“What if I told you I love you? That I’ve always loved you, that I never stopped loving you…that no matter what happens here, I’ll always be waiting, unable to love anyone else? What if I admit you’ve captured and enslaved me, and I’m helplessly yours, and even if you choose not to stay, I’ll be happy, grateful, delirious even, if you consider forgiving me for my rudeness, resentment, anger…enough to bear my presence in your life…as anything you want…Your companion, friend, lover, your willing slave?
She chuckles, and it lights up her face. “Aidan…I…”
“I love you,” I say again, letting her see the truth on my face.
Always, Liz.
Her eyes close, and when she opens them and looks at me again, the whole room disappears and it’s just me and her. She rises from her seat and rounds the table, stepping down from the raised area and approaching me. I go to meet her, closing the distance in a few strides. In the background, I can hear the clamor. I can hear her manager making an announcement, but I don’t hear the words.
I only have eyes for Liz. When I’m right in front of her, I stop walking and reach for her. She turns up her gaze to mine, and there’s a small smile on her lips.
“What took you so long, Aidan?”
I release a breath, weak with relief, weak with the realization that everything has changed.
“I have no idea.”
She sighs. “Say it again.”
I don’t hesitate. “I love you.”
“And I love you, Aidan. Always.”
I cup her face in my hands and claim her lips in a tender kiss.
Mine.
Always and Forever.
Epilogue
Liz
Five years later…
“Cut.”
I turn a glance toward the director’s chair, and he grins at me, clasping his hands together in unconcealed ecstasy. “That’s it, folks.”
I let out a tired sigh. “Thank God!”
“It’s your last scene, right?”
“Yup.” My co-star is one of the newest screen gods stealing hearts from the UK to Australia. His British accent is crisp and delightful. The women on the set can’t seem to get enough of it.
“You want to hang out tonight? Get a drink, celebrate?”
I shake my head. “I’ll be celebrating,” I tell him, grinning. Just not with him.
Outside, the air is sharp and cold. Around us, the Swiss countryside is different shades of green, and in the distance, the blue of far-off mountain ranges are topped with white, like the mountains in a Christmas card. I take a deep breath, then head for my trailer, pulling my phone out of my jacket pocket at the same time.
The last message from Aidan is from about an hour ago.
Plane landed. Heading to you. I have a surprise.
What surprise? My heart is skipping as I type a quick reply.
Where are you?