The power of those small words hit me. She offered them without any conditions or reservations. Only truth.
I kissed her. “Those are my favorite words in the world. I will never tire of hearing you say them.”
“Then I’ll say them every day.”
"You'll come with me?"
"Yes."
"Now?"
She frowned, confused. "Um, I need to pack up some things and let people know."
I nodded. "Of course. I'll help. What doesn't fit in the SUV, we'll ship."
"You don't want to drive my truck?" she teased gently.
"Ah, no. We'll ship it out if you insist."
"Maybe Tom could store it."
I winked. "Or junk it." I'd happily dip into my trust fund to purchase a nice car for her. But I’d pay to ship the thing if that was what she really wanted. Anything for her if it meant she came with me.
"Don't talk smack about my truck. It’s been good to me." She slapped my chest, then frowned. "Chester?"
I grinned. "My cat twin is welcome. I hope he likes road trips."
"I like road trips."
"I like you."
She blushed sweetly. "What will your friends think when you come home with me?"
"They can hardly wait to meet you. I told them all about you, and they know how I feel." I drew my fingers down her cheek. "I've been searching for you. And now that I've found you, I'm not letting go." I kissed her warmly. "They are gonna love you. I have a feeling you and Tara are going to be best friends. And Carol will spoil you." I tightened my hand in reassurance. "Life will be good for us, Holly. I promise."
Her voice was quiet. "I know."
I pulled her into my arms, nuzzling the top of her head. We stayed locked together, enjoying the moment of unexpected happiness.
Holly tilted her head back. "What now?"
"I'll go find some boxes."
She chuckled. "Everything is closed. It's almost midnight. Tomorrow, I'll call Leslie and ask if she has empty ones from the store we can have."
"How do you think she and Tom will react?"
Holly smiled. "Leslie wanted to know why I let you leave. She said she knew we belonged together when she saw us together in her store." She sighed. "I'll miss them, but they knew I was leaving soon anyway. I think they might be surprised by the news, but they'll be happy for me. She and Tom will help if we need it." She looked around. "It won't take long. There isn't much. Most of this belongs to Connie. I'll have to call and tell her."
I lifted her chin. "They're just things. Take or leave whatever you want. We'll build a life together, Holly. One full of love. We'll fill walls with pictures and our hearts with memories. We'll do it together." I wiped away a glistening tear from the side of her eye. "You're never going to be alone again."
"Neither are you."
Our eyes met and held. My entire future was there inside the glimmering depths of soft blue. Gently, I traced her damp cheek.
"We'll start off the new year together, Angel."
"Together."