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The two women exchanged stunned, mildly bewildered smiles. Natalia hid her own grin behind another sip of champagne, letting her meaning sink in. The future was in good hands.

“Let’s go rub some elbows,” Roxy said, lifting her sparkling cider in solidarity with Adriana’s sobriety.

The rest of the group started for the glass door leading to the reception area, but Sam’s hand was on her wrist, holding her back. Natalia turned to Sam, reading the tender look in her partner’s eyes.

“What is it?” she asked softly.

Sam pulled Natalia into her arms, the scent of her cologne still quickening her pulse. Her expression brimmed with emotion.

“I’m just so proud of you, that’s all,” Sam said, tucking back a lock of Natalia’s hair. “Opening your heart, nurturing this family… it’s incredible seeing you shine like this.”

Natalia felt her usual defenses rise on instinct. But Sam’s loving gaze melted them away before they had a chance to fully materialize.

“I don’t know that I would be here without you.” Natalia’s voice thickened. “You saw something in me when all I showed you were thorns. You made me believe I deserved… this.”

She gestured around them, at the lives they’d built. Lives intertwined with people Natalia once kept at a distance.

Sam rubbed her thumb over her cheek while she cupped her jaw. “You’ve always deserved love, Natalia. I’m just glad you let me be the one to give it to you.”

They kissed, a soft meeting of lips conveying what words couldn’t. Natalia marveled that after so many years, the spark between them had only grown brighter.

With Sam’s hand warm in hers, she started toward the elevator to join the swirl of the party. Her family awaited. The future shone brightly, built on bonds once unimaginable. Natalia’s heart had never felt more suited to its rightful purpose.