23
Gage
I almost couldn’t believe my eyes or my ears. They must have been playing tricks on me. I blinked rapidly, but Avery was still here with her steady gaze locked onto mine and making promises of staying by my side.
Needing further verification, I said, “But I’ve told you so many shameful secrets. How are you still here?”
“Because you’re the bravest, strongest, and most loyal man I’ve ever met,” she answered, sounding perfectly sincere.
Backing up her words, she leaned forward and lightly brushed her lips against mine.
My mouth fell open both in surprise and delight over the magnificent tingling sensation of having this wonderful woman kiss me. I’d pictured this moment so many times, but even in my wildest dreams, I’d never imagined that she might willingly be here with me after
