If It Makes You Happy

by Julie Olivia

Copper Run is an idyllic town. The autumn leaves and cozy fall festival were perfect. New management was fine.

LOL

“I love that you roll your eyes when I make stupid jokes. I love that you argue with your dog when you think nobody’s watching. I love that you have coffee at night and that you don’t dress up for Halloween. And I love how great you are with my girls. I told myself I would never ask someone to stay with me again. But I love you. And that’s gotta mean something, right?”

“You love me?” And there’s relief, sadness, then disbelief. I smile even wider. “I love you, Cliff.” He exhales, his face going slack as he cups my jaw. “Oh, thank God.”

“I love you—you know that?” “You can tell me every minute of my life.”