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"I don't want to tell you that. I want to believe it. But I'm scared. I usually push people away long before I feel like this."
He smiled into her eyes. "So do I. And maybe that's why I didn’t call you."
"And maybe that's why I didn't say good-bye."
Her eyes grew a little misty, and his heart squeezed tight with emotion. "We can be scared together," he said.
"You're not afraid of anything, Flynn."
"I wish that were true, but I've kept my heart under wraps for a long time. I don't want to do that anymore. I don't want to screw up the best thing that's ever happened to me. I don't care if it's fast or it's crazy; I just know it's right. We can slow down. We can try to be rational, but we're going to get to the same place. I know it. I have no doubts." He realized how true his words were as he finally said them out loud.
"You're being so sweet. You're going to make me cry."
"I want to make you happy. I want to take some of the weight off your shoulders. You will never have to choose between your mother and me. I'll be right there with you, whatever happens, whatever you need."
"It can be a lot, Flynn. She's doing great now, but who knows how long that will last? She might have to live with me."
"Then she can live with us. I know better than anyone how important family is. I respect your fight, your loyalty. You have a tremendously big heart, Callie Harper, and if you're willing to give me even a piece of it, I would be forever happy."
"Oh, my God, that's the most incredible thing anyone has ever said to me."
"I meant every word. I want to be the person in your life you can count on, the one who'll hold you up when you feel like you can't stand. I want to share everything, the good, the bad, and the boring."
She gave him a sweet smile. "I want that, too, Flynn. I love the way you protect me, fight for me, stand by me. I also love the way you take care of your friends, how your team is your family. And I love that you could forgive your father enough to save my life."
"Forgive might be a big word, but I've let go of some of my anger toward him. I believe I can finally move on in my life."
"Will your dad go free? Did you get into trouble? I've been wanting to ask you so many things."
"I'll fill you in on everything. Bottom line, my dad is still a free man and the bureau is happy that we solved several murders, including Arthur's, so we're good."
"I'm so glad you didn't have to lose your job for him. That would have been too much."
"No. Because he helped me save you, and that's the only thing that mattered then and now."
"Do you really think we can make this work, Flynn?"
He smiled. "We are two of the most stubborn and determined people I know."
"Well, that's true," she said with a laugh.
"Then I have something important to ask you."
"What's that?" she asked, a breathless note in her voice.
"Will you go on a date with me?"
Her eyes filled with happiness. "I will. But not tonight. Tonight, I just want to be with you and only you."
"That sounds perfect," he said, feeling an overwhelming rush of love. "Can we start now?"
She tightened her arms around his neck and looked deep into his eyes. "I think we've already started."
"I agree. Let's keep it going."
"Forever," she murmured. "I've always been afraid of that word, but now I like it."
"I like it, too, as long as forever includes you."
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