“What about your happily-ever-after?” The words were out of his mouth before he realized what he’d said. What if she thought he meant with him? Or worse, that he was encouraging her to find love with someone else?

But wasn’t that what he wanted?

Not in his heart of hearts. Yes, he wanted Tori to be happy. To have someone who cared for her and made her happy. Yet he couldn’t seem to let go of the part of him that longed to be that man.

Her pretty blue eyes met his. “I’ve dreamed of that since I was a little girl watching princess movies. But things didn’t play out the way I thought they would. And while I’m not saying never, I’m no longer the naïve teenager who allowed herself to be swept off her feet by the first guy who showed any real interest in her. I want someone I know will always be there for me. Whose love I will never doubt.”

Micah gulped, wishing he could be that man. Just the way he had before Joel had stolen Tori’s heart. But, just like now, Tori had only thought of him as her friend.