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The nook is our perfect spot, and it has been ever since the first time he brought me here. Now that all the swimming is done, this is the last time we’ll be here together, so we’ll make the most of it. We’re sitting in our spot, cuddling on the ground.

We are at the Olympics.

We both won gold in our events.

And now we are Olympic Champions.

Sure, there were some significant hurdles along the way. But wishing never changes anything. We can only learn and move on.

I face him. “So, I’ve been thinking about what happens when we get back home.”

“Me too. Actually, I want to run something by you.”

“Oh, yeah?”

He pauses. “What would you think about me moving down south, closer to Marion?”

Furrowing my brows, I tilt my head. “But what about your team?”

“Well, the thing is, I technically don’t have a coach. But Tuck has offered to coach me if you’re okay with it. The only problem is I will have to swap teams and move.”

“So you’d be a lot closer to me?”

He smiles. “A lot.”

A grin slowly covers my face. “I’d like that.”

“East wants to move, too. We’re gonna get a unit together.”

“Oh, there goes the neighborhood.”

He chuckles and caresses my cheek. “So what do you think? Can we make a go of this… you and me?”

“Definitely.” I lean in, kissing him passionately. Sparks fizzle through the air.

Coby is my true north. The man I’m meant to have swimming in the lane next to me for the rest of my life.

We have a long journey ahead of us.

Nevertheless, we will swim with our hearts and wade through the wakes coming through the waves, united and together.

THE END