Chapter Three — The Beginning of Everything

Their love became the sort of love that made their friends physically uncomfortable. James sent Molly good-morning messages before he had even opened both eyes. Molly left little notes inside his coat pockets. James bought flowers because it was Tuesday, while Molly bought him chocolates because she had walked past a shop and thought of him.

They developed an embarrassing habit of saying "I love you" several times a day, even when there was absolutely no reason to say it.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"I really love you."

"I really, really love you."

"I love you more."

"You can't."

"I can."

Molly would laugh every time, but secretly she adored every ridiculous second. James adored the way she tried to hide her happiness whenever he surprised her, and she adored the fact that he noticed.

One evening, they sat together beside Windermere as the sun began to disappear behind the hills. The sky turned pink, then orange, then gold, and the water reflected every colour as though the entire landscape had been created especially for them.

Molly rested her head against James's shoulder.

"I don't think I've ever been this happy."

"Neither have I."

"Do you ever worry it'll disappear?"

James was quiet for a moment before answering.

"Sometimes."

Molly lifted her head and looked at him.

"What do you do when you worry?"

"I look at you."

She smiled.

"Why?"

"Because then I remember that some things are worth being afraid of losing."

Molly's eyes filled with tears. She had heard romantic things before, but somehow James made even the simplest words feel enormous.

"I think I'll love you forever," she whispered.

James looked across the lake and then back at her.

"Then we'll have to make forever long enough."