I'm happy to have you

"I'm glad you're here."

He squeezed her hand gently as he spoke, making her smile softly to herself. She glanced down at their hands, then back up at his face, studying his features.

His lips were twisted into a small frown, but he didn't look angry or upset. He looked thoughtful rather than angry.

Not that she blamed him for feeling that way, though. She knew that being left there without saying a word really scared him.

It probably had scared him even more when she didn't answer. And she didn't blame him for that, either. She understood completely.

She understood why he was worried. But she hoped that he wouldn't worry any longer. She hoped that they could move past it.

"Me too," she told him honestly. "And you know what else?"

"What?"

"I love you."

His frown disappeared as he lifted his head to glance at her. She smiled brightly at him. She was happy.

She was happier than she had been in years. Things didn't feel as suffocating anymore.

Everything felt lighter. Every single b