“Don’t forget mine.” Grayson holds out a paper, but I ignore it.
“What are you doing here, Grayson?” I say, slowly standing up. I glance away, unable to bear the intimate way he’s looking at me, like he’s stripping me bare—body, heart, and soul—right here in front of all of these people.
“I’m here for you. I’ll always come for you.”
My gaze flies to his face and then to the pad of paper he’s holding up for me to see.
Two words written in his handwriting have me bursting into tears.
I’m sorry.
There’s a bustle of activity as Bo lifts the rope, and then I’m pulled into Grayson’s embrace.
“I’m so sorry,” he whispers into my hair, ignoring the flashes of light as photographers start snapping pictures. “You were right. I’m a coward. I was scared of my feelings for you, so I pushed you away rather than face them, but I need you to forgive me. I love you, Nora, more than I’ll ever love another woman.”
The small crowd that has formed around us falls dead silent, and then they giggle and aww when Emma says, “But you still wove me, wight, Daddy?”
“Always, sweetheart.”
All eyes shift to me.
I blink, stunned by Grayson’s declaration of love.
“I love you,” he says again.
I can’t believe he’s here, putting himself out there. For me.
He’s here for me.
“Nora,” he whispers, taking a step forward. “It’s okay if you’re not ready. I’ll keep fighting. I’ll—"
“I love you too.”
The crowd goes wild.
Grayson grabs me by the waist as I throw myself into his arms. I circle my arms around his neck, and the whole world fades away as I kiss him.
Our kiss is too intimate for the cameras and little eyes, but that doesn’t stop us. His tongue pushes into my mouth, his lips moving with mine.
“Dat’s gwoss,” Emma whispers.
Grayson pulls back first, smiling as he gazes deep into my eyes. “Don’t cry.” He brushes a finger under my eyes.
“I can’t help it, I’m just so happy.” I sniff and try to regain control of my my emotions, but it’s no use. “How am I supposed to sing like this?”
“We can help you.” Jack takes my hand.
I look down at his handsome face.
“You know, maybe you can.” I pick up Henry and motion for them to follow me. “Let’s go.”
“Wait.” Grayson puts a hand on my arm. “We can’t go in there.”
“Why the heck not?”
“Because the kids are underage. But you go. Perform your heart out. We’ll talk after the show.”
“No.” I shake my head. “If you guys think I’m letting you out of my sight right after I just got you back, you’re crazy.”