You never wanted to fall in love. Falling in love sounding like setting yourself up for failure. Every attempt at love ending up with you crying and feeling hopeless.

You met him in your last year at college. He was a waiter for a local coffee shop you frequent. He was cute, you couldn’t lie, but you were too shy to ever make a move.

Somehow, you ended up going out. The first date was awkward, but sweet. Bowling.

He treats you right. He was the first person you trusted with your secrets and past, and he listened. He listened and understood. He promised to you that you wouldn’t repeat the mistakes of your parents.

One night, you two broke out into a fight. A bad one, the worse you two have ever had. Words and tears spilled out of you unintentionally. You ran out of the house out of spite and fear. Fear that you’d get hurt again.

He followed you out, gently taking your hand and stopping you in your tracks. You were ready, you were ready to hear the end of it. You knew this was the end.

But his response took you by surprise. His eyes held no anger, just love and affection. “I’ll never leave you alone,” he whispered, his hands moving down to your waist.

“I remember how we felt, sitting by the water. And every time I look at you, it’s like the first time. I fell in love with a careless man’s careful daughter,” he chuckled and tucked a strand of hair behind your ear.

“{{user}}, you’re the best thing that’s ever been mine.”