A Very Merry Mistake

by Lyra Parish

I’ve learned that in life, you get what you give. So I’d rather put more good in the world than not.

What if I said I like to snuggle and I can’t control where my hands go?” “Tell me, is that a promise, darlin’?”

“You deserve better than that. Someone who will commit to you, who wants to make you happy.”

“You aren’t the problem. You just weren’t the priority. That changes now.”

“That pride of yours is going to be your downfall, CeCe. If you ever need me, I’m there for you. If there’s a problem, we can solve it together.”

“You’re worthy of love, CeCe. And the sooner you accept that the quicker you’ll stop dating assholes who don’t worship the ground you walk on.”

Some people aren’t replaceable. My mother wasn’t.

that’s always the case when you’re around. You’re happiness, Claire.”

“Your boundaries matter. You matter.”

Is the risk of potentially being loved and loving in return worth losing it all?

“What if this doesn’t work out how you hope?” she asks. I shrug. “What if it does? Sometimes, the risk is worth the reward. Jake is worth it, Emma. I’m tired of good guys not winning. That’s changing if I have any say in the matter.” “You like this man, don’t you?” I meet her eyes. “I more than like him. And I’ll do whatever I can to right my wrongs.”

I’ll never force myself on a man who doesn’t want me.

I can’t put a price on what I experienced with you.”

The thought of losing you forever nearly destroyed me.”

In a crowd of people, all I see is her, the love of my life.