Taking her hand in mine, I drag it to my mouth and press a kiss to the center of her palm. “I love you, Teddy. I think I have for a while, sweetheart.” “Xander…” she breathes reverently, her eyes shimmering as she stares up at me. I know she’s not ready to say it back, and that’s okay. As long as she doesn’t push me away. I kiss her palm again, then whisper against her skin, “It’s okay. I just need you to know. I told you I was done fighting this, and I meant it. You and these kids mean the world to me. I don’t want just casual with you. I want everything, beautiful.”
