Emily and I were together after she and Dillon broke up the first time.

This is the same Dillon youre friends with? Lillian interrupted. Your broker?

The same man I used to be friends with, yes. Hes no longer my broker.

Well how does something like that happen, Gavin? Im just assuming here, but it doesnt sound like any of this ended very well. Lillian swung her eyes to Chad, her face dripping with mortification. Did we raise our sons to just go off with their friends girlfriends?

Chad lifted a brow, his tone resolute. No. But we didnt raise our sons to give up on something they believed in, either.

At what expense, Chad? she asked, seeming astonished by his answer. Since when did stealing a friends girlfriend become popular?

He didnt steal me away, Emily softly spoke up. She looked from Lillian to her hands, tangled nervously with Gavins, in her lap. As her thoughts tossed her back to the first second she saw Gavin, she was unable to keep the barest of smiles from her lips. She brought her eyes to his, her gaze stroking his beautiful face. Well, he did steal my heart away from Dillon. But when that happened your son wasnt aware he did it.

With a light smile that matched hers, Gavin palmed Emilys cheek, his heart falling further in his chest. Holding his breath, he still couldnt believe she was his. After a moment, he dropped his hand, inhaled deeply, and glanced at his mother. She seemed more confused than before. The fact is, our love is so far past the point of return, its actually scary. It has been for a while. We just had a few kinks to work out. No, the way we got together wasnt right in the opinions of some, but I couldnt care less. Im pretty sure the woman sitting next to me couldnt either. Were in love. A deep, sick, twisted love like they make movies about. Were looking fear in the face together and telling it to take a hike. This baby might not be mine, but even if its not it is. Its a piece of Emily, mom, and theres not a piece of your son that couldnt love it. Theres not a piece of your son that couldnt love her.

As tears soaked Emilys lashes, she noticed a tear fall from Lillians cheek and land with a plop onto the white linen tablecloth. Swallowing, Emily watched Lillian stand, her almond-shaped eyes flashing between her and Gavin.

I dont think I can support this relationship, she choked out though a frown. I just She brought her hand to her throat, stroking her long, delicate fingers across her flesh. She looked at Chad, who released a heavy, defeated sigh and reached for her hand. He squeezed it before she turned and walked out of the room, her sniffles echoing throughout the home until they disappeared into whispers of nothing with the closing of a door.

No longer able to witness the grief shed brought to this once solid family, Emily scrambled out of her chair, her heart breaking a million times over as she swallowed back a sob.

Gavin surged to his feet, catching Emilys arm as she headed for the front door. He stroked the hair away from her face. Wait! Emily, listen to me

No, you listen to me, Gavin. She cradled his face in her palms, as she gulped for air. Do you remember telling me you almost picked up the phone to call me when I left you, but you didnt?

With confused, worried eyes, Gavin searched her face. Yes. What does that have to do with this?

I hated myself because every time I looked at my phone, I wanted to call you. I wanted so desperately to call and tell you how sorry I was for not believing you, but I couldnt. Something held me back. You also told me you got in your car and almost drove to my apartment, but you didnt. I did the same. I jumped in a taxi and had them drive me to your building. I stood outside looking up, wondering what you were doing and fearing who you were doing it with. I wanted so badly to see you. My heart was torn, broken into pieces, Gavin. I felt physical pain while we were apart. I didnt believe that kind of pain existed. It was something so entirely different than what I felt when I lost my mother. It cut deeper. But I couldnt bring myself to get in that elevator and go to you. I didnt want Dillon. I wanted you.

Emily, stop. Gavin gripped her waist, pulling her against his chest. Why are you saying all of this?

Im saying this because its said breaths are stolen during a passionate kiss. Thats not true, Gavin, because I literally cant breathe before your lips even touch mine. I try, but Im unable to. I cant think when you look at me. You strip my mind bare. You always have, and its beautiful and consuming. Its magical and everything a girl is supposed to feel. Its said youre truly in love with someone if your skin tingles from their touch. Mine tingles when I hear your voice; I dont need you to touch me. I can feel you when youre not near me. I feel you in my dreams. I felt you when you were a thousand miles away.

You scared me the moment I saw you, and I think its because I knew, I just knew, I was going to fall in love you. I didnt know our worlds were already intertwined, but my heart somehow knew it belonged to you from the start. I didnt believe a pain so deep existed while we were apart, but I also didnt believe a love like ours existed. Youve shown me it does. Youve shown me good when there was bad. Youve given me pleasure above all of my pain. Youve given me life when I thought I was dead.