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I didn’t have a problem stepping over that line to protect those I loved or when something didn’t sit well with me.

The man sitting next to me may be a crime lord, but he had tried to help Aimee. He was against hurting children, whereas people with eminent authority like a Supreme Court judge, a governor, and a prince—who were supposed to protect the vulnerable—were abusing them.

The world was a major paradox.

Calvin got a call and rose from the bench. “See you around.”

“Likewise. Don’t hesitate if you ever need my assistance too.” He nodded with appreciation and left, offering Vivian a goodbye wave.

After he left, I strode down to Vivian. She walked into my arms, giving me a big hug.

She drew back, looking up at me. “In the mood for someph?? We can grab some ingredients at the store or pick up an order at a restaurant?”

“That can be on tomorrow’s agenda. I have something for you in the car.”

“What are you up to now?” She touched my face. “Creating some secret strategy to get me to do something?”

I grinned at how much she knew me. “Something like that.” My fingers intertwined with hers. “Get in the car and find out.”

When she settled in the car, I pulled a black bag from the back seat and gave it to her.

She arched an eyebrow. “What are you trying to do?”

“Just trying to make you smile. That’s my mission from now on.”

Her face softened as she opened the bag and pulled out the new bottle of wine calledVivianwith the tagline:The love of a lifetime.

She sucked in a breath, stared at the bottle for a moment as though it had a face on it. Then she looked at me with tears in her eyes. “I don’t know what to say.”

When I first met Vivian, she was like a rare wine that hadn’t been created yet. A dream that hadn’t been experienced yet. A song that hadn’t been sung yet and a magical creation that hadn’t come to fruition yet.

But now, all those things were real to me. She was the dream sitting beside me, holding the magical creation that only existed because of her. And joy was the song singing to my heart and soul.

“Just say what comes to your mind right now,” I told her. “I don’t want a well-crafted statement. I want the raw and real.”

“I’m happy. I’m surprised. I’m elated.” She placed the bottle on her lap, cupped my face with both hands and kissed me. “And Iloveyou. I love you for your ironclad persistence. For how you make me feel worthy. For how you helped me remember joy. Thank you for making me feel so special.”

“That’s the plan. And you are special.” I smiled. “Viviandebuts next week worldwide. The world will know how important you are to me. It’s one way for me to show you how I feel.”

Joy radiated from her as she traced her fingers over the yellow tulip design on the label.

“What are you smiling about?” I asked.

“I’m envisioning our wounds transforming into unique beings. Like they’re holding hands and walking off into the sunset with their own happily ever after.”

I laughed. “Like two molars wearing crowns with arms and legs?”

Smiling, she patted my cheek. “Look at you. You went from a guy avoiding the dentist to now making jokes.”

“All because of you.” I kissed her forehead. “One more thing.” I reached into my pocket and placed a silver key in her hand.

“What’s this for?”

Ten minutes later, we arrived at the building beside Whiz Kidz. With Governor Fenner in custody, no one else opposed the sale of the property.

“I just bought this building. It’s still being renovated.” I gestured to the brick façade with the ugly blue awning that had to go. “This could be your expanded dental office. You have the space to do whatever you want. I know you like helping the low-income community, and Whiz Kidz also does that. We can do it together.”

She placed a hand over her heart, closed her eyes, and smiled. Opening her eyes, she threw her arms around me. “Thank you! Just what I’ve been thinking.”