The last update I received was that Len was visiting the west coast. I’d sent her recommendations for places she had to try. I even made sure to mention Don’s in there, in case she found herself in my hometown.

I forced myself to walk forward, holding out my hand to shake Grey’s. He handed over the plaque and whispered his congratulations.

Grey pointed me toward a photographer right beneath the stage. We turned and stood side-by-side, smiling for the photo. Every single person who’d gone up before me had done the same.

A waving behind the camera caught my attention, and I saw my little sister frantically tossing her arms in the air.

My heart almost stopped in my chest when I saw the person sitting beside her. On her left was my mother, smiling ear-to-ear, proud of the son she raised. On her other side was a woman, her dark brown curls perfectly rippling over her shoulders, her warm, light brown skin complimenting the dark blue sundress she wore.

I felt myself grinning like a madman. I had to get off stage, fast.

I hurried through the photo op and quickly walked down the steps of the stage.

I looked at the seats but saw my family and Len missing from where they sat only moments before.

Before I could glance around, arms wrapped around me, almost knocking me over. I turned and quickly embraced whoever it was who had hugged me. I found Len’s head already buried in my chest and rested my head on top of her curls.

“How did you know?” I asked, never once mentioning this in my letters.

“You really thought I’d visit your hometown and not stop at Don’s?” Lenny said.

“How did you find my family?” I asked.

“I went to Don‘s on Tuesday like you said, and I spotted a girl who happened to look just like you. I was willing to take a bet.”

“You told her?” I said to Lyla.

My sister giggled.

“I like her,” Lyla whispered in a not-so-discreet fashion.

I spotted my mother beaming, watching us all. When Len pulled away, I walked over and gave her a hug.

“Thank you for being here,” I said. “Thank you all for being here.”

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Len said, and before I could help myself, I grabbed her waist, pulling her close.

My lips were instantly on hers, soft and gentle, and the second they touched, she relaxed. I inhaled and was instantly transported back to Briarport. Somehow, she always smelt like sea salt and sage.

I heard some clapping behind me and broke away, only to see Agent Grey and the rest of my team cheering me on, but I didn’t care. Let them watch.

“I think I’m ready for something new,” Len said gently, her hands on my chest.

“What would that be?” I asked.