As much as I didn't want to, I eventually pulled Steph's arms free of my neck so that she could see my eyes for what I wanted to say next. I knew that because of my past words and actions that she would need to see me to believe me. Seems like such a simple thing, just telling someone how they make you feel, how much you need them but the words escaped me when her face peered up at mine. Beautiful soft lips, blue eyes searing into my soul, I've never felt so connected to anything as I do to her, I was fading into her.
"Babe," I wrapped my hand around her face, feeling her smooth skin under my palm, brushing my thumb across her lips, gently caressing her cheek, "Have I told you lately that I love you?"
She slightly quirked her head with that cute little furrow to her brow that I find so adorable. I felt a small smile emerge that I didn't care to try to stop.
"I've made a lot of mistakes when it comes to you, I've said and done things that I regret. Agreeing to meet you at that diner, it was the best thing that's ever happened to me because it led me to you and I'm thankful for that, Stephanie, I'm thankful. I am in love with you, with all of you. The part that is stubborn and doesn't always listen to reason. The part that never gives up no matter what obstacles you face. The part that destroys my men and cars but especially the part that is inside here." I placed my hand over her heart. "I love the kindness that fills you, the hope, the unconditional love for everyone. You bring out the best in people, you bring out the best in me."
"You bring out the best in me too, Ranger." Her voice was barely a whisper, she was trying to tightly hold her emotions in. Probably nervous about where I was going with this, I was nervous too but not for the same reasons.
"I'm sorry I turned you away, told you nothing would ever come of the two of us. I was afraid. Afraid to admit to myself that I needed you, that I wanted you. Afraid I couldn't be your Batman, that you'd see the real me and I wouldn't measure up. Afraid that you would tell me no."
A knock came on the door causing Steph to jump, I tighten my arms around her, "Carlos? Esta todo bien?" Is all well?
It was my mother, but I heard background muttering that was surely every other female in my family. They were probably afraid I was screwing things up with Stephanie, not a totally unwarranted fear.
"Si mama. Saldremos pronto, lo promento." Yes mama. We will be out soon, I promise.
"Solo dile que la amas y tirate a sus pies!" Just tell her you love her and throw yourself at her feet! Celia yelled through the door as everyone murmured their agreement.
"We should probably go back. I don't want to make your family upset that I am keeping you." I could tell Steph wanted to do anything but leave out little cocoon we seemed to be in but she put the offer out there regardless, her mother would have been proud of her manners.
"No, Babe, not yet. I'm not finished."
She let out an audible sigh mumbling "thank goodness" and then her cheeks blushed a beautiful pink as she looked down at her hands resting against my chest. I placed a finger under her chin and gently lifted her face to mine.
"I've never believed in fairy tales, true love, soulmates or that people come into our lives for a reason to make us better, for us to grow. I didn't want to feel like I wasn't in control of my own fate, I wanted to be your soulmate, even if I didn't believe in them. If I know what love is, it is because of you. True love does exist, soulmates, kindred spirits, whatever name you want to place upon it. I know without question that you are part of me, we are made from the same piece of cloth. I've given this much thought since we met but especially since our night together. I think our universe grants every soul a twin—a reflection of themselves—the kindred spirit – And no matter where they are or how far away they are from each other—even if they are in different dimensions, they will always find one another. This is destiny; this is love. I think our souls have always been destined for each other, a comet pulled from orbit to the sun, you are my sun. I can't explain the draw I feel to you other than that. We've both made mistakes with each other but somehow it doesn't seem to matter anymore but I do ask for your forgiveness."
"Oh, Ranger, you are everything to me, you are my life. It's always been you. I'm in love with you, all of you." Her eyes sparked the brightest blue I've ever seen them, a devilish smile appeared on my own personal angel. "The part that is a control freak and wants things his way. The part that is tender and comforting to me no matter what I say or do. The part of you that is quiet and reserved. But most of all, this part," she mimicked my movement of placing her hand over my heart, "the part that would give everything he has so that I am happy and safe. The part that accepts me and all my flaws, that encourages me to be the best version of myself. The part that.."
She began to breakdown, tears running down her face as she firmly planted her face into my neck. I desperately grabbed hold of her, wanting her to feel all the love that I have for her. Just as quickly as she dove onto me, she rose up with both hands firmly splayed on my chest. "I can't live without you, there would be nothing left for me, I couldn't breathe. How could I possibly survive? I love you so much it hurts. I'm sorry if I ever hurt you, I want your forgiveness also."
For a moment I feel stunned at her words, words I thought I would never hear or deserve to but for the first time I feel like I've earned what she is willing to give me. She has emboldened me enough to think this, I franticly dot kisses all over her face. I see joy clearly written all over her face and as I'm sure is on mine.
"I'm never letting go of you. No going back, for either one of us. This is where I belong, where we belong, together."
"We are a team," she smiles, "always and forever."
"Always and forever, Babe."