Sam’s eyes widened, and he took the card with such awe on his face that it made Claire feel unworthy.

“I mean it,” she repeated, wanting to make sure he got her sincerity. “Contact me anytime.”

The young man nodded before shaking her hand again and moving back to the aisle. His companion gave them a shy wave as they left.

Claire sat down with an oomph, every bit of energy draining out of her. “Well.”

“Well,” Lincoln said, hugging her. “You did well.”

“You did,” Lily said beside her. “I’m proud of you.”

“I’m proud of you too,” Lincoln said, the words raspy with emotion as he dipped his head and placed a kiss against the sensitive spot just below her ear. A shiver went down her spine, and the squeeze of his arms around her ribs made her heart fill so full she thought it would burst. “I always have been, and I always will be.”

Turning her head, Claire tucked it into the curve of Lincoln’s neck. “I love you,” she whispered. “I have for a long, long time, and I always will.”

* * *