~Sokeefe Forever (Part 1)~

~Chapter Eleven~

(Keefe's POV)

When I saw Foster's beautiful face, I sprinted even faster.

She was in a wheelchair, so I had to run to her. But when I settled in her arms, the moment became so much sweeter because of five words. The wonderful words I'd always wanted to hear:

"I love you, too, Keefe." 

Thankfully, Grady, Edaline, and Biana didn't hear her voice. But I heard it loud and clear. 

I could feel my heart pounding as that hole that had been tearing away at me closed, taking my breath away. But the stunned look on my face told Foster everything as I finally pulled away.

I didn't know she had actually heard me when she was in her coma...

"Oh, Keefe, we were so worried." Edaline whispered as she and Grady hugged him tightly. Biana joined in after hesitating for a moment.

Keefe cleared his throat. "Good to know that you guys care about me." The joke made everyone grin, which knocked the lump in his throat loose. Jokes always helped him gather himself. But Sophie was staring at him like she could see the truth written behind his eyes. 

That's why he loved her so much. He understood her. And, more importantly, she understood him. Nobody else in his life had. It was like he didn't need to hide behind the jokes to make her... To make her love him.

"What were you thinking, bro?" Biana finally called him out. "Why would you run to the airport?"

Keefe swallowed hard, glancing at Sophie.

"I needed to get something for Foster. I didn't think she'd wake up while I was gone." Keefe admitted. Biana rubbed her temples.

"You were seriously thinking about leaving the COUNTRY?!" Biana shouted when Keefe had explained everything.

"Sorta." He mumbled. 

After hearing the truth, Sophie didn't look upset. She looked proud.

"Well, at least you're back now." Grady jumped in. Everyone nodded.

"Come on, let's get you all home." Edaline added.

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(Sophie's POV)

Once I had the courage to whisper "I love you, too, Keefe." he seemed to avoid me but also NOT avoid me. It was like he was pretending to avoid me, when he was really winking at me every few minutes. And I was glad I had the courage to do it, because I definitely wasn't going to say it again in front of my parents. But he needed to know immediately.

Finally, Keefe suggested on taking me for a walk before I went to sleep. Apparently sleeping is important for healing or something? I don't know.

When we were alone, walking through the park, Keefe finally stopped the wheelchair, knelt in front of it, and took my hands. Our eyes met, and I saw pure love in them.

"Foster, thank you." He whispered.

"For what?"

Keefe's eyes shined.

"For healing me." He replied. "I've wanted to hear those words forever."

"Really? You've liked me for that long?" Sophie asked. Keefe grinned and nodded. Then he swallowed hard, clearing his throat.

"How long did it take you to figure it out?" Keefe whispered. Sophie giggled.

"I found out like... Yesterday." Sophie admitted. "I'm pretty oblivious."

"You got that right." He muttered, making them both laugh. Sophie inhaled, realizing how good Keefe smelled. She smiled as the sun started sinking into the water.

"Over there." Sophie said, pointing to the water. Keefe spun around and grinned at the sun before pushing her to one of the benches that stood just above the beach.

The sky was a mix of pink, purple, and orange clouds as they laughed and talked about how crazy the last few days had been. 

Keefe helped her settle on the bench next to him so he could face her. He took both of her hands as their eyes locked.

Sophie couldn't help noticing that his eyes were extra beautiful with the sun shining on them.

He leaned in even closer as he whispered, "Do you trust me?"

"Yes." Sophie said, giggling. And as their lips met, she couldn't help smiling.