“Because it wasn’t your fault. Just like what happened to my parents wasn’t mine, what your mom did wasn’t yours. I’m not going to pretend it will be easy and maybe it will always be a struggle, but it isn’t your fault and you won’t suffer for it.” Noah suffered too much in his lifetime. Cooper had too. They were due their happiness. Together.
“It’s not the same thing. Don’t pretend it is. I know it’s not my fault. That doesn’t mean it will be easier. I won’t come between you and your family. I’ve already turned your life upside down as it is.”
At that, Cooper smiled. He ignored the burn in his throat as he spoke. “If you did shake my life up, I wanted it. I needed it. I know we have shit to deal with. That it’s going to be tough with my family, and officially coming out at the station, but I don’t give it shit about that. None of it. I care about you.”
“Coop—”
“No.” Cooper shook his head. “There’s nothing or no one I want in my life as much as you. Don’t make this harder than it has to be, Noah. Twenty years ago you collided with me over that damn football, and my life was never the same.”
“The same way you and your damn truck collided with me?” Laughter lightened the frayed edges of his voice. Noah was coming back to him.
“Guess that means we’re meant to be. You were meant to be a part of my life, Noah.”
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted.” Noah kissed Cooper’s forehead. “One way or another, I’ve always wanted to be a part of you.” His lips came down on Cooper’s cheek and then the other one. “I have loved you since I was ten years old, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to stop now.”
Finally his lips landed on Cooper’s. Their tongues did that familiar give and take, their battle and surrender. Neither of them was stupid. They both knew there were obstacles ahead of them, but they would deal with them together.
“I love you too. Always.”