“I love you.” She said it so much, so easily. I was grateful that I had the sense to realize I deserved this love. She gave with her whole heart and put me first, and I was doing the same for her. “We can do this together too. Remember him.”

I adored her drive and her ability to make my dreams her priority, too. As we celebrated in my parents’ backyard, I overheard her talking to Teddi about her degree.

“Just general studies. I just wanted the Bachelor’s to open possibilities. I may go back for my business degree if our clothing line takes off.”

Our clothing line. She was a force. All those years I blamed Teddi for having such a relentless drive, but Taylor was almost as fierce with it.

One boozy night soon after I returned from France, I had confessed to Taylor that I had dreamed of having a clothing line of my own. She had sat down on the floor, a wipe away marker on hand, and we drew out my business plan naked on the tile floor.

She had forced me to think in wider and wider circles until not only would I be doing clothing, but I’d also have makeup and a style page. She was an organizational wonder, and in her free time she’d organize all my files and made outfit boards as well.

Taylor was a true partner in crime.

I dipped her on the dance floor/basketball court, and Teddi, with impeccable timing, popped off an air cannon packed full with silver confetti.

We had reminisced just the night before about how far we had made it in just twelve months. The impossible was just a to-do list for us now. The brides’ event was continuing and Teddi had reached out to friends all over the world, as had I. Everyone’s a Damn Bride was reaching not only many parts in the U.S., but overseas as well. It was a mixture of Mardi Gras and New Year's Eve every year. We hoped it would only get bigger. Taylor and I stayed supportive and interactive with the community that I represented. LGBTQIA+ needed allies, and I was happy to help have a place where everyone felt comfortable to be themselves.

Roberta was due to have her early release hearing, as was Peter. It wasn’t long enough for what they had done, but it was good that they’d have to tell employers in the future that they had a criminal background. They were horrible at making decisions. The judge in the matter made the restraining order a permanent fixture, legally keeping Roberta and Peter from contacting Taylor in any way.

Endgame lived on in my heart. He always would. The empathy and hope I had for him would color my views. Color the way I approached adversity. Taylor was always down to talk about it, and I took her up on it on many occasions.