Abby Jimenez

He pulled me in, thumbing tears off my face. “Kristen, I need you to know that if none of these options were available to us, I would still want you. I want you no matter what. I want you first before I want anything else.” His face was earnest and steady. “I have no chance of happiness if I can’t have you. None.”

He caressed my cheek. “You know you’re the best thing to ever happen to me, right?” His eyes blazed with emotion. “I love you, Kristen. You are the one great love of my life.”

His words gripped my heart. “I love you too, Joshua. Forever.”

“Are you sure you’re not hitting on me?”

She set down napkins and silverware.

And you’re all brooding and aloof.

I’m officially done dating for the foreseeable future.”

Having something to look forward to is tantamount to happiness.”

Even if you have no money or time or the weather is bad, you can still live an exciting life if you try.”

Or poke around in all its nooks and crannies.”

Why are you so chiseled?”