Page 84 of Born Free

But it’s Roman.

It was always going to be Roman De Luca.

“I do,” I say in a confident breath. “In every single life, through endless deaths. Through every moment. I do.”

And the smile that breaks on Roman’s face cures every bad day I’ve ever had in my life. It’s so light. It’s so genuine. So full of hope and love.

“Then you should kiss—”

But neither one of us waits for her go-ahead. My hands lace into his hair, and his hands wrap around my waist, crushing all space between us as our lips find their way home. And everything in me feels complete and whole as Roman, my husband, kisses the breath out of me.

“I declare you husband and wife,” Sigrid bestows with absolute joy.

The world doesn’t disappear around us as Roman dips me back, kissing me like his very life depends on it. I’m grounded, right here, in this perfect moment. Everyone I love stands around us, each of them celebrating the triumph of love conquering all. Even death.

Over and over, I’ll risk it all. For everyone here.

But especially this man cradling me in his arms. Over and over, I choose Roman.

THE END

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