The mayor nods toward the ribbon.
“Whenever you’re ready.”
I cut the ribbon.
The crowd erupts in cheers. But I am only looking at her.
The theater doors open, and Lavender Creek poured inside.
The first movie starts. The lobby is busy with people grabbing snacks and drinks while kids run around comparing candy boxes.
The surprises had gone over even better than I hoped. The outdoor screen in the park for a late night showing. The memory wall where people have already started pinning old pictures of the theater or writing down their favorite memories. The free popcorn vouchers for kids.
Riley is beside me, watching the chaos.
“You’re a hero tonight.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” I say.
“You literally gave an entire town free popcorn.”
“Fair point.”
She’s standing near the hallway leading to the screening rooms.
I walk toward her. “Hey,” I say on my approach.
“Hi,” she says with a warm smile.
“I’m glad you came,” I say.
“I wouldn’t have missed this,” she says, looking around. Her eyes sparkle. “You did something really incredible here, Everett.”
“Thanks,” I say.
She takes a breath. “I’ve been thinking a lot. And I’ve realized something. I choose you. I know Emily changes things, and I don’t know exactly what our future looks like. But I know I want to be part of it.” She steps closer. “Choosing you means choosing Emily too, and that makes me excited.”
Emotion rises in my chest. “You walked into my life when I was still figuring out who I was supposed to be. This place helped rebuild something in me.” I take her hands. “I can’t promise everything will be easy, but I can promise you this: I will always show up. You’re the person I want beside me through all of it. Every messy, unexpected part. Because the truth is, I can’t imagine my future without you in it. The truth is, Violet, I love you so very much.”
“Everett…” Her smile is soft and full of emotion. “I love you too. I promise to always show up for you, for us. Loving you is the easiest thing I have ever done.”
For a moment, we just stand there, the noise of the lobby fading into the background as if the entire theater has gone quiet around us.
Then I kiss her.
Not the hesitant kind of kiss that asks permission. The kind that answers every question that has been sitting between us for weeks.
My hands settle at her waist as she rises slightly on her toes, her fingers sliding into the collar of my jacket as she kisses me back with the same certainty.
Warm.
Certain.
Real.
“You really know how to make a public declaration,” she murmurs.
I smile. “I’d do it again.”
