Page 112 of Etched in Stone
“What are you thinking?” Bones asks.
“That I’m never running again.”
“Good.” He kisses me, slow and deep. “Because I’m not letting you go this time.”
We stay at the overlook until the stars come out. Bones pulls out a small picnic he prepared for us, and we talk about the future. About when we’ll actually get married (small ceremony, just family and club). About whether we’ll stay in the apartment or find a house. About Duck’s mayoral campaign and what comes next for Stoneheart.
But mostly we just hold each other and watch the lights of Stoneheart twinkle below.
This town that’s survived Summit’s attacks. This community that fought back and won. This home that’s worth protecting.
My home.
And as Bones’s arms tighten around me, the ring on my finger catching starlight, I feel it completely—that sense of rightness. Of being exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Not despite the danger or the complications or the ongoing fight.
But because of them.
Because for the first time in my life, I’m not running toward something or away from something.
I’m just here. Exactly where I choose to be.
