Instinctively, he pulled me into his arms, resting his head on my shoulder.

“Skye, what are you looking for?” he asked softly.

“My passport,” I replied without much thought.

Before I could figure out how to explain, he straightened up, went to a drawer, and handed it to me.

“Silly girl, I always keep your things organized. Here.”

In Derick’s mind, I was supposed to stay by his side forever, so it had never occurred to him that I might leave.

I placed the passport into a folder, gently patting his hand.

“You’re already so busy. I feel bad making you help me even more.”

He closed his eyes and buried his face in the crook of my neck, murmuring, “It’s okay. I like doing things for you.”

I smiled faintly, looking at the reflection of this devoted man in the mirror.

Seven years of feelings deserved a proper goodbye. The beginning should always had an end.

“Derick, can you come to my graduation ceremony tomorrow?”

His hands loosened from around my waist, and then, in a sudden move, he pinned me against the dresser.

“Of course. I’ll take you there tomorrow morning,” he replied, his voice filled with affection.

Before I could respond, he leaned in to kiss me.