Page 13 of Hope & Harmony

His warm, genuine smile is like a cozy blanket. "I love you too. No matter what, I want you to be happy. To see you whole again, with or without me."

"With you." The sentiment behind his words, the selflessness, only deepens my feelings for him. I press a kiss to his sweet lips. "Alwayswith you."

Dinner can wait.

Any remaining space between us is now filled with happy tears, laughter, and soft touches. Expressions of love and forever. Urgent kisses. Bodies pressed together.

I lead him to the bedroom to assure him, once and for all…

Our love isn't a shackle, it's my foundation.

EPILOGUE

ALEK

Two Months Later

Times sure have changed.

Nowadays, I confidently walk into The Mission every Thursday as a VIP, surrounded by my friends.

It's Hope's night. Her standing gig has become the highlight of my—and many of her fans who missed her—week. She's transitioned from the whimsical, unpredictable life of busking to a more established presence here.

Her journey hasn't been all hearts and flowers. Beyond her music career taking a significant turn for the better, she's navigating all aspects of her recovery with grace and resilience. Her physical symptoms have all but resolved. She's added therapy sessions to her routine. A necessary step for her to heal from the assault's lingering shadows.

It's a testament to her strength, watching her tackle these challenges head-on. Hope's unwavering determination to move forward is an inspiration.

Before she steps onstage, I make my way to her dressing room, eager to steal a kiss before her set. Knocking softly, I enterand find her in a state of focused preparation. She strums her battered guitar, playing a melody I haven't heard before. "Hi, my love."

Flipping her dark hair over her shoulder, Hope smiles at me and puts down the instrument. "Hey, baby."

"Feel ready?" I sit beside her and tug her close.

She blinks up at me. "Yeah, I was feeling inspired. I'm writing a song about fate."

"Oh yeah?" I kiss her temple. "Tell me."

Hope nestles into my side. Strokes my bicep. "Therapy's been tough, but it's making a difference. Do you know, I wouldn't change anything that's happened. Meeting you feels predestined. As weird as it sounds, especially given how hard my recovery has been, I really believe we were in the right place at the right time."

"Well, I'd take the part of you getting hurt away any day." I squeeze her to me. "I'd have figured out a way to talk to you eventually."

She laughs. "Oh, you'd probably still be watching me from behind the flower vendors. Tell the truth."

"Probably." I chuckle.

"And now you've received a promotion, and I'm working at Gus and playing here. After tonight, the real work begins—auditioning my band…" She strokes my cheek. "If the creating music for the games thing works out, it'll be a whole new world."

Her resilience in the face of adversity and drive to reclaim her narrative—it's nothing short of remarkable. "All of it is cool and all, but you’re the only thing that matters."

"Same." She smiles. "Same."

A knock on the door signals it's time for her to perform. I offer a supportive smile. "I love you. You're going to be phenomenal. I'll be in the front row with the guys, cheering you every step of the way."

"I love you, too. So much," she whispers, and we share a sweet kiss before she steps into the spotlight.

As she heads to the stage, her silhouette is framed by the backstage lights. I can't help but feel a surge of pride. She's right. Our journey, marked by its trials and triumphs, has led us here.

She strums the first chord, and her music fills the room. "I'm Hope Kristiensen, and this song is dedicated to Alek."

"Dude!" Jamie nudges me, and I can't help but beam.

"It's brand new." She gazes out into the audience, looking like an angel on earth. My angel. "It's called 'Chords of Destiny.'"

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