The Two of Us

by Taylor Torres

“Always.” He pushes the hair from my face. “I’ve loved you since the day you knocked on my front door with that godforsaken cat in your arms.” I choke out a warbled laugh and his voice becomes rough with emotion. “I’ve loved you since that kiss outside of Old Maple and I’ve loved you since we both lost the person we loved the most. I loved you then and I love you now. And if you’ll have me… I’ll love you until my last breath.” My tears fall freely now. “You’re the love of my life, Mara, but you’re my best friend too. I like you as much as I love you. I could have a million lifetimes with you and it still wouldn’t be enough. So, take your time.” “I—” “Don’t say it.” My face falls. “What? Why not?” “Because when you say those three words,” he says, dragging his thumb across my bottom lip, “I want to see our future in your eyes. Not our past.”