In Paris, after the celebration banquet, Declan held Debby as they walked along the Seine.
The night was quiet in that soft, dreamlike way only Paris could be. The Eiffel Tower shimmered across the water, and the river reflected a thousand broken lights as the wind moved gently through the city.
Debby leaned against him, listening to his steady heartbeat. A quiet fullness settled inside her, something close to happiness, something she had finally stopped being afraid to hold onto.
These past three years, Declan had never left her side. Every time she doubted herself, he reminded her who she was. Every time she hit a wall, he gave her direction without taking her control away. His love never pushed, never demanded, it only made space for her to grow.
Declan glanced down at her, at the f
