“No, no, not at all. That would be a lie, because I haven’t already told you about the kids and that would make me dishonest. And that could result in my hurting you … and that’s something I never want to do. It’s something else … so just be okay with it. I mean, you know, unless you … aren’t. Okay?”

“Ashley, you’re rambling now, it’s okay. I’m sure I’ll be okay with whatever it is.”

“Okay. Spencer … I just … well, I wanted you to know that I love you. As in, I deeply care for you, I would never let anything happen to you, I will always be here for you, and I never want to be away from you. You know, that kind of love they have in movies? Well, I don’t know how that goes but I’m positive that this is the closest I’ve ever felt to such a thing. I just wanted to tell you.” I finished with a deep breath a adverted my eyes from hers, afraid of the response I may [or may not] get. But I felt her fingers intertwine with mine as she grabbed my hands and pulled my eyes back to hers.

“You know what, Ashley? That’s probably the sweetest, most amazing thing anyone has ever said to me. And the best part is that I believe it. Ashley, I love you too. This is amazing – this trip, this sunset, this beach, this night – everything is completely wonderful. And it wouldn’t be anything without you. I can’t tell you what movie love is either, but I can assure you that the feelings I have for you go beyond anything ever written in any script. And it means a lot to me to hear you say that you love me. Because now I know we feel the same way.” Spencer stopped talking and I just stared at her, smiling giddily. I felt like a kid who had just gotten an ice cream cone on a hot day – only multiply that feeling by a million! To know that I was in love sent shivers up and down my spine, through my fingers, my toes, and had my heart pounding. All I could do was let go of her hands and wrap them around her waist. I took Spencer and pulled her closer to me than I ever thought possible and I kissed her. And she kissed me back. And it was different this time. Because now, now we were in love. And we knew that we were in love. It was like magnifying the kiss by light-years.