I smile, running the very tips of my fingers softly around her face and cupping her jaw. “I love you so much it's crazy. Never in my life have I ever thought that I could love anyone the way I love you. You're special, Anna. I'm going to spend the rest of my life showing you just how special you are.”
I could have gone a lifetime without meeting her. Without having this feeling. Without knowing what it truly feels like to love. Without allowing myself to ever love back.
She broke through. She found me in a sea so vast, so full and thick with people, that I'm grateful. I'm grateful to fate for putting us together. I'm grateful to Anna for allowing me to love her.
With her in my life, I see every color.
I never want to go back to a colorless world.
This rainbow is just for me.
Epilogue
Anna
One Year Later
“Are you almost ready?”” he asks.
“Just about. I need one second.”
“For what?” Dash asks as he closes his suitcase.
“I told Betty I'd call her once we got here.” Dash rolls his eyes and lets his body sluggishly fall to the couch. “Stop it, it'll be quick. I promise,” I say, pouting my bottom lip.
“Quick. . . right. You know my sister, nothing is ever quick with her.” Dash spreads out on the couch and pulls the bright orange decorative pillow under his head. “Wake me up when you're done.”
I giggle as I pull my phone out and call Betty. Pressing the phone to my ear, I look out the window and wait for her to answer. The city is absolutely beautiful.
Trees are blooming with big pink flowers all the way down the sidewalk as far as I can see. I can smell the floral scent in the room. The sky is clear and there are people everywhere, enjoying the gorgeous weather.
“Finally!” she yells into the phone as she answers. “I thought you guys were dead.”
“Dead? We were on a six-hour flight. It's not like we've been missing for days or something.”
“Yeah, I know, but still. I feel like I haven't seen you guys in ages.”
“I know, but it's not like we'll be gone forever. We're coming back.”
“Good, because if I had to even think about not seeing you for months, I'd go crazy. I like it better when you guys are minutes away, not an ocean. Plus, I miss my study buddy.”
“How is school going?”
She exhales a long breath that crackles in my ear. “It's hard, but good. These teachers are no joke.”
“Well, you're going to make a great nurse one day, Betty.”
“I hope so. So, what are your plans for today? I'm sure whatever it is it'll be more exciting than here. I bet Dash has skydiving on his list or something.”
“Eiffel Tower. No sky diving for me. If he wants to do that, I'll hold his wallet and wait on the ground.”
Betty laughs loudly, then sighs. “Yeah, that's a good idea. Especially because I'm not there to fix either of you up. Save the danger for back home where I can put my skills to use.”
“That's fine with me.” Dash lifts his head and arches his brows as he looks at the clock on the wall then back at me. “All right, I got to go. Your brother—”
“Is pacing around like an inpatient child?”
“Close. It's more the I'm dying from boredom look.” I smirk at Dash, and he makes a funny face, sticking out his tongue.
“Yeah, I know the look,” she says.
“Okay, I'll call you tomorrow.”
Betty and I hang up. I stand over Dash and rest my hands on my hips, leaning forward slightly. “There, feel better now? Are you done acting like a child?”
He suddenly throws his arms up and around my waist. Dash yanks me down, rolling over so he's on top of me. He pins both my wrists over my head with one hand, and starts to tickle me. “What was that? Am I still acting like a child now?”
I'm laughing so hard, I snort. “Stop!” I call out through heavy giggles as I wiggle beneath him. “This isn't fair!”
Dash keeps tickling me, his weight holding me in place. I'm rocking and moving, trying desperately to break free. I'm laughing so hard tears stream down my face and it's hard to breathe.
“What do you got to say to me now? Hm?” He leans forward, his fingers hovering dangerously close to my ribs. “Anything? Anything else?”
“Yes.”
“Really? And what's that?” He lowers his fingertips, brushing my shirt and gearing up to tickle me again.
“I love you,” I say, lifting my face to kiss him.
Dash grins with thin lips. “I love you too, but that isn't going to stop this punishment.”
“Maybe I don't want it to stop. Maybe I want more,” I say, my lids lowering as I lick my lips. “We are here in the city of love.”