The locket held a miniature, grainy flip-phone selfie from that fateful Thanksgiving weekend morning of junior year, both of them laughing, wrapped up in each other.
“Always & Forever.” Gemma’s voice cracked as her finger traced the inscription opposite the photo.
Her own eyes welling with tears, Caitlin said, “You are the most beautiful person I know, Gemma, inside and out. You told me you couldn’t trust me to stay this time, but I’m hoping this will prove it to you. I’m never going anywhere without you again.”
The Eiffel Tower began to glitter, a thousand tiny lights waking at once, and slipped her hand into the cleavage of her dress. She drew out a sparkling ring and dropped to one knee.
“I vow to spend every minute I have left on this earth by your side, making sure you are happy and cared for. You are the other half of my soul, Gemma Quinn. I’ve been in love with you for fourteen years, and I’m going to be in love with you for the rest of my life.” Caitlin’s voice hitched. “Will you make me the luckiest woman alive and marry me?”
“Yes—oh my God, yes!” Gemma cried, hands clapping over her mouth as joyous tears spilled down her cheeks. “Always and forever, baby.” She laughed through the sobs.
Caitlin rose and slid the ring onto Gemma’s finger. The gold band bore two linked oval diamonds, fitted perfectly together like puzzle pieces. She cupped Gemma’s face and drew her in for a long-awaited kiss.
A rush of elation roared through Caitlin when Gemma’s lips met hers again.
When they finally broke for air, she watched as Gemma lifted her hand to the light to admire her ring.
“Eres mi todo.”Gemma threw her arms around Caitlin’s neck. “I love you. It’s always been you.”
Gemma claimed Cailtin’s mouth this time, a fierce, hungry kiss that stole her breath.
“Take your fiancée back to the hotel,” Gemma whispered into Caitlin’s lips. “We have a lot of lost time to make up for, and I want to show youexactlyhow much I love you.”
EPILOGUE
Seventeen Months Later
GEMMA WOKE EARLY THATMORNINGand made breakfast for Caitlin. Her favorite—pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs—a glass of champagne and a cup of coffee on the side.
Gemma tiptoed into their bedroom, waking Caitlin with a soft kiss on the forehead, and placed the breakfast tray across her lap.
“Aw, Squish, you didn’t have to do all this,” Caitlin said sleepily, rubbing her eyes.
“I wanted to. I thought we could have a lazy morning in bed together while we watch you get nominated.” Gemma kissed Caitlin again and returned to the kitchen for her own breakfast.
In less than two years, her life had been overturned, healed, and reformed. They had spent three intoxicating days in Paris—walking hand in hand along the Seine, sharing espresso and macaroons, and making love with the Eiffel Tower glittering outside their window. On their last night, Caitlin had revealed her plan to move to New York City. In fact, she and Lara had already begun packing with the hope that Gemma would accept her proposal.
Back in New York, they had started a proper life together. Hayley had helped sell Gemma’s apartment, upgrading thecouple to a massive five-bedroom, six-thousand-square-foot brownstone in Greenwich Village.
Caitlin had decided to keep her home in Los Angeles to make their work trips a little bit easier. When she had flown back to LA to tie up loose ends, Gemma had stayed behind to prepare a surprise of her own. Roses, candles, and a personal chef had been waiting for Caitlin’s return. By the end of the evening, Gemma had reciprocated Caitlin’s proposal with the same ring she had saved since college, upgraded with a larger center diamond.
They’d savored the bliss of engagement, agreeing to postpone wedding plans until they had the chance to relearn each other through date nights, movie marathons, and constant, passionate intimacy. They had announced their engagement publicly during theirForbidden Lovepress tour, and audiences around the world had swooned, delighted to see Sarah and Kate’s love story unfold in real life. The film had ended up being the year’s biggest hit, and offers had flooded in for both actresses over the last few months.
By late January, Hollywood was deep in the rhythms of award season. Both Gemma and Caitlin had already won a Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Award each, riding a wave of celebration and nervous excitement as Oscar nominations approached.
Gemma felt more anxious for Caitlin than for herself, remembering the bedroom ceremonies of their youth when Caitlin had pretended cheerleading trophies were Oscars—accepting her awards with a flourish and a speech about fulfilling her dreams.
She snuggled into Caitlin’s side as the TV flickered on and the live announcement of the Academy Award nominations for this year began.
The category for Best Supporting Actress came first, andGemma held her breath as the host read the names.
“And… Gemma Quinn for her role inForbidden Love.”
Caitlin erupted into cheers as Gemma’s vision blurred with joyful tears. She had never imagined getting an Oscar nomination for her work, but now it was real. She was thrilled, but the role had already brought Caitlin back, and that was the greatest win of her life.
“I’m so proud of you.” Caitlin leaned over, cupping Gemma’s face and pulling her in for a kiss.
Gemma was still reeling from the shock when the broadcast shifted, and Caitlin’s category began.
