Page 139 of Rinkmates

One.

Suddenly, Aiden’s and my face appears on the screen and the scream stifles in my throat. We won. We won! Within seconds, Riley hoists me into the air, tears of joy streaming down my face as he whirls me around. I did it. I really did it. Five years ago, I thought I’d lost everything…but now, I have the money for the house and law school.

As the celebration on stage winds down, Riley leans close to my ear. “Hey, I’m inviting the whole crew and production team to the Falcons’ victory after-party. You ready to go?”

I nod eagerly, my heart still pounding from the excitement as I look up at him. Gently, I touch his cheek, relishing the pure joy in his eyes. “I love you,” I whisper.

He kisses me softly. “I love you too.”

Being part of this show turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me. Yes, it was tough and painful, but it saved my life. Things won’t be perfect right away, but Riley has promised to support every decision I make and to stand by my side. I still want to take things slow and spend time alone with Rory first, as he needs his mom right now and I need my kid. Once we’re settled and healing, I’ve agreed to let Riley into our lives more. I’m ready to give happiness a chance, even if it means taking baby steps.

I deserve to be happy.

We make our way offstage when a familiar voice stops me. “Liora, wait!”

Grace approaches, a genuine smile on her usually stoic face. “Congratulations, truly. You know, you’ve always been too good for this show.” She pauses, as if considering her next words carefully. “Listen, I’d love for you to come back next year as a judge. Help us make some real improvements around here.”

Stunned, I glance at Riley, who gives me an encouraging nod.

“I…Wow, Grace. That’s quite an offer. Can I have some time to think about it?”

“Of course,” Grace replies smoothly. “Enjoy your celebrations tonight. You’ve earned it and I’m sorry. I hope we can talk about everything that went down soon.”

Her hand lands gently on my shoulder, offering a congratulatory squeeze right before she makes her way to Aiden and Ethan.

As she walks away, Riley tugs at my hand. “Look at you, already moving up in the world.”

I laugh, leaning into his strong frame. “I can hardly believe my life. But right now, all I want to do is party the shit out of this night with you and all our friends.”

Forty-four

LIORA

My knuckles rap against the red wooden door, my heart pounding in time with each knock. I draw in a shaky breath. The Pennsylvania air feels thick in my lungs. I can’t believe this moment is real. That I made it.

The door swings open and there he stands—my little Rory, my baby boy with his mop of blond hair and those piercing blue eyes that could melt even the coldest of hearts. His cherubic face splits into a toothy grin and I notice his little skates are already slung around his neck, hisPAW Patrolsuitcase waiting eagerly by his side.

My knees buckle beneath me, and I slump to the floor. “Bud,” I whisper as I reach for him.

He launches himself into my arms with a delighted squeal. “Mommy, Mommy!”

I bury my face in his hair, breathing him in—that familiar scent of him. The same PAW Patrol shampoo I have. Is this really happening? After all this time, all the fighting and sacrificing, do I really get to bring him home?

Rory pulls back, his little hands cupping my face. “I’m gonna live with you, right, Mommy?”

I can only nod, not trusting myself to speak. Because if I open my mouth, I know the floodgates will burst open and I’ll be a weeping mess, and I want this moment to be happy. So I just hold him tighter, my heart so full it could burst. My Rory. My reason for everything. Back in my arms where he belongs.

“Yes, bud,” I manage, nuzzling into his neck and breathing him in again and again and again. “Yes. Yes. Yes. We made it.”

The words feel surreal on my tongue, it’s the dream I never dared to voice aloud lest it shatter. But it’s real. The solid, squirming weight of Rory in my arms is real. The wetness on my cheeks, the swelling of my heart—it’s all real.

We made it.

“Look who I brought with me!” I say, grabbing my bag.

Rory’s eyes light up the moment he sees his blue teddy bear. It was his first and only stuffed animal, a simple blue bear I bought from the hospital gift shop, but he loved it so much. He carried it everywhere until he gave it to me on his third birthday. Even then, he barely spoke in full sentences, but he knew I didn’t want to leave him and that I’d be there if I could manage the flights to Pennsylvania. I still tear up thinking about it—but my little boy gave me his favorite toy so I’d have a piece of him with me. I promised I’d return it when I was able to get him back.

“Blerry!” he exclaims, and I laugh, remembering how he tried to name his bear Blueberry but ended up with Blerry instead.

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