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“We’re definitely going to enjoy.” She took a sip and set the glass down. “And you’re damn right it’s celebratory lasagna.” They laughed again.

Over dinner, Charlie filled Taryn in on all the details of the meeting and the offer in front of them. It happened to come with some big numbers, including an advance that would make Charlie a significant amount of money.

“You’re going to be rich,” Taryn said in awe. “You’ll be too important to talk to me.”

Charlie stole a quick kiss. “Never. You’re too sexy to not talk to.” Another kiss. “And I’m going to buy you so many charms for your little bracelet.”

“You remember my bracelet? You know, I still have it tucked away somewhere.”

“Of course I remember.” She reached into her pocket, pulled out a small felt satchel, and presented it to Taryn, who stared at her in question.

“What in the world?”

“Something small I picked up. For you. Open it.”

Taryn did and inside found the very four-leaf clover charm she’d pined for as a kid. “What? Are you kidding me right now?”

“Your mom said that you never did get the cash together to buy it. But I think it’s more fitting that I buy it for you because you’re my good luck, Tare. Everything in my life that shines can be traced right back to you and the moment you shook up my world.” As she spoke, Charlie had taken the charm from Taryn’s hands and strung through it a silver chain, also in the felt bag. “And whenever you wear this, I hope you’ll remember what a blessing you are in my life and how deeply I love you.”

“I love you, too. And I’m so very proud of you.” Taryn’s eyes filled. “You received the biggest news of your life today. I should be showering you with gifts, not the other way around.”

“I disagree.” After fastening the necklace, Charlie leaned down and kissed Taryn softly. “This makes me happy. You do.”

Taryn marveled at the incredible woman she shared her life with. There were big things ahead for Charlie and, hopefully, for herself as well. The best part of all of it, however, was that they’d experience every second of it together.

“Do you understand how happy I am right now? My heart almost can’t contain it all.”

“I’m happy, too. And when you’re done with that lasagna love affair, maybe we can fully enjoy our evening.” Charlie’s eyes dipped to the neckline of Taryn’s shirt and darkened in the way they always did when she was turned-on.

“Lasagna who?” Taryn asked.

“Smooth.”

She offered her best sly grin. “I got a lotta smooth moves. I’m hoping to impress you, soon-to-be-published author and all.”

“Oh yeah?”

“It might take some time, though. Are you free?”

Charlie looked skyward in thought. “Pretty much for the rest of my life.”

Taryn felt the grin hit her face and grow. “Best answer ever.”

There weren’t a ton of things in life that Taryn could say were permanent. Politics, fashion trends, buzzwords, technology, and the weather were all in constant transformation. But as sure as she was in the moon and stars, Taryn knew that she and Charlie would walk through this world together, gathering experiences and important moments to carry with them for always. She knew they’d fill a million photo books along the way, and she, for one, couldn’t wait to watch them pile up. They’d also build a family one day, having already estimated two to three children, but decided they’d play that decision by ear. In the meantime, Taryn wanted to soak in every moment they had together, creating stories on paper and pixels and film.

“Today was everything,” Taryn told Charlie later that night as she lay naked and gorgeous in Taryn’s arms. She ran a hand absently up and down Charlie’s back.

Charlie lifted her face. “I loved every minute of it.” She placed a sweet kiss on Taryn’s lips and studied her. “Let’s do it again tomorrow. What do you think?”

Taryn arched a brow and pulled Charlie close. “If you’re there, I’m there.”