“One!”
“Happy New Year!”
Fireworks erupted overhead. Brilliant colors exploding across the night sky.
The crowd erupted in cheers. Couples kissed. Champagne corks popped.
Eve felt tears slip down her cheeks.
Then a deep voice spoke directly into her ear, warm and familiar and impossible.
“Happy New Year.”
Eve’s breath stopped.
She turned slowly, afraid she was imagining it.
David stood there, inches away, smiling at her.
He was wearing jeans and a dark sweater. His hair was a little messy. He looked tired.
But he was here.
He was really here.
“Happy New Year,” Eve managed to croak, her voice breaking.
David’s smile widened.
Then he pulled her into his arms, and his lips crushed against hers.
The world disappeared.
There were no fireworks, no crowds, no noise.
Just David.
Just this moment.
Just the promise of everything they could be.
When they finally pulled apart, both breathless, David kept his arms around her.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t get word to you,” he said. “They wouldn’t let me contact anyone until everything was finalized.”
“Are you...?” Eve couldn’t finish the question.
“Free,” David said, his eyes shining. “Completely cleared. My name restored. Twenty-eight years of my life given back.” Hecupped her face in his hands. “And I get to start the New Year with you.”
Over David’s shoulder, Eve saw Mia and Lila rushing toward them.
David turned just in time to catch Lila as she launched herself at him.
“Granddad!”
“Hey, sweetheart.” David laughed, holding her tight.
Then Mia was there, hugging them both, and William joined them, and Julie, and suddenly they were all together in a tangle of arms, laughter, and tears.
