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“Listen,” Quentin hisses in my ear.

I sink back into my chair, my eyes never leaving the woman I love who is standing on the stage, sharing her journey.

“I spent four years earning enough money to open my dance studio. Merryfellows was a means to an end and allowed me, an ex-foster kid, to follow my dreams. That path led me to my community, to helping the kids who needed somewhere to go. But still, fate wasn’t done with me. She had her own plans.” Her eyes lock on mine. “She led me to Caleb Frazer, a man who has not only saved my business, and our community, but showed me my past doesn’t need to define me, that I’m a survivor. Caleb, I’m sorry I ever doubted you.You’re one in a million, and you have changed my life and stolen my heart. You said when I was ready. Well, I’m ready now. Tonight, I walked in here without you by my side. I never want to stand anywhere without you next to me.”

Quentin lets go of my arm, and I’m on my feet, heading towards the stage. I climb the steps two at a time and sweep April into my arms, burying my head in her neck.

“You told me to own it. I spoke to Quentin, and he told me they can only use my past against me if I let them.”

I pull back and cup her face in my hands, dropping my lips to hers.

“I love you, little dancer,” I whisper against her lips. “I don’t give a rat's ass about your past or what anyone else thinks, but I know you do. You are the kindest, bravest, and most selfless person I have ever met.”

“I love you.”

“Good, 'cause you're stuck with me now. You just told the world we’re together.”

Cameras are going off all around us, and a cheer goes up when I kiss her this time.

Loud whoops go up from April’s table, where her foster mum and dad, Sarah, and Tim, Samuel and Dan, and a host of April’s dance students are all sitting. Our table follows suit. Tristan, Quentin, and Xander make the most noise of all. Seb, Scarlett’s husband, is holding her while she sobs into his shoulder. Meanwhile, Kat, Harper, Gabriel, and Leah are grinning like Cheshire Cats.

I smile down at April, pulling her to my side.

We leave the stage, only to be surrounded by our friends and family.

“I’ve got it covered,” Quentin says in my ear. “Control the narrative.”

Her fear has always been unfounded, but I know it hasbothered her. I squeeze my friend’s shoulder as a sign of my appreciation.

“Darling, I am so happy for you,” my mother says pulling me down for a hug, having finally let go of April. “You can celebrate later, however, tonight is still about April.” Her face getting serious. “You hold on to that woman, and don’t you ever let her go.”

“I have no intention,” I tell her truthfully.

“You really love her.” My mother’s knowing tone has me staring down into her face. “It’s there for all to see. I remember seeing that same look in your father’s eye. It took me a while to recognise it, but when I finally did, I was gone, too.”

I reach over and squeeze her hand. I’m not sure how she survived his death. I’m not sure I could if anything happened to April. Their love was monumental.

She smiles and grips my hand.

“I’m glad you’ve found her,” she says, her eyes moving to April, surrounded by those who love her.

Samuel looks over and winks. His grin unmissable.

CHAPTER 72

APRIL

The news of Caleb and my relationship takes on a life of its own, but he is by my side every step of the way.

Before the award ceremony, I took Quentin’s advice and spoke to Sarah, as well as my students' parents. Sarah was upset, but more because I was forced to give up on my conservatoire dream. As I told her, it was meant to be. If I hadn’t left and worked at Merryfellows, I would never have bought the dance school or met Caleb. I may never have reconnected with her. Things happen for a reason. Not always obvious at the time. Most of the parents had simply shrugged and told me it was none of their business—I was an amazing teacher, and that was all that mattered.

The dance studio is swarmed with press and photographers, so much so Elijah has used one of his contacts to employ a security firm. It’s not all been a bed of roses. There are also plenty of hate messages. Caleb Frazer fangirls and boys saying he can do better. We’ve decided to ignore them. Cal only has eyes for me, something he has shown me time and time again. I’m a survivor, and it willblow over, even if it is unpleasant. I’m staying off social media for the time being, and there is no point in fuelling the fire.

I’ve moved back into the penthouse. The dance school has become inundated with applications since I received my award. As more and more of the new development goes on the market, the number of people wanting to sign up for classes is increasing. As a result, I’ve employed a manager. She’s moving into the apartment above the studio tomorrow, which is the reason I’ve been able to take today off.

Today, I packed up all my photos and soft furnishings and moved themhome.

I hear the door to the penthouse open and step out of the kitchen. “How was your day?” I ask.