Page 116 of Hate You Love You
I grew up watching my father use my mother, use us, and throw us away when we weren’t useful anymore. Thought that’s what families did. They just take and take until there is nothing left, then blame you for not giving them more.
I was wrong, and I don’t have a problem admitting that. I’m thankful I was.
Madeline taught me that. She gives everything she has to everyone she loves—her time, her energy, her heart—and she does it without keeping score. She doesn’t give to get anything in return. She gives because that’s who she is. Because love, to her, isn’t a transaction. It’s just... breathing. Being.
She’s given me three beautiful boys. A home that feels like safety. A life I didn’t think existed. And she still looks at me like I’m the prize. Like I’m the one doing her the favor.
I tighten my arm around her, feeling her breathe against me, and I know down to my bones that I hit the jackpot. Not because of the money or the career or any of that shit.
Because of her. Because she chose me. Because every day, she chooses me.
“Luke?” she mumbles, half asleep.
“Yeah, Buttercup?”
“You’re thinking too loud.”
I smile in the dark, pressing a kiss to her hair. “Just thinking about how lucky I got.”
She makes a soft sound, already drifting off. “Love you, crazy man.”
“Love you more.”
The house is quiet. My family is all tucked away safely. And I’ve got the rest of my life to prove to her that she made the right choice.
I used to think family was bullshit.
Now I know it’s everything.
