"It's just...everything is happening so fast," I manage in a tremulous exhale against Charles' chest. "One minute we were existing in secret longing, and the next we've blown the doors wide open. It's...overwhelming in the best way, but also terrifying."
Charles strokes my hair in a soothing gesture, pressing his lips to my forehead. "I know it is, baby. Believe me, I feel those same dizzying cross-currents too. But we'll take it all one step at a time, ok? Together."
I give a resolute nod, steadying myself against the grounding reassurance of his embrace for another few precious moments before we finally pull apart. Exchanging one last heated look brimming with shared determination, Charles turns and strides for the front door without a backwards glance.
"I'll make this as quick and cl
