I give you the chance. Because I know that after this whole thing, you’ll never lie to me again, will you, Will?”
“Never, Bridge. I will never fucking lie to you or keep something from you ever again, Bridget Quinn.” He tentatively reaches out, his hands hovering over my waist, trembling from holding back.
Will looks like he’s seen a ghost. It’s clear from the expression on his face he cannot compute this is happening, and honestly, part of me can’t either. But at the end of the day, the person who needs to decide whether she can live with it, whether she can forgive, is me. No one else. And just like I told Molly, some people deserve second chances. And he definitely does. Just because he made one mistake doesn’t negate all the other times he came through for me. All the other times he was a wonderful friend and partner and lover. And I’m not about to throw that all away over a fight.
With a wet laugh, I take his hands in mine and wrap them around my waist, behind my back, pulling him to me.
“So what do you say? Do you think we can finally turn my luck around?” I press my lips to his chin, smile against his skin as I inhale his scent.
“Baby, Iswearto you I will spend the rest of my goddamn life doing everything possible to give you the world.”
“I don’t want the world, Will. I just want us.”
“And Ginger.”
“Duh.”
WILL
When people ask Will and Bridget how they met, they often look at each other with a mischievous grin and answer “online dating.” Other times, they tell the story of two friends who ultimately fell in love and got together.
Bridget prefers the former, whereas Will loves to talk about the latter. How he knew from her first email that she was special, how madly and quickly he fell for Bridget, his friend. He loves showing off by telling everyone that, while he did suffer in the friend zone for some time, it was worth every second because it set the foundation for the best relationship he’s ever had. He likes to show off how they’re able to solve conflict because their relationship wasn’t born out of passion at first (though he can guarantee they have passion in spades now). It was built upon solid ground. Only two people who really care enough to forgive could’ve gotten over the worst mistake he’s ever made in his life. Only a true friend and partner could’ve loved him through that.
Will and Bridget are both going through a huge transition period right now. Bridget calls it their “search for purpose era” where they attempt to turn their passions into their livelihoods—everyone’s dream.
He loves that Bridget’s on this quest to find exactly what she’s meant to do. And personally, Will thinks she’s found it. Her creativity and resourcefulness knows no bounds, which is why her idea of opening a store with reclaimed and repurposed clothing sounds perfect for her. There’s not a doubt in his mind she won’t be able to make it an instant success.
Meanwhile, Will has been looking into pursuing grad school opportunities—but not an MBA, as his grandfather had hoped. After talking more with Bridget about what he enjoyed specifically about art and school, he realized he wants to explore different classes at the Continuing Education level. Maybe from there, he’d be able to determine more where he’d like his professional future to look like. Go to proper grad school. Find the right job for him.
“And it’s totally okay that you’re still not sure, babe,” Bridget tells him one night over his favorite pasta dish. “I told you, you deserve to give yourself time to figure things out.”
He smiles and reaches over to wipe some tomato sauce from the corner of her mouth before licking it off his thumb. It gives him ideas for other plans later tonight—he’s sure there must be a can of whipped cream in the fridge somewhere.
“I know, Bridge. But I think I’ve already found my life’s purpose.”
“Really? What is it?” she asks around a mouthful of penne alla vodka, eyes bright and excited.
“Loving you.”
Bridget rolls her eyes, but Will grins when she can’t help that goofy, lovestruck smile of hers.
EPILOGUE: GINGER
Ginger wakes just as a ray of sunlight hits her eye, alerting her to the start of the day. She drowsily lifts her head and looks over her shoulder at her humans in bed. Human #2 lies with his arms wrapped around Human #1 from behind, a small, satisfied smile on his face. Like she’s his whole world.
Ginger finds it cute, she guesses. The way Human #2 loves Human #1 makes her happy. For several reasons, which includehernot having to have the sole responsibility of taking care of the redhead anymore.
Ginger ponders this as she begins her morning bath. When she’s done, she sees that the humans remain in bed, unmoving.
Something inside her makes her stomach drop, the sudden fear that they’re dead causing her to jump with the spryness of a wild jungle cat from her chair and onto the bed. Her mission is clear: revive these two humans. After all, who’s going to feed her if they’re dead?
She begins her attempts at revival by calmly rubbing her face against Human #1, pressing her cold, wet nose against her freckled cheek.
But nothing. No movement except for a little frown. Good. Good. At least there’s movement, though not much of it.
Ginger decides to take it even further and jumps over to Human #2’s side of the bed, pawing at him, gently scratching at his bare back—just enough to wake him up and not break skin. Ginger has to be extra careful with these fragile humans. After all, they have zero protection against the world—weak patches of hair in odd places all over their body covered by strange pieces of fabric. Nothing like Ginger’sglorious, thick orange mane.
Human #2 groans, eyes still closed.
