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`` duh , i 'm really nervous . ''
`` you 're really that worried about my family 's opinion of you ? ''
she threw up her hands .
`` of course , i am .
your family is very important to you .
i do n't want ... '' she tore her gaze from his .
`` you do n't want what ? ''
he pressed .
`` i do n't want to bring shame to you . ''
he bit down on his lip to keep from laughing at her .
he could n't believe megan was so concerned with his family 's opinion .
his heartbeat accelerated at the thought .
it had to mean she really was falling in love with him .
he brushed a silky strand of blonde hair out of her face .
`` sweetheart , you 're not the first american girl i 've brought home with me . ''
`` yes , i 'm well aware of that .
i 'm also aware of the fact of how well your family loved and accepted jade .
it might not be the same way with me . ''
she stared up at him .
`` i 'm not like her , pesh .
i 'm not meek and good-hearted . ''
he shook his head .
`` that 's not true .
you are good-hearted .
i see that part of you each and every day . ''
cupping her chin with his fingers , he brought her gaze to his .
`` you saw my brother , dev .
through all of his missteps and antics , my parents still love him very much .
so i promise you there is nothing you can do to where they wo n't like you or where you 'll bring shame on me .
okay ? ''
she gave a reluctant nod .
`` okay . ''
taking her by the hand , he led her off the porch .
once he 'd gotten her in the car , he went around and slid into the driver 's seat .
when pesh cranked up the car , megan gasped in horror .
`` what ? ''
he asked .
she motioned to the clock on the dash .
`` oh my god , we 're going to be late .
can i make a worse first impression ? ''
pesh laughed .
`` maybe i should tell you a few things , etiquette wise , so tonight will go a little easier . ''
`` what does that have to do with us being late ? ''
`` because it 's considered good form to arrive thirty minutes late . ''
`` seriously ? ''
`` yes . ''
`` huh , i did n't know that . ''
`` well , how could you ? ''
`` i tried doing a little research .
i even watched monsoon wedding , '' she said .
pesh laughed .
`` did you now ? ''
`` yeah , it was pretty good .
i kinda hated there were n't more dance numbers and songs . ''
`` megan , i 'm pretty sure none of my family is going to break out into song like in a bollywood movie tonight , '' he said , with amusement ringing in his voice .
she rolled her eyes .
`` i did n't expect them to , smart-ass . ''
he tsked at her .
`` so testy tonight . ''
after exhaling a long breath , she gave him an apologetic smile .
`` i 'm sorry i 'm so bitchy . ''
`` you 're not bitchy . ''
`` and you 're lying . ''
`` regardless of your out-of-control emotions , i know that my family is going to love you just as much as i do . ''
the moment the words left his lips he grimaced .
there was the big l word .
they had n't actually exchanged it yet , and now he 'd managed to screw up and say it before he could find the right time .
`` oh god , did you have to say that now ?
like i 'm not nervous enough ! ''
`` i 'm sorry , '' he murmured .
burying her head in her hands , she groaned .
`` this is ... you are ... i ... ''
`` look , you don't- '' `` i love you , too ! ''
she shouted from behind her hands .
his hands jerked on the wheel , and he sent the car careening onto the emergency lane .
when he recovered and got the car back into the right lane , he dared himself to look over at her .
she peeked at him through her fingers .
`` i love you , pesh .
i really f**king do . ''
`` oh megan , '' he whispered .
pulling her hands away from her face , she gave him a genuine smile .
`` i love you more than any man i 've ever known . ''
`` i love you more- '' suddenly he found himself unable to continue .
did he love her more than he had jade ?
he had spent years with jade and had only months with megan .
if he did love megan more , what did that say about his relationship with jade ?
she reached over and took one of his hands in hers .
`` hey , you do n't have to say what i said .
our situations are completely different . ''
he clenched and unclenched his jaw .
`` no woman wants half a man 's heart , '' he argued .
`` but i know it is n't half your heart .
and i would n't want you to stop loving me just because i died , so why would i expect you to do the same with jade ? ''
`` it 's not fair to you , '' he croaked .
`` life 's not fair , baby .
you have to get used to that one . ''
she squeezed his hand .
`` besides , i know what i feel when i feel your love .
there 's no half about it .
you love me with all your heart and soul . ''