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One month later

April 10th

I hope you know how much I love you, not by the hundreds of times I tell you a day, but by my actions. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me another chance. I will be forever grateful for that and for you.

Also, thank you for loving our sister (that’s still a little weird to say sometimes) the way you do. I truly believe this past year, you didn’t only save me, but you saved her too. She looks up to you and loves you so much.

You are my family, my best friend, my home, my treasure, and the love of my life.

You are also sexy as hell. Just wanted to make sure you knew that.

PS: Are we signing this lease today or what?

I’ll pick you up in a few hours. Here’s a Diet Coke to start your morning.

I’m convinced there’s nothing sweeter in this world than being loved by Nathan Outlaw.

On the mornings Nate and I don’t spend the night together, I live for his early deliveries.

I look around at the dogwood trees in full bloom. It’s hard to believe we’re finishing up the end of our junior year of college. There’s an excitement in the air that’s different from the past few springs I’ve lived here. I know a lot of it has to do with the joy Nate brings to my life.

We’re currently about to head to the airport for our flight to St. Louis to see Mav and Cash play in the frozen four. Then later this month, we’ll watch as one of our best friends gets drafted to the NFL. And by the summer, we’ll be moving our sister here to Mountain Ridge, and Nate will be preparing for another season of football.

He and Nola are gearing up for the NCAA championship after they lost out in the second round this past year. They also have ‘beating East Carolina for a second time to break the tie’ at the top of their manifestation board that Willow made them.

Thanks to Brian, we have everyone manifesting all the things. Just last week, I learned that one of my big ones came true. I’m starting an internship that Tiffany helped me land at the kids’ school as a part-time assistant to some of the early education teachers.

Movement out of the corner of my eye draws me away from the dogwood tree to the sexy quarterback heading my way. And in that moment, I can honestly say, the thing I’m most excited about is dangling in between Nate’s fingers.

A huge smile takes over my face when I see his free hand is holding up a half heart, like he does when he’s on the field. I lift my hand, mimicking his as I always do, but this time, there’s no jumbotron to capture the gesture, and even though I love being able to watch our moments on replay, this one feels even more special.

“Got ’em,” he says, hopping into the truck and tossing me the keys before he pecks my lips.

We were so excited when we signed the lease, talking the realtor’s ears off, we walked right out and forgot to get the keys to our new place.

“I still can’t believe I talked you into moving in with me.” He wiggles in his seat before reaching across to hold my hand.

“My besties kinda helped you out with that plan,” I tease.

Which is true. I would have never initiated us girls not living together senior year, but that doesn’t mean I’m not beyond excited to have a place of my own with Nate.

“True, but I promise there are lots of benefits to living with me.” He waggles his eyebrows.

“Oh, I know, that’s why I agreed to it,” I deadpan.

He chuckles, and I feel it in my very soul.

I squeeze his hand. “But I do have one nonsexual requirement?”

“What is it, BB?

“I still expect letters and snacks waiting on me every now and again.”

“That was always on the table. I won’t stop doing that until I can’t walk anymore, and by then, hopefully, we’ll have a couple kids I can make do it.”

“Aw, you planning our future already, babe?”

He raises our clasped hands and kisses the back of mine. “BB, since the moment I had you back in my arms, I knew I was never letting you go. You’re my future.”

And just like every other time this gorgeous man speaks to me like this, my heart soars. I love him with everything that I am and can’t wait to face the days to come with him by my side