RECONCIALTION II

He laughs. “Kidding. About the college fund.”

“But...you told me you’d never ask him for anything.”

Nathan takes a step closer to me. “You’re worth changing for,” Nathan catches my face gently between his palms. So I can’t look away from the truth in his eyes.

“You and our family come first, Nicole,” he says. “Before my pride. Before this company. Before my dad. You come first. And it might be messy at first, as I learn how to show that. But if you give me the chance, I promise I’ll keep trying.”

My breath feels ragged. I realize I’m on the verge of crying.

“I love you,” Nathan says. His voice is hoarse. “I love you so fucking much, Nicole.”

Then he kisses me. I’ve never had a kiss like this. It tastes like hope, and commitment, and telling the truth, and trying again tomorrow. It tastes like falling for him, again and again, every day for the rest of my life.

It tastes like love.

I pull back, searching his face. “Nathan, it’s not just me anymore. I’m pregnant. So it will be less sex