I let go of my mom, knocking the sign out of his hands, and I climb him like a tree before pressing my lips to his mouth. I wrap my limbs around him as he smiles against my lips, holding me close. Our kisses are demanding, full of love, and I can’t believe he did this for me. I kiss him two more times, ignoring everyone calling my name, because, damn it, I don’t want to let him go. He continues to blow me away, to knock me off-kilter, and I don’t want him to ever leave.
When he pulls away, his eyes are a little damp as he gazes into mine. “I’d do anything for you, you know that.”
I try to hold in my sob, but I can’t. James Justice just came out full force in his freaking amazing son. I cup Ryan’s sweet face in my hands and press my forehead to his. “I love you, Ryan Justice. I don’t care how hard that’s going to make things, but I love you. I love you so much.”
His eyes widen, but then his lips turn up into a grin as he holds me close. “Damn it, Sofia, I’ve loved you since the moment I met you.”
I’m breathless as he presses his lips to mine, and I don’t want to let go. I can’t believe this. He did this for me. He gave me the one thing I didn’t realize I needed so badly. My mom. He clutches me to him. Our mouths move together sloppily, and I don’t want to let go. We both know I have to, though. He pulls away reluctantly and puts me on my feet. He grabs my face, running his thumbs under my eyes and catching all my tears. “Now, you go out there, and you win this all for her.”
“And you.”
He inhales sharply, shaking his head. “I love you.”
“I love you more,” I promise as I walk backward.
When I glance to my mom, I see Mrs. Justice and Elli standing behind her, all of them crying too. I want to laugh, but then my gaze is back on Ryan’s, and his smile makes any day feel like the best day of my life. His eyes are so full of love, and it’s only for me.
“I’ll wait forever for you.”
He presses his hand to his heart, his eyes closing as he shakes his head. “Don’t.”
“I will,” I promise once more. “Forever, I’ll wait. I love you.”
He’s speechless, his eyes wide as I turn, knowing damn well I will.
I fucking will.