Page 93 of Make Out With A Merman

Like maybe this version of me, the one who builds things, and loves fiercely, and talks back to ancient lake magic is the real one.

The one I’ve been swimming toward all along.

Ryder finds me an hour later.

He climbs up next to me without a word, hands me a sandwich, and steals a sip of my coffee like it’s his divine right.

“You’re gonna fall,” I tell him, nudging his knee.

“Then you’ll catch me.”

“Damn right I will.”

He looks out over the lake.

It’s calm. Reflective. Like it’s watching us with one eye open, finally content.

“So,” he says after a minute. “You still staying?”

I grin. “Already signed the paperwork.”

He smiles slow. “Good.”

“You think you can handle full-time Callie?”

“I’m building you a floating workshop,” he says. “I think I’m past the point of no return.”

I lean against him, shoulder to shoulder, and sigh.

“Didn’t expect this,” I murmur. “Any of it.”

He wraps his arm around me. “Me neither.”

“But I’m glad we drowned a little first,” I add. “Gives the love story more bite.”

He chuckles. “You planning to dramatize it for the new campers next year?”

“Oh, absolutely. There will be reenactments. Possibly sock puppets.”

He groans.

I kiss his cheek.

And so, the summer that started with glitter in the lake and ends with a girl signing a contract to stay?

Feelsperfect.

Waterproof plans and all.

Later that afternoon,I march up to Torack’s office with a folder clutched to my chest and about eighty percent more confidence than I actually feel.

He opens the door before I can knock.

“Callie,” he says. “You’re early.”

“I’m enthusiastic,” I say, stepping inside.

He grunts like that’s suspicious.

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