Page 94 of Wrath of the Triple Goddess

“Oh, you will,” Annabeth said.

“We’ll be here to help you!” Grover promised. “Even if it means that you two have to leave for California afterward.”

“Hey, now,” said Juniper, squeezing Grover’s wrist. “I told you, don’t worry about that. Because no matter where you go, your roots are where you’re planted. And this right here”—she gestured around the table—“these are Percy’s and Annabeth’s roots.”

That stopped us. Sometimes the greatest wisdom comes from a juniper bush.

“Of course,” Grover said. “And my girlfriend’s roots are literally right here.” He nudged the juniper clipping she had brought.

We all laughed, but Juniper was right. Looking around the table, I knew I was where I belonged, and even if we moved across the country, Annabeth and I would always have a home here. We wouldn’t be leaving anything behind. We’d just be spreading out our branches.

“Well,” I said, “in that case, what’s for dessert?”

“How’bout this?” Annabeth kissed me, which was better than any dessert—anda whole lotbetter than candy corn.

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