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Carrie’s heart swelled as he got down on one knee.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Vanessa grumbled.

“Don’t ruin this,” Kelsey whisper-hissed, stepping back and slapping Vanessa on the arm. “You had your chance, remember?”

From behind him, Kid pulled out a jean vest, similar to the one Kelsey wore. He’d folded it in such a way that the back of it sat on top. Stitched into the denim was a large patch proclaiming Property of Kid.

“For you, my phoenix,” Kid said. “If you’ll still have me.”

“Absolutely,” Carrie squealed as she hopped up and down.

Kid got to his feet. “Happy birthday,” he said.

Clumsily, he slid the feathery wing situation of her costume off her shoulders so he could replace it with the vest.

“Not sure this goes with the getup,” he commented.

“I don’t care,” she admitted. There were more important things than people recognizing her as a phoenix.

Once she’d been properly vested, she turned toward him.

His eyes sparkled as he drank her in.

“How do I look?” she asked.

“Like mine,” he said, then wrapped his arms around her, cupping her ass, and lifting her to his height so he could devour her in a passionate kiss that shook her soul.

Epilogue

Carrie

Three Months Later

Standing in the bathroom at the salon with her hands on the sink and her head low, Carrie took intentional deep breaths. She reached for the paper towel dispenser and ripped off several sheets. She ran them under the cool water of the tap, wrung them out, and placed a makeshift compress on the back of her neck.

Perhaps a burrito from the food truck was a bad idea. If only she could vomit and get it over with. She hated living in this in-between state of to throw up or not to throw up.

Cupping her hands, she collected some water and splashed it on her face before twisting the tap and switching off the spray. Removing the soggy paper towels from her body, she deposited them into the trash can before fussing with her hair.

Her next client would be there any minute. She should get out on the floor and ready her station for a full head of highlights. Her hand went to her lower spine instinctively. It would be a long night.

“You alright?” Kelsey asked as Carrie entered the stockroom to collect the foils she’d need. “You’re a bit pale.”

Waving a hand, Carrie shook her head. “Stomach isn’t happy.”

Kelsey nodded understandingly.

Suzanne, the manager of the salon, paused while carrying a bowl of hair color as she walked by. “Are you okay? Should we reschedule your client? If we call her now, maybe she can turn around or…”

“No. I’m fine.” Carrie’s cheeks heated in embarrassment. There was the color Kelsey asked about. “Something I ate isn’t sitting well.”

Suzanne eyed her suspiciously.

“I don’t normally have such spicy burritos, but I just had a hankering, and well…” Carrie sighed and shrugged. “I’m paying the price.”

“Ah.” Their boss nodded. “I have some Tums and Pepto if you need it.”

“Thanks. I should be alright,” Carrie assured her as Suzanne walked away.