“I love you,” he said. “I just wanted to say that. Before I left.” Kip’s jaw hit the floor. “I don’t expect you to, y’know, say it too or anything. I know it’s probably a ridiculous thing to say or feel right now, but I am in love with you. And I wanted you to know that.” The tears that had been prickling were now flooding Kip’s eyes. He was no longer embarrassed about them.
