Page 46 of Be Your Forever
“How are you real? Like, this is some book boyfriend level shit.” I pull back so I can look at his face. “How did I get so lucky to have you?”
“Bear, you’ve always had me. I was yours long before you ever gave me the time of day. You aren’t lucky to have me. I’m lucky to haveyou. You are worthy of someone who will make it their life’s mission to make you happy.” I bring my lips to his, but it’s not a frantic kind of kiss. This kiss is slow, romantic, and has my nervous system aflutter.
“Wait, how did you know when I would be done? I don’t think I told you the time.”
“When you told me the place, I drove here immediately, well after making a few stops first. I’ve been here for over an hour.”
“You’re amazing. Thank you for always knowing what I need before I do.” I hop down and Asher walks me around to the passenger side of the car. I let out a gasp the second he opens the door. Sitting on the seat is a bouquet of red roses with white baby’s breath and a giant bag of sour gummy worms. My vision becomes blurry with tears.
“What’s this?” I ask.
“You did something difficult today, so I needed to get you something as beautiful as you are. I wanted you to know that watching you heal is the most incredible thing I have ever experienced. Watching you find your light again is awe-inspiring. I want you to feel loved and treasured every second of every day.”
Asher presses a lingering kiss to my forehead before rounding the car to get into the driver’s side. I bring the flowers up to my nose, inhaling their sweet smell. I’m holding the flowers in one hand while my other is interlocked with Asher’s. Asher’s focus is on the road, while mine is trained on him. My heart feels full, and my head is dizzy with a flood of emotions.
I was already falling for this man, but now I’m head over heels, lost for the man sitting next to me.
Asher
Full of beauty, grace and wonder
Iknewtodaywasgoing to be hard for Bri, so I knew I needed to do something. I called Avery earlier this morning to see if I could pick up her spare key so I could surprise Bri when she gets home. Of course, Avery wanted every single detail before she agreed to anything. Once I laid out my entire plan, she burst into tears, gushing at how sweet it was.
Avery also filled me in on other things Bri likes to do when she wants to relax. After picking up the key from Avery and Cas’ house, I went to a few stores to gather everything I needed. I was setting everything up and making sure everything was in its place when I texted Bri about therapy and where she was going. I needed to pick her up. I knew she would need some support, so it was a no-brainer for me to be there.
Bri and I pull up to her house, and I bring out the blindfold from the lingerie store and hand it to her. I get out of the driver's side so that I can help her from the car to her house.
“Why am I wearing this thing again?” she huffs.
“Patience, bear. You'll find out soon enough.” We walk to the house slowly so that she doesn’t trip over anything.
“Wait, don’t you need my key?”
“Nope, I have Avery’s spare.”
“Avery? What does she have to do with this?”
“You’ll see.” The key slips into the lock and the door creaks open. I bring her into the living room where everything is set up. My heart is beating as fast as a hummingbird’s wings inside my chest. Everything has to go perfectly.
“Okay, you can take it off now.” I hold my breath the entire time it takes her to slip the fabric from her eyes. Bri gasps while her eyes ping pong around the room.
“What…What did you do? How? Why?” Her questions come out in a rapid fire, and I know I did good.
“You did a hard thing today. Well, you’ve been doing hard things for months, and you deserve to have a self-care day. I called Avery about my plan so that I could use the spare you gave her, and she gave me all the insight I needed. As for why? I wanted to give you everything so I can pamper you. So, that’s what I’m going to do.” I press a soft kiss to her shoulder before giving her a little push to go explore.
Bri walks to the coffee table that’s decorated with all her favorite snacks: sour gummy worms, mustard flavored pretzels, Reese’s, and Twix. Rose petals and LED tea lights decorate the entire space, bathing the room in intimate lighting. And a self-care day wouldn’t be complete without two face masks, something Avery told me that she loves to do. In the middle of the table is a single rose with a note attached to it.
Brianna,
You remind me of this flower. Full of beauty, grace, and wonder.Your light shines brighter than any woman I’ve ever met. But I knowsometimes it’s hard to shine when all you feel is darkness.So let me be your guiding light through your darkest of storms.Anytime you can’t see how beautiful you are, I’ll be there to tell you howincredible you are. And if you just can’t see the light, then I’ll sit with you in the dark, because wherever you are is where I want to be.
Yours, Asher
Bri’s head is in her hands and she’s sobbing. Fuck, I messed up. Maybe the letter was too much?Shit.
“Bri I’m—” But she throws her arms around me, causing me to stumble.
“I love it. Thank you, Asher.”
