Page 94 of I Really Do

“And for the record, I very much want this to be real,” Anna added.“In case that wasn’t clear.”

Brooke’s heart stuttered.“I’m sorry I read the texts,” Brooke said, afraid to acknowledge Anna’s words.

Anna shrugged.“It happens. It was scrolling across my lock screen. If you handed me your phone and some woman’s name appeared with a heart emoji and messages like that, I’d have a lot of questions, too.”

They stood there, the truth finally hovering between them, not knowing what move to make next. Brooke’s mind played Anna’s words on a loop: I want this to be real.“Did you mean it?” Brooke asked, gently. Afraid for her own sake that Anna would have changed her mind in the past three seconds.

“Did I mean what?” Anna asked, in return as she stepped directly in front of Brooke, her heels almost making up for the height difference.

Brooke swallowed the last trace of a lump in her throat.“That you want this to be real?”

Anna fought a smile and nodded a small, confident, yes.“Since you first walked into my restaurant.”

Brooke's eyes widened, but she pressed on.“Okay, well that’s good.”

“Yeah?” Anna said, her smile lighting up the night.

Brooke nodded, caught on her own words.

Anna let out the happiest giggle.“You’re supposed to confess your feelings back, Honey-B.” She wrapped her arms around Brooke's neck.

“Oh, right.” Brooke blushed, but she urged herself forward.“I fell in love with you quite some time ago. I’m sorry I’ve been afraid to say it.”

Anna’s eyes watered as she pulled Brooke in for the kind of kiss that songs get written about. The salt of a few emotionally charged tears mixed with the taste of their kiss. When they broke apart, Brooke thumbed under Anna’s eyes gently, correcting the smudge of her eyeliner in one steady swipe.

“I love you, too,” Anna whispered, offering Brooke the same kindness of makeup correction.

Brooke felt her smile spreading outwards from her heart.“Yeah?”

“I really do,” Anna nodded, her smile filled with relief.“Remind me to tell you about my shopping trip with your friends some time.”

“They know?” Brooke asked, her eyes filled with surprise.

“Oh, Honey, everyone knows.”

“I’m really sorry I read the messages,” Brooke said feeling incredibly silly.“I should have just spoken with you about all of this a long time ago.”

Anna leaned forward and gently kissed Brooke's lips.“We’re talking now,” she whispered.

Brooke nodded before stealing another kiss.“I should have done this a year ago.”

“We probably weren’t ready.”

“Are you ready now?” Brooke asked, pulling back to search Anna’s eyes.

“I really think so.”

Brooke couldn’t stop the goofy, massive smile that spread across her lips.“Me too.”

“I love you, Brooke Kent.” Anna’s facial expression was so soft, so pure.

“I love you, too, Anna Fourchette.”

Anna bit her bottom lip, her eyes slowly drifting back over to the party tent.“How much longer do you think we have to stay before we’re allowed to excuse ourselves back to Nate and Mel’s?”

Brooke looked at her watch. Time had thankfully crept along. It was just past nine now.“I think we just have to manage about an hour more.”

Anna let out an adorable little sigh.“One more very serious question.”