"That's... fair."
"We'll also be monitoring the situation. If there are any complaints of favoritism or inappropriate conduct, we'll investigate thoroughly. I will have to let you know Holly,Director Bell owns the park. If you continue in this relationship and it ends badly, if it became impossible to work together, it would be you that would need to find new employment."
"I understand."
She slides the form across the desk. "Read this over. Sign if you agree to the terms."
I read carefully. Everything is reasonable. They’ve laid out clear boundaries, accountability measures, and protections for both of us. I sign.
"One more thing," Patricia says as I stand to leave. "Off the record?"
"Okay?"
"I've worked for Justin Bell for almost a decade. He's professional, ethical, and deeply committed to this organization. He wouldn't risk any of that lightly." She meets my eyes. "So, whatever you two have, it must be pretty special."
My throat tightens. "It is."
"Then I wish you both the best. But keep it clean at work, understood?"
"Understood."
I make it to the parking lot before I start shaking.
It's done. Official. Real.
We can be together without it affecting our jobs.
My phone buzzes.
Justin: How did it go?
Me: Good. Really good. Same conditions as you?
Justin: Yes. Come to my office. Back door. Now.
I shouldn't. We just promised to keep things professional at work.
But I go anyway.
The back entrance to the administrative building is quiet, rarely used. I slip inside, navigate the hallway to Justin's office. The door is cracked open.
I push inside.
He's there, standing by the window, and the second the door closes and locks behind me he's moving, crossing the space, pulling me into his arms.
"It's okay," he breathes against my hair. "We're okay."
"I know. I just—" I can't finish the sentence. Relief and emotion crash over me all at once.
He holds me tighter. "I've got you."
We stand like that for a long moment, wrapped around each other, letting the tension drain away.
"We did it," I finally say. "We actually did it. I get to keep my job and my relationship."
"Did you doubt we would?"
"Maybe a little."
