Page 92 of What Comes After

I let out a laugh. “I think just one more will be enough for me.”

Theo tugged on my hand and started leading me in the direction we needed to go, and I happily went.

For my birthday, he brought me to Dollywood. If there was one thing we, as Tennesseans, were lucky to have, it was the best theme park in the country. Better yet, it was right in our backyard.

But as I’d just mentioned to Theo, this was the first I’d been here since our parents had brought the both of us here together when we were twelve years old. Coming here had been one of the best memories I’d had as a kid, and I loved that Theo thought to bring me here today.

Not only that, but it seemed he was intent on fulfilling all of my wishes for the day. That was precisely the reason why we were going on Dollywood’s Mystery Mine for the third time today. It was my favorite coaster, one I’d ridden on with my dad when I was younger. Enjoying it now with Theo was all I could have ever wanted and more.

Since we were visiting Dollywood in the fall, what I deemed to be the best time of year in Tennessee, we didn’t wait more than five minutes to get on the ride. I had an absolute blast, and when we got off, Theo asked, “Are you sure you’ve had your fill?”

I nodded. “Will you feed me now?”

“I’ll do anything for you, Devyn.”

Looking up at him with his baseball hat and sunglasses on, I knew that was the truth. Theo didn’t think twice about bringing me out in public, donning a disguise just so he might be less recognizable. I’d noticed several people give us lengthy stares, and a handful of people who saw us in line recognized him and asked for a photo, but beyond that, we’d been fortunate not to have anything crazy happen.

Of course, he’d brought two guys from his security team along with us, just to be on the safe side. It was a bit strange having them around, but it was for our benefit and safety, so I didn’t mind.

Truthfully, I was so caught up in Theo and all the fun we were having together that I barely noticed them there.

“Do you know how much I love you?” I asked him, leaning my torso into his.

His lips twitched as he nodded. “I absolutely do.”

“This has been the best birthday ever,” I told him.

“It’s not over yet. You’ve got this today, a fancy dinner with me tomorrow night, and Mom and Dad want to celebrate with you this weekend,” he reminded me.

Tears welled in my eyes. “Thank you, Theo.”

“For what?”

I shook my head. “For a long time, I was really down in the dumps about where I was in my life. I never imagined I’d ever feel this happy again. I swear, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world right now, and it’s all thanks to you.”

Theo wrapped his arms around me, hugged me tightly, and said, “I love you, Devyn.”

“I love you, too.”

Following a beat of silence, he loosened his hold, took me by the hand, and declared, “Come on. Let’s go get you fed.”

I happily followed beside him and thoroughly enjoyed the rest of my special day.

EPILOGUE

Devyn

“I knew this was going to be breathtaking, but I still can’t get over it. What did I tell you?”

I was at Theo’s place, sitting on one of the new pieces of outdoor furniture he’d had me help him select for his balcony. It was my favorite part of the whole house.

Every day I was here, I came out and spent some time on the balcony.

Fall had officially arrived, and it brought with it the vibrant fall colors in the Smoky Mountains. Red, orange, and yellow patches of color made up the most beautiful sight. It was one of the things I’d always loved about where we lived, and I felt happy and lucky to be able to see it like this.

Theo had just stepped outside when I made my declaration and asked my question. I’d been focused on the view, but I’d heard him open the door and step outside. He’d been out here with me moments ago and had started the fire for us to enjoy when he said he was going to go inside to put some water on. I had requested a cup of tea, because nothing made me happier than being with Theo on his deck, in the fall, sipping a hot cup of tea, with the fire burning beside us.

“You did tell me that. But do you know what will make it even better?” he countered.

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