“We did it,” she whispered. “We did it together.” Zire pulled back to look at her.
“That’s how we do everything now, together.” Berlin kissed him then, in front of everyone.
In front of Philadelphia’s elite, in front of cameras and gossips and people who would be talking about this night for years.
She didn’t care. She was done hiding, done pretending, done being anyone other than who she really was.
Berlin Langston, wife, partner, equal home. 6 months later, spring sunlight streamed through the windows of the Langston mansion.
Berlin stood on the terrace, their terrace, watching the gardens bloom. Roses and orchids and the exotic flowers she had finally learned the names of.
The fountain sparkled. Birds sang in the trees. Everything was beautiful. Everything was perfect. Arms wrapped around her from behind.
Warm lips pressed against her neck. Good morning, Mrs. Langston. Berlin smiled, leaning into Zier’s embrace.
Good morning, Mr. Langston. So much had changed in 6 months. Kendrick was in prison, awaiting trial on attempted murder charges.
The evidence had been overwhelming. Even his expensive lawyers couldn’t spin their way out of signed confessions and security footage.
The Thorn family had imploded. Vernon was under investigation for embezzlement. Nadine had fled to Europe to avoid prosecution and was currently in hiding.
Ivory had sent a single text. I’m sorry for everything. Before disappearing entirely. Berlin had deleted it without responding.
Some bridges weren’t meant to be rebuilt. What are you thinking about? Zire asked, his chin resting on her shoulder.
Everything. Nothing. Berlin turned in his arms to face him. How different my life is now.
How different I am. Zire smiled. That rare, genuine smile that still made her heart skip.
Any regrets? Not a single one. She touched the golden locket at her throat. She wore it every day now, not as a reminder of what she’d lost, but as a celebration of what she’d gained.
Though the storm rages and the path disappears, the child of strength walks forward. For home is not where you begin.
It is where you are finally seen. Her parents, whoever they were, wherever they were, had given her a blessing.
And that blessing had come true. “I love you,” she said. Zire cuped her face in his hands.
“I love you, too, more than I ever thought I was capable of loving anyone.”
He kissed her, soft and sweet and full of forever. When they finally pulled apart, Berlin was grinning.
