He cocked an eyebrow. “Enough to fill the big Kong, at least.”

“You know, Morgan’s really food-focused. I think that would do the trick.” She lifted his hand in hers and pressed his palm against her lips. “Only there’s something else I want to tell you first. Two things, actually.”

“Yeah. Anything.”

“The job back home… I turned it down. I told you that I know I’m meant to be a teacher, and that hasn’t changed. But the shelter, you, my sister… I’m meant to be here, Gabe. Now. Not in another year. I’ll pick up subbing or maybe even a teaching assistant position if nothing opens. Not getting a position for next year doesn’t mean the end of my career.”

“I want to ask if you’re sure, but you look really clear.”

“I am clear.”

Their lips brushed again, and tears unexpectedly stung his eyes. He cleared his throat and did his best to blink them back. “I can’t tell you how happy that makes me.”

“You don’t have to. I already know.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “It opens everything up. Everything, Olivia.”

“I know. Pretty much everything, I guess. I do have one disclaimer.”

“Oh yeah? What’s that?”

“It’s the other thing I wanted to say. I don’t know how I’m going to do it yet, considering I don’t have steady employment, but I do have decent savings built up. I realized tonight that I’ve never lived alone. Ever. It may be a little early to lay out all my cards like this, but I feel I need to say it now because I realized how important this is to me too.”

“You want to get a place of your own?”

“A lease on an apartment or something. And that’s the awkward part. I won’t sign anything too long in the event that…you know, things between us keep progressing like they have been. But this is something I feel called to do.”

He shook his head, laughing off what felt like a potentially surreal connection. “I understand that. And I’ll honor it. Happily. As far as I’m concerned, what’s between us is for the long term, Olivia. And I’m fine with you taking the steps you need to get us there. The funny thing is, when I told my landlord I’m house shopping, he asked if I knew anyone who might be interested in moving in. It’s something to think about, but if he doesn’t have to advertise or lose out on rent if it goes unoccupied, he said he won’t raise it for the next person. I know for a fact my rent is practically unheard of in this market.”