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I didn't move.

"And then I realized that if I got on that plane, I'd regret it for the rest of my life."

My heart gave one hard, painful thump. "Mikayla⁠—"

"Please. Let me get this out before I lose my nerve."

I shut my mouth.

She took a breath. "The past week has been miserable. Seeing you around and having you barely look at me. No flirting. No teasing. No ridiculous comments about my ass."

"For the record, it's a fantastic ass."

Her lips twitched. God, I'd missed that smile.

"I know. You've mentioned it a few times."

"Seemed important."

"It was." Her expression softened. "All of it was."

I swallowed. "I’m sorry. I couldn’t be around you. it was too⁠—"

"No." She shook her head. "You have absolutely nothing to apologize for. You gave me everything, Damon. And I kept finding reasons not to take it." She stepped closer. "I was scared."

"I know."

"No, I mean really scared. Because I've spent my whole life believing that if I didn't need anyone, no one could hurt me."

Her eyes filled.

"And then you came along, with your stupid dimples and your ridiculous confidence and your complete inability to leave me alone."

"Charming qualities."

"Infuriating qualities."

I smiled.

She took another step. "But somewhere along the way, this place became the only place I could breathe. The only time I've ever felt real peace was here. At this ranch. With you."

I forgot how to breathe myself.

"I love you, Damon."

Everything inside me stopped. The world. My heart. Possibly the rotation of the earth.

"I'm not sure when it happened," she whispered. "But it did. And it scares the hell out of me." A tear slipped down her cheek. She wiped it away. "But I'm not going to let that stop me anymore."

I crossed the room. Stopped inches from her.

She looked up at me. "So, if you're still up for it, I'd really like to try being with you."

I laughed. Couldn't help it. The sound came out half broken. "Baby, I've been up for it for two years."

She smiled as tears fell down her face.

"And I’ll do whatever it takes," I added quickly. "The distance. We can switch off flying. I'll come to you, you come here. And if things work out, I'll move. I can talk to my mom and brothers about⁠—"