Page 78

“Not dramatic, deserved,” he replies. “One…two…”

The fabric slips from my face, falling away.

“Three.”

Light floods my vision.

I blink my eyes a few times, waiting for them to adjust to the sunlight. The reflection of everyone standing around glints off the wide windows along the front. Soft banners flutter in the breeze in front of the warm wood and dark iron fixtures along the building. It’s clean and modern, but has this air about it likeit’s always belonged. Above the dark paned double doors hangs the most stunning hand carved sign.

The Howlery.

The name knocks the wind out of me.

This isn’t just a gallery, it’sours.

Flowers line the sidewalk in front of it, not just any flowers, and certainly not ones that he bought in the store. These are wildflowers, similar to the ones in our field. It’s the kind that is completely us.

I take a step forward, I don’t even realize that I have. The world softens as I take in all the little touches. The time he took to really build something that speaks volumes of how much he sees me. From the soft, pastel ribbon wrapped around the pillars to the wolf paw print into the concrete in the threshold of the door.

Caelon’s hand tightens around my side. “Say something.”

My throat tightens.

“I…” My voice breaks. “I don’t think there are words to describe how I’m feeling. Nothing that would ever capture my thoughts.”

He gives me a soft smile. “Good, because we are far from done.”

There’s movement behind the doors, drawing my attention. The door opens, and I see them. Odessa beaming, Lou waving, Fern clutching pottery, Bea wiping her eyes, and Gail, standing proudly with a ribbon and scissors in her hands.

The whole pack. Every single person who means the world to me, outside of my parents.

They are here, waiting for me.

Waiting to welcome us.

Gail walks forward waving a gigantic pair of gold scissors as if they are the prized possession of the night. A long strand of wide, red, satin ribbon dangles over her arm.

“Who would you like to hold your ribbon for you?” Gail asks.

Looking around the group of people gathered around me, I know exactly who when my eyes come to them. There is nobody else I can imagine being part of this moment than them.

“My parents,” I say as I call them over.

They each take a side of the ribbon, standing on each side of the pillars as I walk around to stand behind the ribbon. Caelon is standing there, watching as I come to a stop.

“What are you doing? I’m only here because of you. Come on. We will cut the ribbon together.”

He nods his head and joins me.

“Ready?” Gail asks, as everyone moves in closer.

Caelon places his hand over mine. “Do it together.”

And we do.

The blades snip through the ribbon, the crowd cheers, and just like that…

The Howlery is real.