Libby

I collapse onto my bed and let out a long sigh. I couldn’t have had a better day with Knox at the children’s hospital. I didn’t want to leave. We handed out gifts, ate too much candy and cookies, and Knox sang every Christmas song known to man.

There’s something about making other people feel better that lightens your mood and brightens your day. My problems seem so insignificant. Being there today told me I’m doing the right thing with my life. I want to help every child I can get into a safe and healthy home. If they’re sick, I will be at their side, doing everything in my power to make them feel better.

Knox sits on the edge of my bed with his intense eyes pinned to me.

“What are your intentions with me?” I ask.

What Mia said has been on my mind.

Does Knox have ulterior motives?

He situates himself so that we’re facing each other. “I’m not sure if you want me to be honest with you.”

“I certainly don’t want you to lie to me.”

He clears his throat. “You cage yourself up and lock me out whenever I’m honest with you. You put a restraint against your heart in fear. I don’t want you to pull away.”

I flinch at his response. “I don’t cage myself up,” I rebuttal. “I’m a realist. You can’t blame me for not wanting to live in some fairy tale.”

“If you’re such a realist then be real and follow your heart. Realists don’t run from shit. They face the truth. They face reality. So until you decide to do that, you’re a pessimist.”

I cross my legs and straighten up my back. “Then let’s face the truth. Secret of the day. Tell me what’s on your mind.”

“My intentions are to win you back,” he confesses, no bullshit. “I’m fighting to prove to you that you want it as much as I do. You know I’m in love with you, deeply, madly, and passionately in love with you, and I know you love me. Sometimes it takes longer for your mind to open up and listen to your heart. I understand you want space, but my intentions are to let you have your space but share it with me at the same time. You saw … you felt … how happy we were on tour. We can do that again. We can have a great and happy life together.”

I open my mouth, ready to keep building up those walls, but he stops me. “I’m still telling you my secret,” he goes on. “I’m off tour. You’re close to graduating. Nothing is holding us back, except for you making up your mind on whether you want to live life happy or scared.”

Damn, that was some secret.

There’s no way telling him I’m afraid of the dark will top that.

I rake a hand through my hair. “You’re still going to be traveling,” I start to ramble. “I’ll be focusing on work here. The sun might not come out tomorrow. It’ll never work.” His hand disappears into his pocket, and he pulls out his phone. “What are you doing?”

His lips tilt into a smile. “I’m searching for the exact definition of pessimism.”

I snatch his phone from him. “Funny.”

He blows out a long breath, the smile fading, and something else appears. Determination. “You’re never going to be happy if you’re always thinking about the “what if’s.” What if the world ends tomorrow? What if I get tricked into selling my voice to Ursula and can never sing again?”

I roll my eyes and slap his shoulder. “Oh my God.”

“I’m serious! Do you think it’s smart to quit right now because there’s a chance it can happen? Anything can happen. There’s so much shit that can change our life in a second. If something terrible happens, we deal with it when it happens – together. Adversities are much easier to go through when you have someone at your side.”

“You know it’s hard for me to put myself out there. You know why!”

He places his hand on his chest. “It’s hard for me just as much! But I did it for you.” He scoots in closer and moves his hand to my chest, right over my heart. “I gave you a part of me that you can easily break, but I know I’m in good hands. Do the same for me.”

I’ve been so fearful of him playing games with my heart and hurting me that I never thought that I was the one causing pain for the both of us.

My fear is hurting him.

It’s now or never, Libby.

I can’t continue to live my life afraid of love. I can’t retire my heart when I haven’t even given it a chance to work properly.

I look down at his hand on my chest, my heart pounding against my rib cage right underneath it, and I’m finally connecting with the love I have for him. Love should come first before everything.

“I love you, Libby, more than words can describe. I could write a million songs and it still wouldn’t say enough. I want us to be together. I will do everything in my power to make it work.”

I place my hand over his as tears start to fall from my eyes. “I love you, Knox. You own me – mind, body, and soul, and I will give you my all. Be patient with me, but know that I’ll be here. There’s no more leaving, no more turning my back.”

“That’s all I’m asking for – for you to give me you.” He pulls my hand from his and brings it to his lips. “Now let’s go furniture shopping for our new house.”

“What?” I stutter out.

“You heard me. I put in an offer on the house, and they accepted it. You’re moving in, and babe, you better listen when I say it will not be in the guest house.”

I giggle as he helps me up and drags me into his arms.

My heart feels full.

He pulls away when his phone beeps and reads the text on the screen. I notice his hands start to shake.

“What is it?” I ask.

He swallows a few times before answering. “They found my guitar.”

I suck in a breath and cover my mouth. I’ve been looking everywhere for it, and I’m so glad he’s going to get it back. “Thank God. I’m so happy, you have no idea.”

“Two things I love have been brought back to me today. This is the best day of my life.”