This is home. Like he once said, the place doesn’t matter. Home is found in him.

We get in the car and start back for the apartment. He asks, “How’d it go?”

“I think it was better than I expected.”

“That’s good.” He glances over and then rests his hand on my leg. “But I’m not surprised. You’re amazing.” Always my biggest fan. The charmer.

I rest my hand on his, loving the warmth. “Thanks, babe.” I take a deep breath, smiling as joy takes hold of me. I was loved. This is all the little girl inside me ever wanted to hear. Feeling content, I rest back in the chaos of traffic and smile. “For the first time in my life, I now know she loved me.”

EPILOGUE

Harbor

Three months later . . .

My life didn’t begin and end with Lark Summerlin. It froze in time because of her.

Room 156.

Row 14.

Seat 20.

Lark wasn’t the type I usually dated back in high school or college, but she was the girl I fell hopelessly, madly in love with the moment I laid eyes on her. I still remember every detail about her.

Strands of hair loose that had escaped the elastic.

The way her eyes narrowed when she was trying to concentrate.

There was no doubt that she was there to learn.

I never thought I stood a chance after purposely bumping into her. Busy digging in her backpack, she never looked up. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if she had. Would I have done anything differently if we had met under those circumstances?

No.

The past six months have been a blur. Honestly, I can’t tell you a fucking thing we’ve been up to since most of that time was spent in bed. Just how we like it. Sure, we bought season tickets to the Yankees and went to games last summer.

Liz and Lark’s connection appears to be growing stronger each time they see each other. I’m glad they’re rebuilding their relationship. If I had to bet on them, I think they’ll heal most of their wounds. They both want to, they say, so that’s a positive sign.

When it comes to Lark and me, just being upfront, but our lives are pretty much sex, sleep, eat, work, repeat the rest of the time. And neither of us would have it any other way. I can’t imagine my life without her.

And I don’t plan to. Not ever.

That bird saved me that day on the ledge. Lark saved me years later. She didn’t just give me the time of day. She gave me the time of her life and made my life worth living. I’ll never stop thanking her for that opportunity.

It’s been a long day, and the apartment is quiet when I enter. Without the lamp on in the bedroom, the only light is dusk sneaking in through the edges of the curtains. I wish I could see more of my beauty, but I know my eyes will soon adjust. Dealing with ego-driven clients all day is exhausting, but when I see Lark with her hands tucked behind her back and completely naked on the bed, I’m fully energized again. She smirks, knowing exactly what she’s doing. The siren.