Chapter 94: Confessions

I stood frozen on the spot as Tyler took a step toward me, his confession hanging in the air between us.

A whirlwind of emotions swirled within me. Fear... Hope... Relief... Understanding...

"You don't have to say it back if you aren't ready," he said, brushing a loose strand of hair away from my face. "There's no rush."

He didn't look upset or disappointed, rather he wore a thoughtful smile.

His patience only deepened the feelings I knew I already felt. This was right. We were right.

Of course, his parents couldn't see it, but who could blame them? It was like trying to describe the color blue to someone who was blind. They wouldn't get it. They couldn't.

"I love you too," I whispered, the words radiating warmth through my chest as I looked into his eyes.

I knew I meant it, which was kind of scary. It felt like I was exposing myself to him, laying bare all my vulnerabilities and hoping he wouldn't use them against me at some point in the future. But I trusted him.

His