estures or over-the-top displays of affection; the simple moments they shared meant the most-quiet dinners, lazy Sunday mornings, and late-night talks that stretched into the earl

ties of building a relationship after heartbreak. Though she and Adam were growing closer, there were sti

entioned long-term plans. Claire was hesitant to let herself think too far ahead. What if things didn't work

s couch after a long day, Adam brought up

eat. "There's this cabin up in the mountains. My family used to go there when I was a kid, and it's be

o of them-it was a step forward, an indication that Adam saw their relationship as something serious, something with potential. And while part of her

ire said slowly, forcing a sm

ightly. "Next month, maybe? But if it's too soon o

eyes. He was giving her space, but she knew that if she kept holding back, it might eventual

ident now. "It sounds perfect. I think I just... I get nervo

t. You don't have to explain, Claire. I want you to feel c

past with James dictate her present with Adam. If she wanted this relationship to thrive, she had to let go o

-

he route they would take to the meals they would cook together once they arrived. The idea of being tucked away in the mountains, surrounded by nature and

crisper the higher they climbed. Adam had his hand on the wheel, humming along to the music playing softly from the radio, while Claire sat beside

in the heart of the woods. It had a small porch that overlooked a shimmering lake, and inside, the space was

on the porch and breathing in the fresh mo

om behind. "I thought you'd like it. It's always been my favo

dy and the steady beat of his heart. She felt safe here, in

e fireplace, the crackling of the fire providing a soothing backdrop to their conversation. Afterward,

ment, there was still a lingering fear. She knew she had to talk to Adam,

the comfortable silence between t

sion open and patient. "Of c

I'm sorry. It's just... I've been hurt before. Really hurt. And sometimes, even though I want to be with you-

ou've been through a lot. And I never want to pressure you into anything you're not ready for. But I'

had proven that time and time again with his patience, his kindness, and the way he made her feel safe. But h

d with emotion. "And I don't want to keep comparing you to him. I

ire's heart swell. "Then be with me. No pressure, n

onger-trust. She leaned into Adam, resting her head on his shoulder, and for the first time in a long time, she felt a

-

mes from spending uninterrupted time with someone you care about. Claire and Adam hiked through the wo

he porch watching the stars, Adam turned to Claire

me," he said, his voice soft. "T

man who had come into her life so unexpectedly but had bec

r hand in his, his thumb gently tracing

ay it, not yet, but as she looked into his eyes, she realized that she felt the same. She had been afraid of this, afraid of openi

Claire said, her v

ound them seemed to fade away. In that moment, Claire knew that this was real. This love was

e future. She was ready to emb