Herophine: All Good Things

Chapter 37

Jo's POV:

My heart has never felt so full. So full, I feel as if it might bust right through my chest. I expected to do some sightseeing with Hero by my side tonight. To hold hands. Steal kisses. Admire the city lights from afar. I never expected him to present me with that of a ring. Promising me that someday, it'd be replaced with one that holds higher meaning. That someday, I'd be only his.

I don't think I could have removed the smile from my face if I tried. That, and this feeling inside my stomach and my heart; like I'm floating in air. Like this is all some dream that I'll wake up from and this glittering ring of diamonds will somehow disappear.

I love this man. More than he will ever know.

I loved him two years ago. When we gave in to what our bodies wanted and fell into bed.

I loved him when I had to say goodbye and return home. When he was across the world from me and little by little, we drifted apart until we finally came together again.

I loved him when I found out we would be parents. When he held my hand and assured me that he would be there. Without any doubt or second thought.

I loved him when we suffered such loss, I didn't know my heart was capable of breaking so much. When he held me close and told me that it wasn't our fault. That it just wasn't meant to be and someday, somehow, we would be gifted a child.

I loved him when he would wake before me and make coffee and bring it to me in bed. When I'd sit, perched at the island in my little one bedroom apartment back in LA and watch him as he'd make us breakfast while tapping his foot to some silent song stuck in his head.

But now? I don't know if love is even enough to describe what I feel for him. I've loved him for so long. Every bit and piece of what makes him him. The weight of the word 'love', now feels too light. Too juvenile to describe what I feel in my soul.

So as we walk back into his hotel room, hand in hand, we both don't say a word. There's a comfortable silence between us, one that started when we caught an Uber here. The only dialogue coming from the touching of our hands as we both basked in the proximity of one another.

We were meant for one another. I have no doubt in my mind. I think back to when we fought, when he was here and I was in LA. Going days without speaking and stewing in our own anger. That was merely days ago, and yet it feels like it was years. A distant memory. One that seems so insignificant now, I almost want to laugh.

But now I understand. Why everything's happened. Why I found myself pushing away at the thought of letting myself go all in. Together, nothing else matters. It's simply just him and I. The thought of losing him almost to much to bare. But as I look down at the ring on my finger, I'm met with more than just diamonds sparkling underneath the dim light. I'm met with the understanding that as long as Hero's concerned, this will never end.

"You like it?" Hero's voice is quiet as he takes my hand in his own, his eyes locked on to my hand between us.

"I love it," I whisper, watching as his thumbs brush over the band and then back again. His touch so light, it's like a ghost.

Releasing my hand, he takes my face into the palm of his hands and dips down so his lips can meet mine. The kiss is soft. Merely a meeting of our mouths, without hunger or need. "I love you." He says as he pulls away and rests his forehead on mine. A smile pulling at our lips.

"Show me."

Hero opens his eyes, staring down at me. Shadows covering most of his face since all the light is coming from a small table lamp in the corner of the room. His eyes search mine, asking what I mean. His gaze strong and commanding.