Aria pov
"Thank you for the ride," I said as we pulled into the circular driveway.
"Aria, wait."
I paused, my hand on the door handle.
"I meant what I said at the press conference." He turned to face me fully. "Every word. And I know actions matter more than words, so I'm going to prove it. Every single day, I'm going to prove that I've changed. That I'm worthy of you."
"And if you never become worthy?" I asked. "If I never forgive you? What then?"
"Then I'll spend my life loving you anyway." His eyes held mine. "Even if it's from a distance. Even if all I ever get is being Noah's father and watching you be happy with someone else. Because loving you isn't conditional on you loving me back."
The sincerity in his voice undid me completely.
Before I could think better of it, I leaned across the console and kissed him.
It was brief, barely a brush of lips. But it held years of pain and longing and confusion. When I pulled back, his eyes were wide with shock.
