“I don’t expect you to say the words, Tag, but I know — down deep in my soul — how you feel about me. I sense it in your kiss, in your kindhearted eyes when you gaze at me, and I feel it every time we make love. Yeah, you heard me correctly. We do not fuck, Tag. We. Make. Love. Don’t you think I realize how scared shitless you are of the future? We all are, honey! Every soul on planet Earth is terrified of what lies ahead. We wouldn’t be human otherwise. No one knows that better than the two of us. Every wondrous person or precious thing in our lives could be randomly ripped away at a moment’s notice, in the blink of an eye. Will any of those fears stop me from loving you? No. Living, breathing, and loving you are all the same to me. One does not exist without the other two. I know you use your guilt as a barricade to protect yourself from the outside world. I get that. But you’re forcing me out, as well as all the other people who love you. If I could un-break your heart, bring Randi back, don’t you think I would do it in a heartbeat? I know you’re still in love with her, but can I be honest with you? I don’t mind being your second choice. All you’ve been doing these past twelve years is surviving. Please, let me teach you how to live again, how to love again."  I know you love me, Tag. But if I’m wrong, I promise — I will love you enough for both of us.

            

           Emery gently pressed her lips to his chest. “You said your eternity was lost, but you were wrong. It’s been right here, all these years. In your heart. ”