Page 198 of Can't Always Get What You Want

Luca takes my hand and rises to his feet, pulling me up along with him. Wraps his arms around my waist for a hug.

A kiss.

“Babe,” I whisper. “We’re getting married.” I loop my arm through his, grinning like a lunatic. “Sex Saturday is gonna hit different now that we’re engaged.”

“You’re a fiancée now.” He grins. “I can’t fucking wait to get you pregnant.”

Then he grabs a can of beans—and my hand.

Best.

Grocery run.

Ever.

epilogue ii

Poppy

Welp, y’all.

I got the job.

Employed. Benefits. Vacation days. A security clearance keycard badge that I fully intend to bedazzle.

I GOT THE FREAKING JOB.

Better yet? The gig is in Houston, aka:home of Nova and Luca and Gio and Austin.Built in community. Built in support system. Built in fun. Also home of highways, cattle, and cowboys.

This isn’t the first time I’ve packed up and started over somewhere new—but it’s the first time it feels…different. Less like an escape, more like a decision. Ichosethis. The job is good—better than good.

I’ll be leading the cybersecurity team at a rising tech firm, and they’re already throwing around words likepromotion trackandstock options.

Yay, me!

I take a peek at my phone for the third time in ten seconds, as if staring at it was going to make it ring. Ring, dammit!

When it finally does, I’m standing in the center of my living room—well, soon-to-be-former living room—surrounded by acrime scene of empty boxes, bubble wrap, and one half-eaten sleeve of Oreos I’ve been using for morale.

I answer so fast I nearly dislocate a thumb.

“Are you wearing it right now?” I blurt out, needing to see her hand.

Again.

Nova laughs, breathless and happy as she holds up her hand on FaceTime. “Obviously. I haven’t stopped staring at it. I almost ran into a display of light bulbs at Home Depot yesterday.”

We squeal at the same time, which makes me laugh and wipe a tear I didn’t expect. Because it’s not just about the ring. Or the proposal. Or the fact that she got the bean aisle moment of a lifetime.

It’s the fact that my best friend is in love.

So damnin love.

And it’s happening. And I’m going to be there. In the same city. Starting over but definitely not alone.

“Please, please, please help me find an apartment,” I say. “Preferably one with a view. And a pool. And a rooftop garden.”

Nova rolls her eyes at my demands.

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