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~Alex's POV
I tightened my arms around her, her cheek pressed against my chest, and for a moment, I forgot the rest of the world existed. The breeze was gentle, cool against our skin, and the city lights twinkled below us like quiet stars. But nothing…nothing shone brighter than the girl in my arms.
I rested my chin on top of her head and closed my eyes.
"Bella," I whispered, "you don't know how much this smile of yours means to me."
She tilted her head up, eyes glossy, and smiled. "You're the reason for it."
That… did something to me. The way she said it, so softly, like it was the simplest truth in the world.
I brushed a strand of hair away from her face and kissed her forehead again, longer this time. She let out a shaky breath, like she didn't want to cry again but couldn't help it.
"You're not crying again, are you?" I teased lightly, wiping the fresh tears from her cheeks.
"I'm not," she sniffled, smiling. "Okay, maybe a little. But they're good tears."