Maybe Meant to Be

by K.L. Walther

Happy reading!

Books. Change. Lives.

“Rapunzel is indeed a princess, but”—he looked up from his phone and caught my eye—“she is not Prince Charming’s love interest.”

All around me there were stars, but I didn’t think half of them could be seen by anyone else.

And I haven’t been that happy in a long time.

“Luke.” She gently shook him. “Time to wake up.” “Mmm,” I heard him mumble. “Pass.”

Me too.

Love, I realized. Love, but a love I wasn’t sure I was ready for. A love that scared me right now.

“It hurts,” he translated, and hugged me again before adding, “But things will get better. Things will be good again.”

You’re the love of my life… I’ve known it for a while now. More than anything, I want to marry you someday. I want us to play street hockey with our kids in the driveway and teach them to bike mountain trails. I want to be that old couple who wins every bocce ball match at our Florida condo complex. And that’s why I can’t be your girlfriend right now. We’re too young for it all to begin.

“You’re absolutely perfect, and I love you so much. I love you more than anyone else in the entire world. No matter what, I will always love you, and I want you to be happy.”

Time to resume my reading.

“You know I’m here,” he whispered. “I’m always here if you can’t be.”

Luke is such a nice friend 🥹

Was it really worth it? Pretending it wasn’t real?

“You’re the best, Sage,” he whispered in my ear. “The best.” No, I’m not, I thought as I wiped my runny nose on his coat. But I’m trying.

“You’re perfect, Charlie,” I whispered, feeling him quake with nerves. “Absolutely perfect, and I love you. Always.”

These people are the best friends you could wish for. This is how all friends should be.

“Thank you for telling me,” he whispered after we said good night. “You’re welcome,” I whispered back. “I’m happy for you,” he added. “You know, happy about you and him.” I smiled to myself. “Thanks.”

I laughed. “You’re a wonderful brother.”

He is

“Being a Ravenclaw and all.”

🙌

“Both Weasley twins are Gryffindors, remember?”

Bro no 😭 Who’s Fred supposed to be 😭😭

“No.” I shook my head, chest aching. “Just self-diagnosed separation issues.” “Well, that works out.” He smirked, and something in me burst when he winked. “Because so do I.”

My heart dropped about ten million stories. “Charlie, where’s Luke?” More uneven breathing and hiccups, and then, “Just please come.” “I will.” I nodded quickly. “Where are you?” “My room.” “Okay, I’m on my way. Calm down. I’m coming as fast as I can.”

🥺🥺🥺

So maybe because I knew he was still asleep, or maybe because I was aching for him, I texted Luke: I’m not as strong as you. Ten seconds after I hit send, my phone buzzed: Yes, you are.

These kids are so friken sweet I love them 🥺🥺

“You know, Sage,” he said. “I’ve discovered something.” “Oh yeah?” I turned to look at him, an eyebrow raised. “What’s that?” Then Luke Morrissey smirked at me, and in that deadpan delivery of his, said: “We have terrible taste in boyfriends.”

😂😂🤣