Learning to love was a challenge in and of itself.

Learning to love again was something entirely different, and entirely more difficult.

It wasn't something Aaron was sure he could, or, more importantly, wanted to do following Haley's passing. For a long time, he'd sworn off of it entirely.

At least, until he met you.

You, with your gentle nature and the patience of a Saint. You, with that smile he lost himself in—the one he would have done anything you asked him to if it meant he got to see it again. You, who loved him without restraint even when it felt like he couldn't give it back to you all of the time, because you wanted to be with him.

And Aaron, who couldn't decide if that scared him or if it captivated him.

"What are you thinking about?" You murmur, drawing his absent attention away from the television screen and down to your face.

Aaron's brows furrow. "Huh?"