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“I knew it!” Elliot exclaimed, his voice rising with each word. “I knew there was something special between you two! Oh, this is fantastic! I’m so happy for you both!”

He clasped his hands together, bouncing slightly in his seat as if he could barely contain his excitement. Kate couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. Vanessa’s arm tightened around her waist, and Kate leaned into the embrace.

“Obviously, this changes things,” Kate said.

“I understand completely,” Elliot said, his voice softening from its earlier excitement. “I’m stepping down.” He held up his hand in mock surrender.

Kate watched as Vanessa’s expression softened, her eyes misting over as she looked at their agent through the phone screen.

“Thank you,” Vanessa said, her voice thick with emotion. “For everything.” She paused, her fingers finding Kate’s and interlacing them. “If you hadn’t suggested this whole arrangement... Kate and I might never have gotten to know each other.”

Kate’s chest tightened at Vanessa’s words. She remembered that first dinner, how nervous she’d been sitting across from her idol, trying to hide years of admiration. Now here they were, together on her deck, holding hands while talking to their agent. The universe had a strange way of working things out.

“Oh, stop it. Seeing you both happy is all the thanks I need.” He dabbed at the corner of his eye. “Now, I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone. Talk soon!”

Vanessa smiled as she hung up and slide her phone back into her pocket. Kate turned back toward the sunset, Vanessa’s arms wrapping around her once more. The last remnants of daylight painted the horizon in deep purples and golds, the ocean a dark mirror reflecting the fading colors. A cool breeze swept across the deck, carrying the salt air, and Kate pressed back into Vanessa’s warmth.

“I never thought I’d be standing here with you like this,” Kate whispered, her fingers trailing along Vanessa’s forearms.

Vanessa’s lips brushed against her neck.

Kate turned in Vanessa’s embrace, reaching up to cup her face. Everything about this moment felt perfect. The gentle crash of waves, the way Vanessa looked at her.

“Stay tonight?” Kate asked, her thumb ghosting across Vanessa’s jaw.

Vanessa’s gaze searched hers. “I’d love to.”

Hand in hand, they turned from the darkening sky and headed inside, leaving the last of the sunset behind them, their story now entirely their own.