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He looks at Snow and shakes his head no.
“You home for good?” I ask.
“No, just on leave and I wanted to be here for this. Been following since the beginning. Everyone told me what happened.”
“I’m all right,” I assure him.
“I know. But shh.” He shushes us and Ever giggles.
“Abby, I have enjoyed my time with you. I love that you’re so driven and optimistic. I think you will become a great chef with the right mentor.” Austin looks at Shane.
“But I’m not the one.” She saves him from eliminating her, from having to say the words aloud.
“No, you’re not,” he replies with a small shake of his head.
“I wish you the best.” Abby moves forward, hugs him, and kisses him on the cheek.
“Cut,” someone yells.
“I’m so sorry,” Austin says, grasping her hands.
“It’s all right,” she tells him. “I’ll find someone.”
“Yeah, you will. But Shane is willing to take you on. He’s an excellent chef.” Austin grins, hiking his thumb in Shane’s direction.
“I’ve tasted the food. I know.” She smirks with amusement.
“I hope you stay for the party,” Shane says, and she nods.
Abby walks over to the porch where all of us are sitting around, and I almost laugh when Rome scoots over to give her room.
Yeah, she’ll find someone.
“Action.”
“I bet that was hard,” Carlton says.
“It was.” Austin offers a sad smile. “She’s a great girl.”
“Are you ready for Liam?”
“I am.” Austin’s smile is now a mile long.
“Is he going to propose?” Axel asks.
“No, he wants to start out slow,” Shane tells him.
“Smart.” Ever nods in agreement.
“I agree,” Timber says.
Liam walks out and he seems nervous.
“Liam, I have had so much fun connecting with you. You make me think and examine things from a different perspective. But you’ve given me joy and happiness. That has been missing for a long time. When I first met you, I felt this pull toward you. You drew me in, and I didn’t want to let go. Please say that you feel the same.” Austin whispers that last part, and we can barely hear him.
We all hold our breath for Liam’s answer.
“I feel the same,” he says, and Austin wraps him in a hug as we all cheer and clap.
“Worth it.” Shane sits back with a lopsided grin.
“It was.” Snow smiles.
“Let’s eat,” Silas yells, and someone turns on some music, and everyone grabs plates and beers.
I’ve never been happier.
