Page 193 of Should the Sky Fall

“Why?”

“Because you just about killed me with words. Others should have the same honor.”

“No,” Cal says, smiling. “No, those were just for you.”

Dawson wiggles closer until they’re flush, needing to be completely surrounded by Cal. He can’t suppress the sigh of pleasure when Cal wraps him in his arms.

“You said you wished things didn't happen the way they did,” he whispers into Cal’s neck, lifting his head so Cal can see the sincerity in his eyes. “I'm glad they did. I wouldn't change the past. Not a single thing. All that pain was worth it because it led me to you. Or you to me. I could never regret that. I'd do it all over again if it meant I get to love you. Have a life with you.”

Cal’s Adam’s apple bobs. “I just…” He clears his throat. “If I'd found you sooner—”

“I might not have been ready. Things happened the way they had to happen. I had to know what love isn't to learn what it is.”

A ragged exhale escapes Cal’s lips. “And what is it?”

“It's this.” He takes Cal’s hand, bringing it into the space between them and over his heart. “It's us.”

Chapter 34

“Whyareyoulookingat me like that?” Dawson asks, his hackles up. That all-knowing look always puts him on edge.

Ash grins, lifting a shoulder. “I’m just waiting for you to say what you’ve been psyching yourself up about.”

Smartass.

Dawson crosses his arms over his chest. “Does this thing you and Gabe have run in the family?” At least, Gabe isn’t obnoxious with his, uh, gift.

“Interestingly enough, it appears to be contained to the male side of the family,” Ash admits, but doesn’t elaborate further.

So. Obnoxious.

Dawson caves. “So, what is it that you can do?”

“Read people really well.”

“Clearly.” Dawson sighs, getting to the point since Ash is being mysterious and shit. “I think it’d be best if this was our last session.”

It’s been over a week since Cal’s big identity reveal—or more precisely, since Dawson had come to terms with it—and also the first session with Ash since then.

And…yeah, it feels a little weird. How is he supposed to dive deep and talk about hisfeelingswhen the fact that his fiancé is an out-of-this-world entity hangs over his head? It feels so petty. Unimportant.

Ash has been incredibly helpful—and annoying—during the last couple of months, but after everything Dawson’s learned lately, Ash doesn’t feel like his therapist anymore, and Dawson doesn’t feel like his patient.

“Agreed,” Ash says without missing a beat.

“Yeah?”

“Oh yeah. It’s time. We’ve finally figured out what's wrong with you. Nothing, surprisingly.” He winks when Dawson rolls his eyes. “Also, and I’m speaking only for myself, I’d like us to be friends.”

Dawson quickly hides a smile. He was hoping they could be friends. Ash is like an annoying older brother to him.

“Not sure about that. You’re kind of a dick.”

Ash makes a thoughtful face. “I can’t deny that.”

“Good.” He lets the smile slip out this time. “I’d like to be friends. Let’s do a trial period of three months.”

“Three months, huh?” Ash pretends to consider it. “I better be on my best behavior during that time.”