Page 127 of Yours, Finally

"Oh, we'll tease you." Gabe smiled at Vi, then at me. "It's an essential part of being family, isn't it?"

Javier and Max took turns patting my back again; Gabe and Lina squeezed us in simple, short hugs. The four of them and Eva broke the group and got lost among family, friends, and guests, but Vi and I stayed in place for a little longer.

I brought her close to me, tucking her against me. I sighed, and dug my nose into her hair.

"Tighter," Vi said.

She gazed up at me, the lights in the ballroom shining in her eyes. A tender smile curled her lips.

I sighed and crushed her to me.

A soft groan escaped her throat. "That's right. Your hugs are the best."

Happy people surrounded us; we were a drop in the ocean of guests and pretty décor. Even so, we swayed in the spot like we were alone.

"Is it because I'm big, or because it's me?" I asked.

"Yes." She lifted to her toes, and I bent down to kiss her.

"Good thing you can ask for one any time you want now."

Her expression turned playful. "Do you think I can ask for anything I want, whenever I want?"

"I would say yes, except that would be dangerous. You would take that too far."

"Spoilsport. Good thing I love you."

I grinned. "I love you, too."

"Feels good to say it, doesn't it?"

"I'm fond of saying it already."

"Good." She interlocked her fingers with mine. "I'll want to hear it a lot."

"That you can ask for, whenever you want."

"Yeah? For how long?"

"Until the wrinkles show on your nose. Until they're etched permanently on your skin."

"And beyond?"

I nodded, and kissed her again. "I'll write a song about it. Maybe a hundred."

Her laughter was musical, and it embedded itself at the core of me.

"Can't wait to hear it." Her smile, so bright it left imprints behind my eyes, was the smile I had missed for years… but better. Because it wasmine.

The grin remained as she pulled me toward the groups of people around us. I followed, my steps grounded, and certainty like I had never felt before left marks under my feet.

It had taken this kind of peace and hope to truly feel like I belonged. A long journey, but a worthwhile one.

I planned to keep walking it, with Vi by my side.

Epilogue

Vi