“What is it?” I finally find the words and courage to speak.
Casper sighs hanging his head, and I lose his eyes. Dropping his shoulders forward, he seems defeated. The nausea twists and turns more violently and I want to go back to sleep, to shy away from whatever’s about to come out of his mouth. Slowly, his head rises, his gaze meeting mine again, but this time devastation clouds his eyes. Of all the things I consider in those ten seconds when he finally speaks I’m surprised, but also hugely relieved.
“I could have lost you.” His words are raw, panicked, and every syllable is loaded with despair.
“You didn’t.” I feel the need to immediately soothe him.
“I know. Thank, fuck.” Casper grabs one of my hands in both of his and closes his eyes, dropping his head onto our clasped hands. He takes a few breaths and whispers against my fingers, “I’m in love with you, Caden.”
A lump forms in my throat, a lump of disbelief and happiness. “You love me?”
His head is still resting against my hand, his lips on my fingers. “Fuck, yeah, I love you,” he answers, and I feel every movement of his mouth as his hot breath licks against my skin. “I didn’t know… didn’t know how I felt, not until I saw you on the ground. There was so much blood, Caden…” There’s a hitch in his breath as his voice shudders. “I know most of the blood was from the teeth you lost. But then Aaron…” He raises his head and looks at me. “That could have been you, and I wouldn’t have been able to tell you how I feel. I would have lost you before I really had you.” A tear slips down his face. It’s striking. Against this tall, built, jock, the single tear seems so out of place. “I’m sorry. So fucking sorry it took me this long to admit to you what I already knew.”
I reach out my arm, careful of my ribs, and run my thumb over his cheek, wiping away the wet trail. “I love you, too,” I tell him. There’s a beat of silence as Casper stares at me, his eyes glisten with unshed tears. Then, he stands up, leans over the bed and kisses me so damn tenderly that I think he’s scared he might break me.
“You can touch me, I’m not delicate.”
“Yes, you are.” His breath fans across my lips. “And to me, you always will be.”
I’ve been on this beach, watching the sunset more times than I can remember, but until today I’ve never observed the sun rise. I’m not sure if the colors are more vibrant now, the waves a little louder in the mornings, or if maybe the sun coming up rather than going down is just extra special, the start of a new chapter. Maybe the world feels that way because Casper is sitting next to me, holding my hand, filling my space and my heart with everything that’s him.
“Life has a way of doing a one-eighty when we need it the most and turns itself back around. Things will be okay,” Casper whispers, squeezing my hand tighter.
“I want to tell you I agree, that I believe you.” I sigh. “I’m just not sure I can.”
He doesn’t respond, only squeezes my hand harder, letting me know he’s here. He’s with me.
“I’ve got you.” He brings my thoughts to life with his statement, wrapping his arm around my shoulders and pulling me into his embrace.
“I know you do,” I reply, and I mean it. I know with one hundred percent certainty he has me. More than that, I know he always will. “It’s Morgan I’m worried about.”
“Yeah. Have you seen her since the funeral?” Casper asks.
I shake my head. “She’s gone off grid. Laura and I are driving up to her brother’s place this weekend. We were supposed to visit her a few weeks ago, but then this happened.” I look down at my boot. It’s been six weeks, and the doctor said my leg is healing really well. I’m expected to have my boot off soon. Apart from this unwanted attachment to my leg, I have no outwardly signs of the attack. Thanks to the guy sitting next to me, my brother and my friends, I have no inward signs of the attack either.
“You and Laura?” He smiles staring at my boot.
“Well, Tarrant is taking us,” I admit.
“You want me to come with?” he asks, and a surprised smile creeps across my face.
“You’d do that?”
Casper lets go of my hand and lifts me from the sand, carrying me to the pathway and to my crutches which we left propped against the wall. Once I’m supporting myself, he lets go, leans forward, and kisses me lovingly. “I’m with you. If that means I have to spend all day in a diner hanging around while you visit with your friend.” He shrugs. “I’m there for after. When you’ve been strong for her, and you need someone to be strong for you.” He points to himself. “That’s this guy right here.”
I touch my mouth back to his. “My guy,” I murmur.
“Your forever guy,” he informs, kissing me again, harder this time.
He strolls slowly next to me as I shuffle along. Heading back to his car, I can see the truth in his eyes. I can also see my future, and it’s never
