Summary:

“My dad definitely liked you. You share his taste in vodka.” Ilya hums, running a hand up and down Shane’s arm. “See? You are worried about nothing.” “I know, I just… I’ve had this hanging over me for years, and now that it’s over with…” “You look lighter,” Ilya tells him, brushing his fingers against Shane’s cheek. “More peaceful.” “I feel lighter, but I’m scared,” he admits, fingers drifting down to Ilya’s abdomen, tracing the lines and ridges he finds there. “We’ve never done this before—the actually being together part. I’m scared I’ll mess it up.” Shane and Ilya return to the cottage after the confrontation with Shane’s parents.