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“Better look for a place with adjoining master suites,” Natalia warned.
Sam smiled against Natalia’s lips, her heart overflowing, before she kissed her again. She knew this was only the beginning for them. With Natalia by her side, the future brimmed with possibilities.
There would still be challenges ahead, Sam knew, but together they were an unstoppable team. Natalia made her believe anything was achievable with enough tenacity. And Sam reminded Natalia there was more to life than work and reputation.
As they kissed, the remnants of Sam’s doubts vanished. This was meant to be. They balanced each other — Natalia’s laser focus, tempering Sam’s crusading spirit, while Sam’s empathy rounded Natalia’s sharp edges.
Natalia was right. They would take their time finding the perfect home to share, not rushing into cohabitation. For now, Sam was content falling asleep and waking up in Natalia’s arms.
She nuzzled against Natalia’s cheek, breathing her in. The woman she loved. Her match. Her partner for the rest of life’s adventures.
“I can’t wait to see what happens next,” Sam whispered.
Natalia’s eyes shone, brimming with promise. Their lips met again, sealing their commitment. The future was theirs for the taking. Together, they would make it extraordinary. They would leave a legacy.
EPILOGUE
Four Years Later
Gathered in Dominion’s kitchen, Natalia raised her glass of Dom Perignon. Bamford’s extravagant Christmas party was about to get underway in the lobby, but Natalia wanted a moment with her people first.
Everyone — except for Adriana, who was pregnant after going to impossible lengths to have baby number two — raised their glass in return. Lola was holding Darby, Roxy and Adriana’s toddler, who had fallen asleep without warning after playing with his favorite person. Next to her, Carmen was all smiles, an impressive wedding ring on her finger.
Natalia’s attention snagged on the sleeping toddler, who was no doubt drooling on Lola’s cocktail dress. She’d gotten soft, she knew, but she couldn’t help loving the adorable terror. Not when he looked at her all pink cheeked and called her Nalia. He never got less excited to see her.
Darby was going to inherit the wealth of knowledge and hard work of so many incredible women. Plus a sizable trust fund, so he’d never have to worry.
In her distracted silence, Sam started a speech. “We know Natalia is more of a doer than a talker, but she thinks the world of you guys?—”
“Oh, please. I’ve never needed anyone to speak for me,” she teased, bumping into Sam with her hip.
Natalia cleared her throat, gathering her thoughts. Public displays of emotion didn’t come naturally, but this was important.
“I’m not one for sentimental speeches,” she began, looking over the faces of her closest confidants. “But I wanted you all to know how proud I am. Of the skilled professionals you’ve become and, more importantly, the incredible people you are.”
Her gaze lingered on Adriana and Roxy, fingers entwined, glowing with the promise of expanding their family. On Lola, tenderly cradling Darby. On Carmen, who’d found both career success and true love.
“We’ve weathered many storms together. Times when the odds seemed impossible and giving up felt tempting.” Natalia’s voice grew thick with rare emotion. “But we didn’t give up. We kept pushing forward. And we’ve built something beautiful?—”
“And won an Independent Spirit Award and an Academy Scientific and Technical Award for Bloodstream Valentine,” Sam interrupted.
“God, I still really hate that title,” Natalia joked.
“Don’t forget Starla’s Emmy,” Lola added in a whisper.
“For the love — you’re missing the point.” Natalia’s gaze drifted fondly over Lola and Adriana. “I chose the two of you to mentor for a reason,” she said. “Neither of you came from privilege or connections. Everything you’ve achieved is through your own grit and merit.”
She let her words sink in before continuing. “And that’s why I know I can trust you both with Dominion’s future, when the time comes.”
Adriana’s eyes went wide. She exchanged an incredulous look with Lola.
“This agency has always strived to lift up those denied opportunities. To fight for respect, autonomy, and humanity.” Natalia’s voice rang with conviction. “That mission cannot waver. The world needs it now more than ever.”
She raised her glass higher, locking eyes with her proteges. “I know you’ll carry the torch. That you’ll keep pushing for progress, no matter what obstacles arise. You have the talent and the heart to take Dominion to new heights.”
Adriana seemed to vibrate with nervous energy, clearly grasping Natalia’s implications. “Natalia, are you saying?—”
“I’m saying it’s time for another toast,” Natalia interjected smoothly. She gently clinked her glass to Adriana’s, then Lola’s.
