Page 186 of Surfer's Paradise

Rosie shook her head, tears sliding down her cheeks now.

“You didn’t fail me,” she whispered.

Isaac didn’t speak.

He just held her tighter.

And for the first time since they were kids, Rosie felt it—that impossible, unspoken bond between them shift. No longer shaped by guilt. Or trauma. Or what-ifs.

But by truth.

By the impossible, aching fact that he’d loved her all along. From the beginning.

Even when he couldn’t say it.

Even when it hurt too much to try.

And now—he was here.

Holding her like he’d never let go.

Chris’s voice cut the silence. “Guys, let’s call it. It’s late. Let’s get the hell out of here.”

“Agreed,” Amy muttered, slipping off her heels.

Greg reappeared a second later, phone to his ear. “Security’s opening the side entrance. It’ll be faster.”

They moved together—Rosie and Isaac in front, Chris and Amy bickering behind them, Shay trailing like a shadow.

The corridor to the side exit was dimmer, the overhead lights humming faintly. The walls had that cool industrial chill, the air touched with the salt of the Pacific. Somewhere beyond the doors, the sound of gulls cut through the hum of the city.

Rosie leaned against Isaac, her body sore in that good, high-adrenaline way. She was tired—deeply—but still humming with the unreality of it all. Red carpet. Flashes. Her name on a placard beside her work.

She turned her face toward him. “Thank you,” she whispered, voice thick with everything she didn’t know how to say yet. “For coming. For… this.”

Isaac looked down at her, the corners of his mouth softening just slightly. His thumb grazed over her knuckles. “Wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

And then Greg stepped closer.

Rosie tensed instinctively, but the energy had shifted—less fire, more truce.

Greg’s voice was low, steady. “Mate, apologies.”

He held out a hand.

Rosie’s heart caught, watching Isaac hesitate for a single breath.

Then—he took it.

The handshake was firm. Measured. No false smiles, but no resistance either.

Greg nodded once. “Rosalie’s a remarkable artist. I’m proud to be part of this next chapter for her.”

Isaac’s jaw flexed, but he didn’t bristle. His voice was quiet, and maybe just a little hoarse. “She deserves it. And more.”

His arm tightened around Rosie, pulling her a touch closer. Protective. Unyielding. Like whatever came next, he’d stand between it and her.

She felt the beat of his heart against her shoulder.

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