“Alone at last,” he murmured, a mischievous glint in his eye. “You know, I seem to remember we were in the middle of something before we were so rudely interrupted.”
I arched an eyebrow, fighting to keep a straight face. “Oh really? I can’t seem to recall. Care to refresh my memory?”
West’s laugh was low and rich as he stepped closer, his hands finding my waist. “I’d be more than happy to, Mr. Carter. In fact, I think a thorough review might be in order. Shall we take this back to the bedroom?”
“Well, when you put it like that…” I grinned, already backing toward the hallway. “Race you there!”
EPILOGUE – DREW
Six months later
Isqueezed West’s hand as we stood at the entrance to the Star Finders Foundation building, my heart pounding. The late afternoon sun glinted off the restored brick facade, casting a warm glow that matched the nervous excitement bubbling in my chest.
“You ready for this?” I whispered, searching West’s eyes.
He gave me a small nod, his curls flopping adorably. “As I’ll ever be. You?”
“Terrified,” I admitted with a shaky laugh. “But also kind of exhilarated?”
His lips quirked up. “Sounds about right.”
Taking a deep breath, we pushed through the heavy fire doors together. The lobby was packed wall-to-wall with people. A sea of expectant faces turned our way. I recognized many—kids we’d mentored, fellow volunteers, and community leaders who’d supported us from the start. But there were plenty of new faces, too, which sent a thrill through me. Word was spreading.
A hush fell over the crowd as we made our way to the makeshift stage. I felt the weight of all those eyes on us, but West’s solid presence beside me kept me grounded. This was it—the moment that would change everything.
We stepped onto the stage, and I couldn’t hold back my grin as cheers and applause erupted. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw West’s shoulders relax a fraction. The energy in the room was electric, crackling with possibility.
“Thank you all for coming,” I began, my voice steadier than I felt. “West and I are overwhelmed by the incredible turnout…”
As I continued speaking, I scanned the diverse faces before us. There was Mrs. Chen, the older woman who baked cookies for every fundraiser. And Jamal, one of our first mentees, who was now a college freshman. My chest swelled with pride and affection for this beautiful patchwork community we’d built.
This was so much bigger than just West and me now. Whatever came next, I knew we’d face it together—surrounded by the family we’d chosen.
I took a deep breath, gripping the microphone a little tighter. “You know, when West and I first met in foster care, we were just two scared kids trying to survive. We never imagined we’d be standing here today, surrounded by all of you amazing people.”
My voice cracked slightly, but I pushed on, drawing strength from the attentive faces before me. “Our journey wasn’t easy. There were nights we went to bed hungry and days we felt invisible. But we had each other, and that made all the difference.”
I glanced at West, his eyes shining with pride and something deeper. My heart swelled.
“That’s why we started the Star Finders Foundation. Because every kid deserves to have someone in their corner, cheering them on.”
As I spoke, I noticed a young girl in the front row, hanging on my every word. Her wide eyes reminded me of myself at that age, desperate for hope. I smiled directly at her.
“To all the kids out there feeling lost or alone—we see you. We were you. And we’re here to tell you that your story isn’t over. It’s just beginning.”
With a final nod to the crowd, I turned to West, passing him the microphone. Our fingers brushed, sending a familiar spark through me. God, I loved this man.
West stepped forward, his presence immediately commanding attention. His voice, when he spoke, was low and warm, wrapping around the audience like a comforting blanket.
“Drew’s right,” he began, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. “We were those lost kids once. I remember the day I met Drew like it was yesterday. This scrawny kid with a chip on his shoulder and the biggest heart I’d ever seen.”
A chuckle rippled through the crowd, and I felt my cheeks heat.
“But you know what?” West continued, his tone growing serious. “That day changed my life. Because for the first time, I wasn’t alone anymore. And that’s what we want for every child who comes through our doors…”
As West spoke, his eyes found mine, a silent conversation passing between us. I gave him a small nod, encouraging him to continue. His shoulders relaxed slightly, and I could see the tension easing from his jaw. It was a tiny gesture that probably went unnoticed by the crowd, but to me, it spoke volumes.
“We want every child to know they’re not alone,” West continued, his voice gaining strength. “That they have value, that they matter.”
