Kate had waited outside for Sarah to finish her performance that night. When Sarah at last emerged from the double doors, the theater lights illuminating her from behind, a tear slid down Kate’s cheek before a single word could leave her mouth.
Sarah spotted her at once, noticing the packed bags at her feet. She ran up to Kate and wrapped her arms around her neck.
“You’re here.” Sarah beamed with relief that her love had come back.
“Darling, I can’t live without you.” Kate gently tucked a strand of hair behind Sarah’s ear. “I’m sorry I didn’t fight for you. For us. I love you so much. Could you ever forgive me?”
“Always and forever,” Sarah whispered, tears in her eyes.
Gemma’s eyes widened slightly at her slip—“and forever” was not part of the script, but the words had come out as naturally as a breath.
Caitlin recognized its source immediately. She herself had been reminded of their habitual sign-off when she’d reread the unsent letter just before giving it to Gemma.
The line hung between them, heavier than any scripted moment could, charged with something raw and true. It was no longer just Kate and Sarah. This was Caitlin and Gemma.
She grabbed Gemma’s face and kissed her with the promise of forever.
For Kate and Sarah, the kiss marked the beginning of a life lived happily ever after. For Caitlin, it felt like a final goodbye.
Caitlin held Gemma close, desperate and urgent, using hertongue to apologize in the only language she had left. She needed Gemma to know, above all else, that she would love her for the rest of their lives.
When McKenzie Ryan called a wrap, she wiped her eyes and told them the finale was better than she’d ever imagined. She praised Gemma and Caitlin for bringing Kate and Sarah to life, even calling the movie a “career highlight.”
The rest of the evening passed in a soft blur of motion and glam for the customary wrap party. The hair and makeup team had met Caitlin in her suite directly after finishing the scene, while Lara packed her things for the flight back to LA the next day. The quiet logistics of leaving layered over her lingering ache.
Finally alone in her room, Caitlin sat in the silence of her suite, taking a minute to herself before the chaos of the party. Feeling adrift and needing an anchor, she dialed Maddie.
“Filming’s finally over,” Caitlin said, voice flat, when Maddie answered.
“I’m sorry, Cait. Maybe it’s for the best,” Maddie offered gently.
“I still love her, Mads.”
“I know you do.”
Caitlin let out a long, hollow sigh. “She doesn’t want me anymore.”
“You know that’s not true,” Maddie said softly. “I saw the way she looked at you that night at the bar—as if you made the sun rise every morning. But yeah, she’s hurt. And if her healing requires you to let her go, you’ll have to find a way to do it.”
“I put that old letter in her trailer before I left set yesterday,” she admitted. Caitlin had told Maddie about the pages that she had carried from city to city, including New York. She didn’t know what she’d gain by giving it to Gemma now, but there was no reason for her to hold onto it any longer. “I’m not even surewhy—a last-ditch effort, I guess.”
“I know it sucks right now.” Maddie sounded soothing and genuine. “But if you’re destined to be together, you’ll find your way back to each other.”
“I adore how much you believe in happily ever afters, Mads,” Caitlin managed.
“If only I could find one for myself.” Maddie laughed half-heartedly. “Go to the party tonight. Try to have some fun. You deserve it. The movie is going to be a hit, and you’ve earned every single moment of praise.”
Caitlin didn’t feel like she had anything to celebrate, but she’d go. It would cause her more grief than it was worth if the lead actress didn’t show.
When Caitlin arrived that night, she found McKenzie Ryan and thanked her for the opportunity. She hoped, quietly, that the director was proud of what they’d created. Then she floated throughout the party, circulating among the cast and crew, smiling and nodding absently while her eyes searched for Gemma.
Caitlin was beginning to grow anxious until her eyes finally landed on the most gorgeous woman she had ever seen. Gemma glided into the room, and everything else blurred. She commanded attention in a white, cropped blazer that framed her broad, athletic shoulders. Caitlin wished, absurdly yet achingly, to be the high-waisted pants that hugged her hips.
Gemma’s hair was slicked back into a long, dark ponytail that flowed straight down her back, her strong jaw and honey-brown eyes on full display. She was breathtaking.
The party went on around them, laughter mixing with the sound of clinking glasses. But for Caitlin, there was only Gemma.
“Hey you,” Gemma said as they drew closer, inevitable as magnets.
