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Nothing is permanent. Things are always under my control, and I can choose to do things however I want. That’s all anything is, really. A choice.
“But I swear to God, I’d let the world burn if it meant I could taste your lips.”
“My point is, little bird, I understand hiding your past beneath the surface—under pretty colors and inked up skin.”
Some scars are too deep to show. The slightest tug makes them rip, fester, and ooze all over again, and I’ve worked too damn hard over the years trying to staunch the bleeding and numb the ache.
“You’ve gotta stop tryin’ to find the bad in every situation. You look hard enough, you’ll always find it.”
“Act weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.” I twist to face him. “What?” “It’s a Sun Tzu quote from The Art of War.” My chest pulls as I hum. Act strong when you are weak.
“When I first met you, you seemed lonely. Depressed. Aggressive. It made me want to hear you sing.”
“You can stop singing for everyone in the world, little bird, but not for me.” My grip tightens on her neck, her pulse skittering underneath my palm. “You want to be mad? Be mad. But you stay here with me and you fight.”
Maybe tonight, Alex can be my drug.
I will never find another love like Lily. She’s my person. My little bird. And I’ll do everything I can to help her find her song.
A bird with broken wings still believing they can fly. Fuck him.
Becca reaches in her pocket and pulls out a ring box, opening it to what looks like a platinum band. “I’d be the stupidest woman on the planet to not make sure you’re tied to me forever.” Eli laughs, his eyes watery as he cups her face. “Rebecca Jean, are you proposing to me?” She shrugs. “I’m nothin’ if not unconventional. Eli… if you stay with me, baby, I’ll give you the world.”
The movie is in its final scene, Jax’s face beaming from ear to ear as we watch his life’s passion play out in front of us. Getting his cars in the movies, the way his dad always dreamed. Suddenly, his mouth pops open, his eyes growing glassy as he stares at the screen. I turn my head, curious what has him looking so emotional. There’s a dedication, right before the ending credits. For James A. Rhoades. Jax’s father.
I relax in Mason’s arms, feeling content. Peaceful. Happy. And happiness is a funny thing. When one person has it, it spreads like ivy, winding its way around everyone else; if only they let it grow. And this moment right here, is happiness.
I close my eyes, knowing that this is just the beginning of a life full of joy. And it starts right here, in Sugarlake, Tennessee, beneath the stars.
“Goldi, I once told you that your glow ‘n stick stars lit my path to you, but the truth is, I could find you in the darkest night. Because you’re my person. You’re my one. I fell in love with your light. Your grace. Your ability to stand strong no matter what life throws your way.” Lee smiles, wiping under her eyes. “I lived most of my life convinced I didn’t deserve good things,” he continues. “That a kid like me was just a tiny speck in the universe—a waste of everyone’s time.”
“You showed that kid he was bigger than the stars. You showed the man what it meant to love selflessly. And I promise to love you, cherish you, honor you for all of our lifetimes.”
“Go sing your song, little bird. The world wants to hear it.”
I look back at my house, warmth bleeding from my pores. And I drive away from Sugarlake, knowing what awaits me when I come back. My home. My heart. My life. And through it all, I’ll remember the wind.
