Page 83 of Where the Little Birds Are (Little Bird Duet 2)

Stare at the ring.

And crawl into bed.

Once again, my mind goes to Corbin Callum and it becomes impossible to deny that a lot of mistakes were made in the past that isn’t the past at all.

I know then that our story isn’t over yet.

Epilogue

Kinley / 28

Bouncing Ellie in my arms as I read the email from Jamie, I listen to the soft coos coming from my lap before looking down at a pair of big, round silver eyes staring up at me.

“Mommy got a new book deal,” I coo back, tickling her tummy until a big smile stretches across her face and she breaks into a fit of giggles.

Glancing back up at the attached document I need to print, sign, and send back to Jamie, I can’t help but grin until my cheeks hurt.

After the promotional tour ended and the movie released, the public swarmed the theaters and made Through Shattered Glass a box office success. Despite my worry that our media attention would garner negativity toward ticket sales, I soon realized it did the opposite. The more interviews we did opening up about our past, the more people wanted from us.

We still have people who make nasty comments about what we did to Lena, but for the most part people are over it. In fact, one news outlet had their entertainment staff write a review on the movie that said we were “the couple that America was rooting for”. It helped that Olivia supported us in the interviews we did together, and even some we did separately, telling the reporters that she wished she could find a love like ours.

Very few people questioned the journey it took to get that kind of love because those who saw the movie believed that even the roughest kind of relationships deserved a happy ending.

Corbin knocks on the door to my office, Penny brushing against his shins and staring at the way I hold our daughter. “What’s the smile for? Did she do something cute that I missed again?”

Ellie notices her dad looking at her and reaches out, squirming in my hold. Corbin doesn’t waste time taking her from me, bouncing her in his arms and peppering kisses across her rosy face until she laughs.

She looks just like Corbin in the ways that count—same eyes, same hair, and the kind of flawless structure that makes me worry she’ll be a heartbreaker someday. Just hopefully not like her parents.

“Rave sent me a contract for the sequel,” I announce, practically bouncing in my chair. “I was afraid they wouldn’t want an extension, but they thought that writing about Beck and Ryker’s life after the first book was brilliant. They even think a second movie will be picked up. You know, if that’s something you and Olivia would be into.”

He grins. “I’m so proud of you for writing that. And you know I’m there if the rights are sold, Little Bird.” His eyes go to the watch on his wrist. “Speaking of which, we need to start getting ready. Your parents will be here soon to p

ick up Ellie and then we need to leave for the airport.”

My stomach dips knowing I’ll have to kiss my baby goodbye for the first time since she was born almost a year ago. “Maybe I should stay home with he—”

“Absolutely not,” he cuts me off, giving me hard eyes that make it difficult to argue. I press my lips together. “Your Mom and Dad said they’re more than happy to watch her while we’re in California.”

“I know but…” But nothing. I know he doesn’t want to leave Ellie behind either, but he’s handling it far better than I am.

“How long have we planned this?”

I don’t answer.

“Years. Eleven to be exact.” My shoulders slump. “You promised me in high school that you’d be my date to the Oscars. You’re not going to back out on me, are you?”

I frown but say, “No.”

“Good.” He nods once. “Congratulations on your deal, Little Bird. I told you you’d get it.”

I honestly wasn’t as confident. Rave didn’t give me the boot when the world seemed to hate me because they were making too much money to care about morals. And, oddly, I was grateful for that. But that didn’t mean they’d pick up a sequel I’d never anticipated writing. How could I? The first book was written from pain, anger, and hopelessness. There was no way I knew back then that I’d be here, living in a house with Corbin and our daughter, about to go to the Oscars where my fiancé was nominated in two categories.

And I know, deep down, he’ll win both.

Corbin walks over and bends down to press a kiss to the crown of my head. “Things are looking up for us. We’re in a good place, have a beautiful kid, and families we’re on better terms with. We made it, baby.”

I swallow and nod, loving this man and everything we’ve gone through because it led us right where we belong.

---