Page 146 of Just This Heart
To me, it’s a simple answer. And I bet it is to every man here who’s not a Bosanko. But we keep our thoughts to ourselves. Even when Sev and Sol reach the same conclusion.
“Let them choose,” Sev says.
Sol nods. “I’m not in charge of anyone’s destiny, but Mally, I appreciate you giving them a chance.”
“I don’t want to.” Mal has the tact of a tractor. “But I’m not much of a ringmaster either, so I suppose we’ll figure it out, eh?”
Decision made, everyone goes back to eating, and laughing, and leaning on each other. As darkness falls around us, Mal and I share a look, one that doesn’t need words, and I’m grateful all over again that life brought him back to me.
“Jackie?” Sol draws me away, leading me to the tiny beach so we can have a moment alone under the stars.
We don’t kiss.
Instead we press our foreheads together and let the love we’ve fought so hard for flow between us. A primal connection. A love that doesn’t need words, but for my best friend, I find them anyway. “I’m sorry I forgot you. Thank you for saving me and giving me your heart.”
Sol smiles as the moon breaks cover. “I didn’t give it you, love. It was made to be yours, and so was I.”
