This Is Not How It Ends

by Rochelle B. Weinstein

going

“Oh God, Charlotte.” His hands came up to hide his face. “It’s okay,”

“I couldn’t say it back,” he said, “because I think I’ve fallen in love with you.”

“Listen to me, Charlotte. I want you. All of you. I never

thought I’d have another chance. Never thought I’d feel anything like this again. I’ll be here for you. I’ll give you that family you want. I’ll fill you up with so many babies, you’ll never be alone.”

you, Charlotte, you made me feel again.” His voice cracked. “After Sari, I didn’t think it was possible. Love doesn’t give us many chances. It’s fate and we have to take it while we can.

“I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you,”

“If I touch you, Charley, it won’t be a single kiss. I’m going to do to you the things I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”

“He sat there all night. I’m not sure who he loves more. You or Philip.”

“I want to make you breakfast in bed. I want to watch you fall asleep at night, and the hours in between . . .”—he slid his hand