sniffing around our ankles, and Jason laughs softly. “Four of us, actually.”
Princess woofs softly, maybe realizing that we’re being quiet for a reason, and sniffs her way out of the room, unconcerned with what we’re chatting about. Princess is a lovely dog, and I’m so glad that she’s gentle with Sophie. Jason’s house is also lovely. It’s obviously grand compared to my old apartment, but it’s homey and surrounded by nature.
“Come on, let’s go to bed,” I say, stepping out of his hold with a teasing smile. “It’s a little early, but you’ve got bags that are as black as night under your eyes. You need sleep.”
“Actually, food first,” Jason says. His stomach rumbles as if in agreement, making us both grin. “Then bed.”
“Fair enough,” I agree. “Come on.”
We leave Sophie’s room after I make sure the baby monitor is definitely on and head downstairs. I made some simple steak sandwiches for dinner, so there are some in the oven for Jason. When I present them to him, his eyes light up like they’re the best damn thing he’s ever tasted.
“Wow, thank you,” he says, grabbing the sandwich. “I didn’t eat much today.”
“You haven’t eaten much lately at all,” I say wryly. “I’m not surprised you’re hungry.”
Jason grins at me and polishes the sandwich off quickly. When he’s done, he sits back in his chair with a sigh of pleasure.
“Thank you,” he says, looking over at me with a soft smile.
He sits up and leans in. My eyes flutter closed, already anticipating the way his lips softly touch mine.
“I love you,” he whispers.
I feel a burst of happiness in my chest like I do every time I hear those words. Jason makes sure to tell me every day that he loves me. He claims it’s because he doesn’t want me to forget how much I mean to him. However, he didn’t want me to say it in return until I’m ready.
I smile at him. I’ve had nine long months to think about this.
“I love you, too.”
The words are out of my mouth before I can overthink them, and I feel peaceful now that they’ve been said. Jason’s eyes widen slowly as he realizes what I just said.
“Opal…” he breathes.
He shakes his head, apparently at a loss for words. Then he surges forward and kisses me, this time more deeply. I respond eagerly to it, smiling against his lips. I had anticipated this reaction. I knew he would be happy, and I’ve chosen just the right moment to say the words.
Maybe it isn’t a big fanfare like Jason has given me over the last year, but does it matter? All that matters now is the fact that I love him and he loves me in return.
And now that I’ve said the words aloud, we’re finally on the same page.
“Fuck, Opal,” Jason says as we pull away. His eyes are shining. He’s so happy. “I can't… I love you so much. I hope you know that.”
“I do,” I say with a soft smile. “And never doubt that I love you, too.”
The words come easier the second time around. I don’t doubt my feelings at all. This has been a very long time coming. From college enemies to reluctant co-workers to romantic partners. My heart is so full it might burst.
“I won’t,” Jason says, leaning his forehead against mine. “Even if you never said it…it wouldn’t matter. This is it for me, Opal. You and Sophie, you’re my family. The two of you are my entire life, almost. I want to make things better for you. I want to watch Sophie grow up. I love her. And I love you.”
Now that he’s been given a blanket position to say it as many times he can, I’m not surprised at his words. I smile.
“The two of you are mine, too,” I admit softly.
I’ve thought of nothing else but Jason and Sophie for months. Now that I have them both in my life, I honestly couldn’t be any happier. All I want is to keep them both safe and happy. I will do whatever I can to support Jason as much as he’s been supporting me.
I think of our daughter sleeping upstairs. Our daughter. This is my family now. No matter what happens next in my life, I’ll always be able to look back at moments like these. Maybe, one day, Jason and I will get married. And Sophie will grow up. And…
I shake my head slightly, bemused. No more fortune-telling now. All that matters