“Just… taking it in.”
He followed my gaze out the window. “You ready for tonight?”
My chest tightened, but in a good way. “Yeah.”
Last year, I’d watched Pecan Pines’ Summer Festival from a distance. Told myself that it wasn’t for people like me.
Tonight, I’d be there. With Levi and Kai. With a future that didn’t feel like it would crumble the second I touched it.
Kai reappeared, backpack slung over one shoulder. “Are we still going later?”
“Yep,” I said.
He nodded, trying to look casual. “Good.”
Levi smirked. “You excited?”
“No.”
“You’re definitely excited.”
Kai rolled his eyes. “I just want the fried dough.”
“Sure,” Levi said.
Kai hesitated, then glanced between us. “Are you going to… you know… be normal there?”
“Normal?” I echoed.
“Less gross.”
Levi leaned over and kissed my cheek deliberately.
Kai groaned and covered his face. “I’m bringing headphones.”
I laughed, and for the first time in a long while, it came easily.
And tonight, under the festival lights, with Levi at my side and Kai rolling his eyes at us, I’d finally step into the life I’d always wanted, not alone, but with the family I’d fought to keep.
THE END
