Page 86 of Make Out With A Merman

And suddenly I’m the one melting.

When the noise finally dies down, Ryder clears his throat.

And says “Thanks.”

Just that.

Just one word.

But somehow, it’s enough.

Because this man, who nearly gave up everything to save us, who never wanted recognition or parades or streamers…

He’s here.

With me.

Withthem.

And for once, he’s letting himself be seen.

I lean in, kiss his cheek, and whisper, “You’re a big softy.”

He mutters, “Don’t tell anyone.”

Too late.

Hazel already has it written in sparkler cursive.

After the cheeringdies down and the kids get distracted by the promise of s’mores and suspiciously aggressive dodgeball, I slip away for a breather.

Julie finds me behind the supply shed, halfway through stealing a soda from the emergency stash.

“Hey,” she says, leaning against the wall like we’re in some teen drama from 2003.

I raise the can in salute. “Don’t worry, I’m looting in moderation.”

She smiles, soft and sure. “You ever think about staying?”

I freeze.

“Like, stayinghere?”

She nods. “Full-time. Year-round programs are expanding. We need someone who knows the kids, who knows how to make things happen. Someone who doesn’t blink when lake magic gets weird.”

I open my mouth.

Close it.

Then laugh, because it’s safer than saying anything real.

Julie watches me.

“I’m serious, Callie.”

“I know,” I whisper. “That’s the scary part.”

She squeezes my arm once and walks away, leaving me in the dusk, holding a lukewarm soda and a question that won’t stop echoing:

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