Page 198 of Less

I press closer to him.

“Promise?”

“I'll promise you that every day for the rest of our lives if I have to.”

And because he's Alessio—he means it.

The following season, life begins moving forward again.

The show becomes a massive success.

Oliver Pax even smiles once.

Which apparently makes Broadway headlines.

Chance and Leandra Madoc remain two of our biggest supporters.

And I've signed on to record an album with several Broadway stars.

But the project means more than music.

Because every penny of the profits is going to mental health awareness charities.

To education.

To treatment.

To helping people before they reach the point where Brielle did.

Because maybe if one person gets help—one person chooses to get well—then something good can come from all the heartbreak.

Later that night, after I sign the contracts, I come home to find Less making dinner.

Or trying to.

Smoke fills the kitchen.

“Baby?” I call.

“Everything's under control!” he yells.

I immediately open every window.

“Alessio, are those flames?”

“Technically.”

I burst out laughing.

He turns.

Sees me smiling.

And just like always, his entire face softens.

“Hey, Rusty.”

“Hey yourself.”