Make It Sweet

by Kristen Callihan

“Just remember, it doesn’t matter how far you go; you’ll always be where your heart is.”

Damn it, I wasn’t supposed to miss a man I hardly knew. But I did know him. Not in length of time but in depth of character.

“I came to ask if you would consider being with me. For however long we have. Just be with me.”

“This is how I see you sometimes,” he said in a low voice, eyes on the gâteau. “Beautiful and rare, something not to be contained but treasured.”

“This is going to be a thing with you, isn’t it? Feeding me, I mean.” His gaze went to my mouth. “Yes. I’m trying not to break down the reasons why. Only that it pleases me.”

“You have no idea how much it turns me on that you can skate.”

“That woman did not deserve you.” Light filled his eyes with a quiet happiness. “We were poorly suited. I was meant for you.”

“Hell, Em. I don’t think I’ll ever not want you.”

“God, Em, you look . . .” “What?” I rasped, my heart thudding against the fragile wall of my chest. “Happy,” he said, his own smile blooming. “You look so happy.” “Because I am.” I stared right back at him. “Because of you.” Lucian swallowed hard, his throat working. “I make you happy?” “Of course you do.”

“Everything was dark and empty until you came. No flavor. No joy.” He shuddered, resting his forehead against mine. “I’m just really glad I make you happy.”

“I don’t know what I did to deserve you, Em. But I swear I’ll do my damned best to make sure I earn the right to keep you.”

Emma was in my arms, and all was right with the world. I couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment that became my truth; maybe it had been from the moment we met. From the first, she made me smile, threw sunshine and air into my dark, closed-up world.

“Em. It’s never been like this,” I whispered. “Never like this.”

You don’t have to hurt. But who would I be? You’d be hers. You’d be free. You’d be happy.

EmmaMine:

I never told you how cared for I felt when eating your creations. How alive I felt. You woke me up, Lucian. Made me see that life was in the moment, not some distant dream.

“I realized I never told you . . .” “What?” I whispered, my breath coming short. “I love you.”

“I’m Lucian, Brick, honey pie, the man who loves Emma, Snoopy, honeybee with all his heart. And I’m not going back. I’m staying right here.”

“I want to go to bed with you and wake up to you. To talk to you every day about everything and nothing. I want to bake in that kitchen, make you tempting treats, and watch your pretty face light up when you taste them.”

“I want to be the pastry chef at Delilah’s restaurant or have a place of my own. Travel the world with you. To tell you how much I love you every fucking day of my life. I want . . . I want to come home, Em.”

Come home 😭😭😭😭😭

“I left you, Emma, without saying that you are everything to me. And I’ll be sorry for that until my dying day—” “Don’t be. You came back.” “I had to. You’re my heart and soul.” His lips touched my cheek. “I’m not lost anymore, Em. You found me, and I’m never letting go.”