She sobbed harder and let herself crumple into me. Her sobs wracked through her body as she gripped me tight.
I noticed her laptop open, credits rolling on the screen, and music I recognized.
Terraformative.
Frankie was caught red-handed watching the show she swore she would never watch.
I wasn’t sure what it meant, but it meantsomething.It was like a dam broke, releasing all the pent-up fear and emotions from the day.I threw my head back and started to laugh. I felt unhinged, but this was too much. It was too perfect.
Frankie leaned back in my hold and shoved at my chest. “It’s not funny.” She looked so pitiful with her chin trembling, trying to be stern with red-rimmed eyes.
“It’s a little funny.”
“No, it’s not.” Her chin wobbled as she protested and it just made me laugh harder. “Harrison!” She sniffled and wiped her cheeks. “It’s so sad.”
“Was that the series finale?”
Her face crumpled again as she nodded. “I can’t … believe it’s over,” she spoke between shuddering breaths.
“It was a happy episode, I thought? The Intrepid Trio off and on to their next grand adventure.”
Her shoulders shook again as she hid her face. “I can’t believe how much you’re enjoying this,” she said muffled.
“I’m sorry. I’m just so happy. Have you watched the entire thing?” I was losing a battle to stop smiling.
“Yes. I can’t believe you caught me. This is humiliating.”
I lifted her chin. “Why? This is amazing.”
“You’re so smug.”
I laughed again but handed her a tissue from my pocket. I’d learned to keep them on hand to avoid Collette wipingthingsin various places.
“I knew you’d be like this if you found out,” she said, wiping her nose.
“When did you even find the time?” I rubbed her shoulders as I looked down at her. I couldn’t ever feel mad when she was in my arms. Whatever hurt had been causing my anger dissolved when she looked up at me with gleaming eyes and held on to me like I kept her safe.
“I’ve been sneaking up here at night,” she explained.
“Since when? There are eight seasons!”
“I started shortly after the Watermelon Wine Fest. I only meant to watch one”—she tossed her arms out—“and then I couldn’t stop.” She rolled her eyes. “It’s stupid good. I really wanted the whole world to be wrong.”
“I did try to tell you.” Silly, beautiful, stubborn woman.
“I can’t believe youlivedthis. I can’t believe I missed this. It’s so good too, you know?” Her eyes welled again, voice warbling. “Different from the books enough that it worked for TV but also loyal to the tone of the books. I just want to curl up and live in this world.”
“I understand.” I rubbed my thumb over her cheek, drying the tear streak.
“I hate this feeling. Now stupid reality feels insufferable.”
“Not totally.” I pressed a soft kiss to her temple, and she sighed. “But I will say, all these years and not one project I’ve worked on has come close.”
“How did you guys handle it ending?”
“I don’t think we did. We were all changed.”
“You were so good, Harrison.” She shook me roughly but playfully. “So good. You were so young. I can’t even fathom what your life was like.”
