Like a choice.
Like the beginning of something that started in violence and fear, but might turn into something good.
Something real.
Something worth fighting for.
"Together," I agree.
And when he kisses me this time, it feels like a beginning.
Not an ending.
Not a pause.
A beginning.
Of Colt and Maggie. Frost and Magnolia. Two people who chose each other when choosing was dangerous and maybe a little bit crazy.
But some choices are worth making anyway.
Some promises are worth keeping even when they break the rules.
And some people—some people — are worth crossing state lines, violating witness protection protocols, and showing up six months early because waiting feels impossible.
Colt Harrison is one of those people.
And I'm going to choose him right back.
Again and again and again.
For however long this lasts.
For whatever comes next.
Together.
My phone buzzes with CJ's name flashing on the screen. I show it to Colt.
"Fuck." He pulls at his chin. "Shouldn’t be surprised."
"Do I answer?"
"If you don’t, he’ll just hound you."
I answer on the sixth ring. "Hello?"
"Maggie," CJ says, voice gravelly but warm, the kind of tone that brooks no bullshit but carries respect. "I've got a job if you're interested. Guardian HRS is thinking about standing up a new team. Guardian Angels. All-female unit. We need someone with your... unique experience to help stand it up."
"Excuse me?"
"It will take a minimum of eighteen months to reach full operational capacity. You'll relocate to Guardian HQ, live on base the whole time. Probably won’t be able to leave until the unit’s operational."
I laugh, a real one, sharp and relieved, seeing right through the offer. He's not recruiting; he's engineering this—tying my future to Colt's orbit without forcing it, giving us space to build while locking down the threats that still whisper in the dark.
"You're a meddler, CJ."
"Strategic planner," he corrects, but I hear the smile in his voice. "Frost’s been useless for six months. Figured I’d solve two problems at once. You in?"
