Page 49 (1/2)

I saw the others exchange glances and ive us space, but I shookup my hand “I want you all here for this”

Ella gazed up at ot how to speak, lost as I was in the depths of her eyes “Ella,” I said, taking her hand in mine, “I love you”

There I had said it, and there was no taking it back now The hard part was done

“I know that it’s fast, and you don’t need to say anything right now But I kno I feel, and the truth is I never thought I would be able to feel this again”

Ella’s eyes shone, the streetlights reflecting back at azed up into my face “I love you, too,” she said, her voice barely more than a whisper “I don’t care if it’s too soon But—”

My heart sank This was it She was going to tell me it would never work; I was too broken, too volatile I braced myself for the worst

Instead, Ella’s color rose as she looked around at the others “I think I’m in love with all of you,” she said “And I don’t thinkThat is, I think it would be too painful, if I could only be with one of you I’m sorry” Tears shone in her eyes as she looked back at me “I’m sure that isn’t what you wanted to hear”

Shakingher toward“That’s why I wanted to talk to you here, in front of everyone” I glanced around at my band, my best friends, my brothers “I don’t think I’m the only one who feels this way”

A beat Then Jason—shy, reserved Jason—took a step forward “I love you too, Ella,” he said And then, one by one, the others followed suit, telling Ella that they loved her

“I love you,” Chris said, then turned to look at Lester “And I love you”

Lester’s lips quirked, and he pulled Chris toward hiave a muted cheer