Page 94 of Partnering with the Artist

“Yes.”

His lips part, speechless.

I smile, close the distance, and kiss him.

Elation floods, swelling like something physical between us. Without warning, he braces his hands at my waist, lifts me in a spin, and reels me back for another kiss. “Youdo,” he breathes against my mouth.

I laugh. “Yeah, I think, somehow, my brain separated Harryinto abeforeandafterpicture. I could remember pieces from before that weren’t good. I knew about the pressure, and the undermining, and the ego, but there was still a moment that felt like a drastic, unexpected change. After seeing him tonight, my eyes are open. There was nobeforeandafter. That was literally…consistently…Harry.” Sinking into Zakery’s arms, I say, “If my love could painthimin kinder shades, if I could stomachthatfor years, I am more than equipped to love you. Through anything. Unafraid.” His heart beats against my ear. “I’m making my decision. Love is an action, and I’m choosing to experience it again with someone who not only knows that, but who taught me what it looks like. I love you, Zakery.”

His heartbeat stumbles. “I love you, too, Maelin.” He squeezes me, tight, close,his. “So much.”

So very, verymuch.

“If soulmates are real, I think they must be chosen as well,” I whisper against him, letting my lashes flutter closed. “You’re mine.”

“You’re mine,” he echoes, kissing my cheek. “Forever.”

Forever.

Peace consumes me up until my husband-to-be murmurs, “So…um. Maelin?”

I hum, deliriously happy.

“Who’s going to tell your sister?”

Well. Iwasdeliriously happy.

My eyes snap open as I recall the fact I have yet to tell my twin sister that I’m getting married tonight. “Crap,” I hiss. She didn’t want to let me have marsupial cereal—why would she be okay with me having the husband I told her I’d totally betaking things slowwith?

Of course she knew we were going to meet Mom and Dad last week, but that alone did not imply that marriage was going to fall within the next ten days.

While I’m contemplating a breakdown, Zakery’s chest begins to shake…

Then, before I know it, it’s like the first moment we met—except this time, he’s holding me when he loses his grip on his oh-so-princely façade.

And, this time, I find myself inconsolably laughing with him.

?

The next day, when I wake up around noon beside my husband, half insane with bliss, I learn that both Harry and I made headlines across the news stories showing up on my Leopard feed. While Zakery cuddles me from behind, I peruse the articles.

In Harry’s picture, he’s being dragged out of the Creator’s Ball.

In mine, Zakery’s lifting me high, as though he’s entirely unconcerned I might block out his sun.

Because, to Zakery?

Iamhis sun.

Epilogue

?

Cotton candy love.

Zakery

“No,” Maelin says, firmly, ignoring me as she pins something for her latest project.

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