What is She flipped through a few pages, looked up into his eyes. Is this? My journal, he said, reaching out to glide a knuckle down her cheek. Her skin was so damn soft. She was a contradiction in terms to him, and one that he found endlessly fascinating: a woman with the inner strength to rival any Spec Ops member hed ever known, yet she had such a kind, soft heart beneath that hard-won armor. Resilient. Independent yet willing to compromise. Formidable in her confidence and strength of will, yet gentle and loving. He loved her so hard it hurt. I bought it the night after you stayed at my place, he continued. I knew if I was going to have a real shot with you going forward then I needed to get my shit together once and for all. You said the writing thing really helped you so I called my counselor and talked to her about it. She thought it would be good for me too. So I wrote in it every day since. Ive been working hard at it. Taya leafed through the pages until she came to the end and looked back up into his eyes. Its full. Yeah. Guess I had a lot to say. The tenderness in her eyes slayed him. Nathan, Im so proud of you. Her pride in him made him feel twenty feet tall. He let out a relieved breath. I want to read it to you. Thats my next step, if youre okay with it. Of course its okay. Id love for you to read it to me, as long as you feel comfortable doing it. Thats the thing, I am. And I wouldnt be with anyone else except you. You make me feelwhole. He didnt know how else to say it, how else to explain himself, except he needed her to know he was trying like hell to deal with his issues. I know Ive got a long way to go before I get to the same place youre at, but Im willing to put in the work to get there. I feel safe with you and Im ready to move forward, let go of all the stuff that happened before. Like you said, Im doing it for me. Im sick of my past having any kind of hold over me. So Im going to do whatever it takes to make peace with it. Her answering smile lit up her whole face, made her gray eyes sparkle like gems. Then Ill gladly listen to whatever you want to say. Warmth kindled in his chest. She did that; warmed him from the inside out, just by being her. Good, because I love you. She froze, her eyes widening slightly. He nodded, laughed at her shocked expression. Yep, I love you. Thats what I came here to say. I love you and Im a better man because of it, but not as good a man as Ill be down the road if you stand by me. Her eyes filled with tears and she flung her arms around him. I love you too, she blurted out against his neck. So, so much. And of course Ill stand by you. Nate felt like his heart might burst. He hugged her hard. Would you move to Virginia with me? When your dads strong enough. I know you need to be here for a while longer, but after that, I want you in my bed every night so I can wake up beside you each morning. She gave a soggy laugh, her face still buried in his neck. There you go again with the romance. Oh, baby, have I got plans for you. He stroked a hand over her back, fascinated by the combination of softness and strength that was uniquely her. Then his stomach rumbled, making her smile. He was starving, hadnt eaten since lunchtime. Hey, you wouldnt happen to have any bacon in the house, would you? Because Id kill for a BLT right now.