Page 151 of Homecoming

“Ren…”

“I know. It’s pretty crazy, right?”

“It’s amazing. How do you feel?”

“A little sore from the workout and tired from the lack of sleep, but otherwise… I feel pretty great.”

“I love this so much, more than I’ve loved anything in, well, ever.”

“Stop.”

“I won’t stop. This is the best news, Renata. I think he’s amazing, and I told Dan last night that he’s in love with you. He never takes his eyes off you, but not in a creepy way. It’s more like he-can’t-bear-to-look-at-anything-else-when-you’re-in-the-room kind of way.”

“I can’t believe you noticed that.”

“I was watching because I wanted to get a read on him, and I liked what I saw.”

“That means everything to me, as you know.”

“I’m happy for you, Ren. Are you happy for you?”

“Shockingly, I am. Normally, I’d be anticipating disaster from the get-go, but I don’t think I need to do that this time.”

“I don’t think so either. This is the best thing ever. I couldn’t be happier for you.”

“Thanks. I want to tell you something…”

“I’m listening.”

“Seeing you living your happily ever after with Dan after everything you went through before… It, well… You gave me the courage to take the leap with Myles, so thank you for that.”

“Oh my God! You’re making me cry.”

“It’s true. You showed me what’s possible and made me want that for myself, so when he was standing right in front of me, saying all the things I never expected to hear, it was easier for me to believe him than it would’ve been without you two showing me the way.”

“Renata… I’m seriously weeping.”

“Thank you for that.”

“I’m so honored that we helped you in some way.”

“You really did. You helped me realize I’m not my mother, and I’m not living her life. I’m living my own life, and this feels right to me. He feels right. He feels like home.”

“I’m a literal puddle over here. This has made my year, and that you’re excited about it rather than trying to wiggle out is the best news of all.”

“He blew my mind in every possible way last night.”

“Girl…”

“I had no idea it could be like that.”

“I’m tempted to shriek again, but the baby didn’t like it the last time.”

Renata laughed.

“There’s nothing quite like finding that one person you were meant to spend your life with. I’m so, so happy for you.”

“Thanks. I’m pretty happy for me, too.”

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