When Alex is looking at me like that, there's only one thing I can think of to say.

"Thank you," I tell him softly. "For everything." Suddenly, I need him to hear it again. To know how grateful I am for all of this - and for him.

"I've told you before, Mae," he replies. "You don't need to keep thanking me."

"Yes, I do." I twist my hair in my hand. "And I'm sorry for all the times I've teased you about your suits or your cars or about how different your ...