Finn’s dream hits something deep inside me.
For years, my dream was supposed to be traveling. Iceland. Norway. Fjords and northern lights. That’s what I always told people.
But the truth is, what I really want is the same thing he does.
Somewhere that feels like home.
Not McGregor Castle with its suffocating traditions and endless expectations. Not London, where I spent my university years feeling lost. Not Glenfield, where everyone has known me since childhood.
A place that’s truly mine.
A place I choose.
A place where I can simply be myself.
“You wrote the exact same thing,” Maggie says quietly.
Emma’s eyes are full of tears.
“That’s so romantic.”
“Why is everyone emotional?” Callum grumbles.
“You don’t even know her favorite food,” Connor calls from across the room.
“Sushi!” Callum says triumphantly.
Jane throws a cushion at him.
No, I want to scream.
This isn’t romantic.
It’s terrifying.
Because it means we know each other.
Really know each other.
Without even realizing it, I learned how to read him. To understand the silences between his words. To hear the things he never says out loud.
The rest of the game passes in a blur until Maggie finally announces:
“Lachlan and Emma: six points. Nate and Lily: six points. And our grand winners with eight points… Mary and Finn!”
Applause erupts.
Emma watches us with shining eyes. Keira smiles mysteriously. Lily looks genuinely emotional.
Callum grumbles under his breath.
“This is suspicious. Nobody guesses that many answers right.”
“They’re definitely cheating,” Cameron adds.
“Or maybe they’re truly in love,” Jane says softly, one hand resting on her stomach.
“It’s love,” Maggie declares with satisfaction.
