“Me too,” I say, kissing her forehead before helping her into the SUV.
As I walk around to the driver’s side, I catch myself grinning like an idiot. But I don’t care. Tessa is safe. Preston is going to prison. And we get to build whatever life we want together.
That’s worth grinning about.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-NINE
TESSA
Sitting at my favorite table at the coffee shop, my honey oat milk latte within reach, I skim over my thesis one more time before hitting submit. The cursor hovers over the button for just a second before I click it, and then it’s done.
I close my laptop and lean back in the chair, letting out a relieved breath.
This full-circle moment isn’t lost on me. I just completed the last step of a lifelong dream in the same coffee shop that’s been my haven for years. Soon I’ll be working in a career I’ve wanted since I was a kid. I’m surrounded by people who actually love me, and for the first time in my life, I’m safe.
It’s all coming together in a way I never thought possible.
Layla drops into the chair across from me. “All done?”
“All freaking done.” I can’t stop smiling.
“That’s amazing, Tessa.”
“It feels surreal,” I admit. “Like I’m going to wake up and realize I still have coursework to complete.”
“Well, you don’t. You’re officially almost a college graduate.” She grins. “So what’s next?”
“As soon as the semester is officially over and I graduate, I’ll start applying for jobs. But Logan’s also planning some weekend trips for us before the season starts.”
“Oh yeah? Where?”
“No idea. He wants to surprise me.”
Layla grins. “Happiness looks good on you, babe.”
“Thanks.”
The bell above the door chimes, and Logan walks in. His eyes go straight to my closed laptop. “All done?”
“Just submitted it. I’m officially unemployed with a degree.”
“That’s my girl.” He walks over and leans down to kiss me. “You ready to get out of here?”
“Yeah, let me just grab my stuff.”
We say goodbye to Layla, and I follow Logan out to his SUV. Jack is parked across the street in his usual spot, and he gives us a subtle nod as we pass.
We’re planning to discontinue the security service soon, but Logan doesn’t want to end it until Preston is officially in prison. Honestly, I don’t mind. I’ve gotten used to having Cole or Jack around, and it’s reassuring to know someone’s watching out for me.
Feeling safe is still new enough that I don’t take it for granted.
The bag Logan told me to pack earlier rests in the back seat of his SUV.
“Still no hints?” I ask as he pulls out of the parking lot. “Are we driving or flying somewhere?”
“Driving,” he says, glancing over with a smile.
