"Thank you. For everything."
Mira waits until last, pulls me into a long hug.
"You chose well, little one."
"Thank you, grandma. Your approval means the world to me."
"Be happy. That's all I've ever wanted for you."
"I am. So happy I can barely stand it."
She kisses my forehead. "Then my work here is done."
Music starts playing, where from, I'm not sure. But suddenly there's dancing.
"May I?" Calder extends a hand.
I take it, let him lead me to the cleared space in the center of the room.
We sway together, his hand at my waist, mine at his shoulder. The marks on my neck visible to everyone.
"Thank you," I say quietly. "For all of this. For planning it. For surprisingme."
"Thank you for letting me spoil you." His thumb brushes my mark. "For letting all of us love you."
"Not exactly difficult," I point out.
Through the bond, his happiness is radiant.
Tyler cuts in after one song, spinning me with characteristic joy. "Best surprise ever, right?"
"The absolute best."
"We wanted you to feel celebrated. Honored. Loved."
"Mission accomplished."
He dips me dramatically, making me laugh. When he pulls me back up, his eyes are bright.
"I love you," he says. "In case the whole public declaration thing didn't make it clear."
"I love you too."
Julian's next, precise even in dancing. "Satisfied with the evening?"
"Beyond satisfied. Overwhelmed."
"Good overwhelmed?"
"The best kind."
His hand finds the back of my neck, careful of the marks. "You deserve celebration, Elowen. Always."
I watch the room over his shoulder. Families mingling, talking, laughing. Pen teaching Maya some kind of dance move. Catherine and Rebecca comparing photos on their phones. Mira and Margaret in deep conversation. Robert and Marcus discussing something with Thomas that makes all three smile.
"Thank you," I tell Julian. "For helping plan this. For caring enough to make it happen."
"Always," he promises. "For you, always."
