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Jess felt tears prick her eyes. “You really mean that? All of it?”

“Every word. I love you. And I know that's not why you're staying, but I needed you to know. I love you, Jess Hartley.”

“Good.” She pulled him down and kissed him hard. “Because I love you too, you idiot. And yes, I want to build something together. But Wayne?” She pulled back enough to meet his eyes. “If you panic and push me away again, we're going to have words. Long, loud, uncomfortable words where I make you talk about your feelings.”

He laughed, the sound shaky with relief. “I can handle that.”

“Can you handle my grandparents interfering occasionally?”

“We'll set boundaries together. As a team.”

“Can you handle me probably being stressed and cranky while I build inventory for the fair?”

“I've handled worse.” He kissed her again, deeper this time. “Jess, I can handle anything as long as we're doing it together.”

She believed him. More importantly, she believed in them—in what they could build if they were both brave enough to try.

She pulled him closer, her hands sliding into his hair as the kiss intensified. Everything else fell away—the fairgrounds, the fundraiser, the uncertain future. There was only this: Wayne's hands framing her face, the taste of hope and promise, the solid certainty of him against her.

When they finally broke apart, both breathing hard, Wayne rested his forehead against hers.

“We should get back,” Jess whispered, though she made no move to let go.

“Probably.” He kissed her again, softer this time. "In a minute.”

She smiled against his mouth. “Yeah. In a minute. Right now, I need you to show me exactly how much you meant all those pretty words.”

“Ahem.”

They broke apart. Brandon and Jake stood in the doorway, both wearing identical smirks.

“Chief sent us to find you for photos,” Jake said, not bothering to hide his grin.

“Have a nice talk?” Brandon asked innocently.

Jess felt her face heat but refused to be embarrassed. “Very productive. I'm staying in Elken Grove. Wayne and I are together. Any other questions?”

“Nope, that covers it.” Jake clapped Wayne on the shoulder. “About damn time.”

The rest of the team materialized, all grinning. Chief Murphy looked particularly pleased.

“We held off on celebration photos,” Murphy said. “Figured you two might want to be in them.”

Captain Schwartz appeared with a camera. “Come on, whole team. And Jess—front and center. You're one of us now.”

Jess let herself be positioned in the middle of the group, Wayne's arm solid around her waist. These people had become friends without her quite noticing. This town had become home.

She'd chosen it. And for the first time in years, the choice felt absolutely, perfectly right.

As the sun set and the crowds dispersed, Jess stood with Wayne watching cleanup crews break down the demonstration areas.

“So,” Wayne said. “Your apartment above Caffeine Drip. When do you move in?”

“Next week.” She glanced up at him. “But fair warning—I might not be there much. Someone's barn is way more comfortable. Better company too.”

“Is that right?”

“Mm-hmm. Plus, he's got this amazing forge, and I have a feeling we're going to be spending a lot of late nights working on collaborative pieces.”

“Just working?” His voice was low, teasing.

“Well. Mostly working.” She grinned up at him. “Wayne Drummond, are you propositioning me?”

“Every chance I get.” He kissed her as the last of the sunset painted the sky orange and gold. “For the rest of our lives if you'll let me.”

“That's a long time.”

“Not nearly long enough.” He pulled her closer. “But we can start with right now. Come home with me?”

“Yeah.” Jess took his hand, facing their future together. “Let's go home.”