“I love you, and I’m not going to stop.” “I want to say it.” She digs her fingernails into my back. “But every time I try, the words fall apart.” My heart thuds. I do want her to say it. I want her to say it more than I’ve ever wanted anything. But she just gave me a huge piece of herself, and I can’t push. I need to trust that it’s coming, however terrifying it is to wait. “You take your time,” I murmur. “I’ll be right here.”
