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Grace tried to compare this kiss to the others, which were largely exploratory, feeling like a celebration of their spark... but there was no comparison. This kiss symbolized so much more. Every movement was a symbol of their mutual feelings, every sigh or flash of eye contact held their triumph over their fears and uncertainties.
"Tommy," Grace whispered, her voice tinged with emotion as they drew apart. "I don't know what the future holds, but I do know that I’m not interested in going it alone anymore."
Tommy’s eyes were bright with love and hope as he kissed her once more for good measure. "Happy to hear that, but again... where do we stand? Are you planning on writing those cozy mysteries here in Snow Hill?"
Grace heard the unspoken question:Or are you still planning on leaving me?
She took a deep breath, looking straight into Tommy's eyes, marveling at the vulnerability mixed with hope that she saw there.
This was not about blogging versus writing cozy mysteries... it wasn't just about her career…
It was about the life she wanted to build with him in this town that had embraced her with open arms.
"Tommy," she said, her voice firm and filled with conviction, "I'm staying in Snow Hill. I'm staying withyou."
A wave of relief washed over Tommy's face as he pulled her closer, his strong arms wrapping around her protectively. "I can't tell you how happy that makes me," he murmured into her hair.
"Me too," she whispered, feeling as if a weight had lifted from her shoulders.
As they sat there on the ground with their backs against the basement door, the first hints of dawn began to break through the raging storm outside. The pale light filtered through the small windows high up on the walls, casting a warm glow that seemed to chase away the shadows and darkness around them.
"Look at that," Tommy murmured, his voice filled with wonder as he pointed towards the window. "The storm is finally starting to clear."
Grace tilted her head to look at the soft light seeping into the basement, its arrival feeling like a promise of a new beginning. The symbolism wasn't lost on her; just as the storm had forced them to confront their feelings and make life-changing decisions, the dawn was now bringing a fresh start for them both.
"New beginnings," Grace whispered, cuddling deeper into Tommy's arms. "That's what this feels like."
"Exactly," he agreed, his thumb gently stroking her hand. "And I can't wait to see what our future holds."
As they held each other, watching through the window as the gentle light grew brighter and the storm receded, a sense of peace settled over Grace. Life could change so unexpectedly, leading her down paths she never thought possible, but with Tommy by her side, she felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. At the end of the day, she knew what they'd built was real and that he cared about her as much as she cared about him.
"Hey, Grace?" Tommy said as he led her upstairs after help had arrived to take Ethan away.
They'd have to go down to the station for statements, but they were offered a chance to shower and sleep first, and they'd gladly accepted it.
"Yeah?" she replied, taking his hand.
"Do me a favor, will you?"
"Anything."
"I've been thinking a lot about us... and I've decided we're a lot stronger together than we are apart."
Grace frowned up at him when they reached her door. "Okay... I agree. What's the favor?"
"Next time you wanna venture into a dark basement like the girl who dies first in a cheesy horror movie, bring me with you, okay?"
Grace laughed, then lunged for him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Deal."
He started to lean in, but she pressed one finger to his lips to stop him.
"Uh-oh," he said around her finger. "Not this again."
"I'll keep that promise on one condition," she said with a grin.
"Lay it on me."
"Never stop making me laugh like that. It's my favorite thing in the whole world."
