"I'm trying to make you myeverythingpartner."
The word settles warm and certain.
Everything.
"Deal," I say.
"Sealed with ridiculous marker promises?"
"The most binding kind."
She laughs, and I memorize the sound.
This, her joy, our space, the future unfolding messy and slow and ours?—
This is what I fought for.
And I'd do it again.
Every time.
TRINITY
"Mom's going to cry. Just warning you now."
Korgan shifts the bags in the rental car trunk. "Why?"
"Because that's what she does. Happy tears, sad tears, Tuesday tears."
"Noted."
I watch him close the trunk with careful precision, still adjusting to human cars that don't require brute force. Three months since the show wrapped, and he's still adorably cautious with doorknobs.
"Dad will want to arm-wrestle."
"You mentioned."
"And Aunt Shelly will ask invasive questions about our sex life."
"Also mentioned."
"Just making sure you're prepared."
He turns, amber eyes warm. "Trinity. I negotiated peace talks with clan elders who threatened ritual combat. I can handle your family."
"Different kind of combat."
"I'm aware."
I grab his hand as we head toward the car. "For the record? You don't have to beonthis weekend. No cameras, no performance. Just—be you."
"The grumpy version?"
"My favorite version."
He kisses my knuckles, casual and possessive. "Let's go meet your clan."
The town hasn't changed.
