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Christ.

It nearly destroys me.

I wrap my arms around her, suck in a breath, and hold her tight.

She rests her forehead against my cheek for a moment.

And I stay there—just like that.

Just breathing.

Just thanking God she's here.

That she's alive.

That I get this second chance.

“I mean it. I love you, Rusty,” I tell her quietly. “Always have.”

She reaches for me immediately.

Fingers in my hair.

Touching me.

Needing me.

And that need?

It heals something inside me.

Because for three years I convinced myself I was protecting her.

But all I did was hurt both of us.

Not again.

Never again.

I look at her.

At the woman I should've married years ago.

The woman I plan to spend the rest of my life making happy.

And suddenly the future doesn't scare me anymore.

Losing her?

That scares me.

But forever with Amanda?

That feels right.

Like home.

Like everything I never knew I deserved.