Page 127 of Fade into You

“Happy New Year, Jessa.”

“Happy New Year to you,” she echoes, and then looks around. “I guess the world didn’t change after all.”

“Yes, it did,” I tell her, and tuck her perennial blue hair behind her ears.

JESSA

I look at this amazing person who hastaken me from anger and grief and frustration and cruelty, and taught me about a world I had no idea existed. About love that heals and cares. About hope and happiness and a hand that fits perfectly in mine.

“Actually, Bird, I think you’re right. It did.”

She smiles and leans in again, her lips soft and warm on mine, and then we watch as the fireworks explode in the distance.