Page 139 of Finding Gene Kelly
Eli releases, kissing my cheek. “This week is about you guys, though. Our little secret, okay?”
I nod. “Deal.”
I rush around the counter as the Paris crew looks over the shop for the first time. Their eyes move over the floral wallpaper, gold-rose trim, glass backsplash, and giant chandeliers. We went all in on the Versailles aesthetic, and I regret nothing. Jaws drop. Mouths water. Smiles deepen. That’s what this place does to people. I load up a plate with a little bit of everything, cheese and pastries alike, and pour everyone a glass of rosé from our tap system. “Come on, sit. Sit.” I motion to the countertop.
All my friends gather around the counter. Liam snuggles me from behind, wrapping me up and rocking me side to side. He gets just as geeked up about people trying my pastries as I do. They pluck over all the goodies, moaning, smiling, and telling me about everything. Liam’s hands move up and down my arms. Goosebumps, shivers, butterflies. Almost two years later, still there. I smile. I will never be more content than I am in this moment.This is it, I found my wild, gorgeous dream. I found my Gene Kelly.
Everyone I love, all here, family and found family alike. My last decade manifested in human connections.
I look up at Liam, and a cramp passes through. It’s getting close to the time another excision surgery will be needed, and I’ll admit, I’m kind of looking forward to getting thoroughly spoiled in recovery. Whatever happens next, he’s enough; he’s all the family I need. This is all the family I need.
“I love you,” I whisper to him.
He smiles, kissing the top of my head and pulling me closer.
“I love you too, Peaches.”
Yeah. Paris was definitely a good idea.
