Page 131 of Less

Because I've spent three years waking up alone.

Three years wondering if she hated me.

Of missing her laugh and her singing in the kitchen and the way she steals the blankets.

I'm done with alone.

Done with distance.

Done with pretending I don't need her.

The truth is ugly and simple.

Amanda Perkins owns me—body, heart, and soul.

Always has.

Always will.

So when I finally hear her call softly through the bathroom door, “Less?”

I answer her immediately.

“Yeah, Rusty?”

“Are you coming in or what?”

Relief hits me so hard I actually laugh.

“Always, sweetheart.”

And as I step toward the sound of her voice, only one thought runs through my mind.

I'm never leaving again.

Chapter 24

Amanda

I'm happy.

Which should be a simple thing to admit.

But somehow, for me, it isn't.

Maybe because happiness has always felt temporary.

Fragile.

Like something beautiful that can disappear the second you relax and enjoy it.

Still…

For the last few days, I've been wrapped up in this beautiful little bubble with Less.

And despite my momentary panic when he'd started talking forever and promises and marriage and the rest of it, he'd backed off.

Not emotionally.