A flicker of panic rushes through me.
“Jayce…”
He smiles softly. “Trust me.”
My fingers tremble as I slowly slide the ring off.
He nods once, holding out his hand. “Give it here.”
I place it in his palm. Then, before I can ask what he’s doing, he swings his legs over the side of the hospital bed.
“Jayce!” I cry, startled.
He grunts as his feet hit the floor.
“What are you doing? You’re hurt!”
“Hang on,” he mutters as he straightens, clearly fighting the pain of his injury.
Turning to face me, he slowly lowers himself onto one knee.
My hands fly to my mouth. “Jayce…”
He holds up the ring.
“Sutton Holloway,” he says, his smile wide, gaze locked on me, “Will you marry me? For real this time?”
My vision blurs and a sob bursts out of me.
“Yes!” I exclaim. “Yes, of course yes!”
Standing, he grabs my hand and threads our fingers together.
Relief and happiness flash across his face as he slides the ring back onto my finger. I barely give him time to stand before I throw my arms around him. He laughs softly against my lips as I kiss him.
“Then this isn’t for show anymore,” he whispers, kissing me back. “It’s real, Starling.”
I lean back and gaze up at him. “Why do you call me Starling? I’ve never asked, but I’ve always wondered.”
Running his fingers through my hair and tugging on the teal strands, he answers, “When I first saw that pop of teal in your hair, I knew it was a perfect representation of you. At first glance, a starling bird seems plain and black, but when the lighthits its feathers, they shimmer with greens, purples, and blues. They’re beautiful, brilliant, and there’s so much more to them than meets the eye. Just like you.”
Smiling, he pulls me down into another kiss, and I can feel the silent promise in it.
This isn’t just real… it’s forever.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE: PEACE
SUTTON
It’s a week later,the beginning of May, and the press room is crowded when I step out and make my way to the podium. Cameras flash, and I flip my hair, showing off the full purple and teal mix I recently dyed it. My chin is high and I don’t feel like I’m going to break apart with anxiety.
Jayce is right behind me. I don’t have to look back to know that. He’s always there for me. Always has my back. I have no doubt about that.
When I reach the podium and the microphone, I take a moment to get my bearings. Mom and Dad are sitting in the front row of the audience, which is made up primarily of reporters, waving to get my attention. The reporters don’t intimidate me — not today, not tomorrow, never again — and my parents are gazing at me with pride. Jayce’s parents are sitting next to mine, along with his brother and sister. They all look curious, and Ryan looks almost nervous.
Turning my attention away from them, I grip the edge of the podium and begin to speak.
“Good afternoon.”
