Page 54 of The Way Home

Riley held his hand on my cheek and smiled so beautifully. “I said yes.”

“Yes?” I asked, trying to make sure I wasn’t getting ahead of myself.

“Yes, Jem, I’m going to marry you.”

That was it, the final blow. My heart exploded, and I lunged forward, kissing him and pouring everything into him. Riley clung to me, and I felt his love flowing out of him. Every moment we spent together, the longing of years spent apart, the past, the present, the future. The tears that had been building streamed down my face, but I didn’t care, I was too happy.

When I pulled back, I looked at him through blurry eyes. “I’m sorry this wasn’t as romantic as I wanted it to be, but I love you bigger than I did back then, and I promise I will always love you, bigger and bigger every day.”

Riley drew me into his arms, my head nuzzled against his cheek. “Pizza or monument, it doesn’t matter. It was perfect, because it’s you—it’s us. I love you bigger, too, Jem. More than I could have ever imagined or dared to hope for. For so long, I didn’t think I was strong enough, but you gave me strength, and showed me this was worth fighting for. I promise I will fight for us for the rest of our lives, because it’s worth it.You’reworth it.”

I lifted my head to look at him. “We’ll do it together.”

“Together. Always.”