“I’ve spent the past eight years existing, but not really living. I didn’t think I deserved a life. I definitely didn’t deserve happiness.” His mouth tipped up in the barest smile. “And then one day I came to this very park and found you, and my entire life changed.

“You showed me what it means to be happy, Taylor.” He bowed his head and with an anguished plea said, “Just tell me what I have to do to make this right, and it’s done. I’ll do anything. Everything. As long as I don’t have to let you go.”

A fierce rush of emotion surged through her, its intensity so powerful it took her breath away. Taylor captured his face in her hands and tilted it up so she could look at him.

“Damn you, Twenty-Three. How dare you make me cry in public,” she said with a tearful laugh. She ran her thumb over his lips before brushing her own against them. “You don’t have to do anything more,” she whispered. “Because I’m not letting you go either.” Taylor rested her forehead against his. They stood there for several moments before she said, “Now that you won’t be spending five hours in the gym every day, what are you going to do with all your time?”

He squinted as if contemplating. “Hmm…I think I’m going to Disney World. Care to join me?”

Epilogue

Epilogue

Taylor rested an elbow on the red-and-white-checkered tablecloth and peered out at the sea of bodies moving with the cowgirl leading the Texas Two-Step. The crowd had been boisterous all night, but the energy level had spiked once the live band took to the stage.

To no one’s surprise, several patrons had come to their table, seeking an autograph, picture, or both from their favorite Longhorns running back. Taylor doubted she’d ever get used to it, but as she looked over at Jamar—who was in an animated conversation with Daniel—she knew it was worth it. She would happily put up with the interruptions from random strangers if it meant being with him.

“Hey, Taylor,” Samiah called as she reached into the basket of sweet potato fries they’d ordered as an appetizer. “What were you saying about that website? Have they had a change of heart?”

“Not exactly,” Taylor said. “The editor at Modish and Melanated contacted me yesterday to discuss the possibility of me writing a few featured articles for the site. It’s not the job I wanted, of course, but I figure it’s a way for me to get my feet wet and remain on their radar.”