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My throat tightens instantly. A sob catches at the back of it. Tears spill freely down my cheeks as I lower the phone and glance up at him.

He’s watching me, a soft smile playing on his lips, eyes full of that unshakable love. That forever kind of love.

I don’t need to say anything.

Because for the first time in months, everything finally feels right.

Undeniably right.

He’s mine. I’m his.

Now the whole damn world knows.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

FORTY-EIGHT

Nick

She doesn’t say anything at first.

Just sits there, her back against my front, the phone pressed to her heart, like she’s trying to hold the moment inside her. I can feel her breathing shift—shallow, then deep, then trembling—and I know she’s crying.

Not from pain. Not from doubt. But from finally knowing she’s home.

My arms tighten around her instinctively. I bury my face in her neck and let myself breathe her in. Vanilla and sunlight and Sierra. Everything that ever made me feel alive.

“You’re the only one I’ve ever wanted to call mine. And now the entire world knows,” I whisper against her skin, my lips brushing that one spot under her ear that always makes her melt.

She leans into me, her fingers gripping my forearm like she’s afraid I might disappear. But I won’t. I’m not going anywhere.

“You sure you’re okay with being Mrs. Hardy in front of the entire world?” I tease gently, even though I already know the answer.

She lets out a quiet laugh through her tears, nodding.

“I’ve been yours before the world knew,” she says, turning her head just enough to meet my eyes. “Now it’s just official you’re mine too.”

Fuck, this woman.

I kiss her—because I can, because I need to, because she’s here. With me. For good.

Outside, the world is probably still spinning with headlines and theories, photos and stories. But in here, in this room, all that matters is the girl in my arms and the life we’re finally brave enough to start together.

“Hmm… I just realized there’s one thing I need to do,” I say, absently toying with a lock of her hair, wrapping it around my finger and letting it slip free again.

She looks up at me over her shoulder, one eyebrow arched in playful suspicion. “What now?”

“Hand me your phone for a second, baby.”

With a little huff, she reaches for it, narrowing her eyes like she already knows I’m up to something.

I take it, unlock it with ease, and swipe straight into her settings.

I scroll until I find what I’m looking for—and when I change her last name from Thomas to Hardy, she throws her head back and lets out a laugh so bright and full, it hits me like sunlight straight to the chest.

“You’re absolutely insane,” she says between gasps, laughing harder as her head drops to my shoulder.

Her hand rests on my thigh, and I can feel the way her fingers begin to trace soft, lazy circles over me—like she’s trying to brand her touch into my skin.