The living room is quiet. From the kitchen, Kimmy and Thomas are squabbling over a slice of pizza. Someone’s left a party hat on the arm of the sofa. A streamer detaches from the ceiling and floats down between us like confetti at the world’s most unlikely wedding.
“That’s an important consideration,” I manage.
“Yes. Because you sacrificing your heart also means sacrificing my heart. And I’m sure it doesn’t take a genius to work out that isn’t a good scenario for anyone.”
“I agree, it’s not an ideal scenario,” I choke out.
“And I really need a sidekick. The kids have demanded it.” He glances at my onesie—the pink fleece, the rainbow mane, the tail with the pompom. His mouth twitches. “Also, you look really good in that.”
Despite everything, something twitches at the corner of my mouth. “Oh, so this is a business proposition.”
“It’s a multifaceted proposal. I’m diversifying.”
“Archie—”
I close the remaining distance between us. My hand comes up to his face and my thumb traces his cheekbone.
His breath catches. The cape rustles before he goes very still.
“I love you,” he says simply. There’s no joke, deflection, or theatrical delivery. Just three words said plainly in a living room in Detroit that smells of birthday cake and party food. “I love you, and you love me, and the fact that you’re standing here in a unicorn onesie is just one of about nine thousand reasons why.”
I look at him.
He looks back at me.
And I think of what led us here. Vaughn’s betrayal. At the time, I thought it was the worst thing that could happen. But it had led me to quit QuantumTech and join Andrew’s startup, which had been a shortcut to professional success that I never could’ve achieved if I’d stayed at QuantumTech. And my lingering anger at Vaughn had led me to pour maple syrup on his brother, which gave me a chance to fall in love with this incredible man who makes me into the best version of myself.
Nothing happens in isolation.
It appears that sometimes bad things become the doorway to the best things in the world.
“I love you too,” I say.
He smiles. “I figured that much, but it’s still good to hear it.”
“I’ll never stop telling you,” I say.
He reaches up to touch the side of my face, running a shaky finger down my cheek. “Do you believe in magic, Sparkle McHornface?”
“I do now,” I say as I lean forward to kiss him.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Archie
Unfortunately, our make-out session in the middle of Leo’s sister’s living room has a short lifespan. I’m suddenly aware we’ve got an audience.
I reluctantly break off our kiss.
Leo’s niece and nephew are standing in the doorway, staring at us with wide eyes and open mouths.
It’s like they’ve never seen a man in a cape kiss a sparkly unicorn.
“Kids,” Caitlin admonishes as she comes into the doorframe. “Leave Uncle Leo and his friend alone.”
“Captain Giggles is actually my boyfriend,” Leo says. “And those are words I never imagined I’d say,” he mutters in an undertone.
“I’m also known as Archie,” I say. “Captain Giggles is my undercover name. I’m actually a secret agent for the International Bureau of Fun, and your uncle has been helping me on a very important mission.”
