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Dad notices Xavier and waves him over eagerly. I watch, heart brimming, as Xavier approaches and shakes Dad’s outstretched hand, their exchange warm and familiar. After months of strain and uncertainty, seeing my father’s obvious affection for Xavier, and my boyfriend so at ease with him in return, fill me with profound joy.

The lights dim, signaling the auction’s conclusion. As guests drift toward the exit, Xavier gently turns me to face him. The mischievous glint is back in his eyes.

“So, since I brought in the most money tonight, does that make me the top prize?”

I bite back a laugh. “Obviously. Although I hope you got the socialite’s number for your big date.”

He grimaces dramatically. “Pure business. The only girl I have eyes for is standing right here.” His expression shifts, turns serious. “Emma, I’ve been thinking...” He hesitates, his fingertips grazing my cheek.

“Yes?” I prompt. His touch is making it hard to think straight. I absently wonder if I’ll ever get used to it.

“These past few months have been great. I know we sort of stumbled into this thing together, but now I can’t imagine my life without you in it.” His thumb gently traces my bottom lip. I hold my breath. “So I was wondering if maybe you’d like to move in with me?”

My pulse stutters. We spend most nights together anyway, but somehow this feels like an important threshold we haven’t crossed.

“Only if you’re sure your place is big enough for my shoe collection,” I quip, buying time.

He grins. “I think I can make some room in the closet.”

I study those velvety brown eyes, brimming with humor and tenderness. Dad’s advice about embracing life’s special gifts echoes in my mind. I’ve almost let stubbornness and fear blind me to what’s right in front of me all along. I won’t make that mistake again. I realize I don’t care if anyone else thinks it’s too fast. The only opinions that matter are mine and Xavier’s. Anyone who truly cares about us will be happy if we’re happy.

“I would love nothing more than to live with you, Xavier Johnson,” I whisper.

Joy flashes across his face. Then he draws me close and kisses me deeply, the rest of the room fading away. I savor the solid strength of his arms around me, the heat of his mouth claiming mine. We’ve certainly had our trials, but right here, right now, everything feels exactly as it should.

When we finally part, Xavier rests his forehead against mine, his breathing slightly uneven.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve you, Emma Thompson,” he murmurs. “But now that I’ve got you, I’m never letting you go.”

I smile up at him, pulse racing. “Good. Because you’re stuck with me.”

We leave the banquet hall hand in hand, the future bright with promise. There are sure to be new challenges ahead, but with Xavier by my side, I know we can weather anything.

Tonight is just the start of our story together. And I can’t wait to see what the next chapter will bring.