All I Ever Wanted(83)

"I've changed my mind. I promise I'll come to you always, instead of running. I trust you and believe in you. My days of doubt are over. I feel stronger, a feeling of power saying those words. Loving you, needing you doesn't mean I must give up my independence. It just means I get to share it with you," she said, and leaned against his shoulder.

Grady kissed the top of her head. "I understand, Bella. I was afraid too. After losing my parents, I thought that loving someone meant risking that heartbreaking loss. I know the same fear has held my brothers back from finding someone in their lives."

"Well, hopefully they will see how happy we are, how our bond, our love, makes us stronger and not weaker."

"I'm glad they intervened and offered you the choreography job. I think they knew all along what was bound to happen," he said with a grin. "You know, back when we were kids, I thought you were all I ever wanted."

"And now?" Arabella asked.

"Now I know it."