“I love you, too," I whispered so softly I didn't know if he'd heard me. "Ti amo tanto, Sebastian, sempre e per sempre.”

“Be happy, Caro, because that’s what you deserve.I love you, I have always loved you, and where I go after this world, I will always love you.Sempre e per sempre.”

“He’d asked me once if I was brave enough to take a chance on love. I finally knew the answer.“I love you, too, Sebastian. More than you’ll ever know.”

“And, at last, I could hold him. I wrapped my arms around him and held him tightly, willing the darkness away, trying to heal him with my body, with my touch.“I love you, Sebastian, please don't push me away. I love you.""Oh God, Caro. I just don't know what I'm doing anymore; I'm so fucked up - I feel like I can't fucking breathe. Don't give up on me, Caro. Please don't give up on me. I need you, baby. I love you so much. I'm so sorry.”I could forgive anything now that he'd let me touch him.”

“There were so many things Sebastian and I had to work out: we'd both been single for so long that blending our lives together wasn't going to be easy.I'd promised Sebastian we'd find a way. He deserved to be loved for everything he was. And for whatever crazy reason he had, he loved me, too.”

“But he interrupted me."None of that matters. And I think you're wrong anyway — I can't imagine not wanting you — note ever. You're smart and funny and I enjoy being with you even when we don't... when we're not... making love. When I was eight years old, I used to imagine that you were my girlfriend and that we'd run away together. And then you left and I'd lost my best friend, too. I used to dream about you coming back. As I got older, I... I began to understand the... the nature of my feelings for you better. I didn't think dreams could come true — but they have for me, Caro. Why are you so scared? I mean, forget all that legal bullshit... why do you keep trying to... I don't know, make me change my mind? What do you think I've got here that I wouldn't give up in a heartbeat to be with you? There's nothing to keep me here: I'll go anywhere, do anything to be with you." He sighed. "I know you have more to lose and I hate, hate that I'm responsible for that, but... Do you want to be with me? Forever. Sempre.”

“I chose love over law. And I didn't care.”