Colin’s simple declaration, uttered softly in the quiet of night, isn’t one for the storybooks or the silver screen, but I wouldn’t rewrite it for the world. Because he’s the one who spoke it.

I love you. I used to go out of my way to avoid saying that. I’d make excuses, I’d change the subject, I’d do anything to spare myself from having to speak those words. Now they seem to be the only words I’m sure of. The only ones that make any sense to me. And no matter how many times I tell you, I don’t think it will ever be enough.

You’re officially twenty-one," Sam observes. "I won’t be twenty-one for another few months. That makes you older than me.”“Yes. Birthdays are tricky that way,” I reply, wondering where he’s going with this. “Melissa Parker, you’re a cougar!” Sam exclaims, sounding absolutely giddy.I can feel my jaw drop.“I am not!” “You’re an older woman dating a younger man. That is the definition of a cougar!” “No, it is not!” “It is. Look it up.