“This is a real one—but I’ll take the diamond. I’ll take you, Owen, and thank God you’ll take me.”

He wrapped her tight and hard. “Avery.” Emotion swamped him as he took her lips. His eventually, he thought, right here in his arms. “Here we are.”

“You and me,” she murmured. “I know what Clare meant now.”

“About what?”

“How she felt right before the wedding. She said she didn’t feel nervous. She felt clear-eyed.” She drew back, framed his face. “So do I. Steady and sure. You’re my eventually, too. Let’s go home, and get started on building.”

He helped her up, and together they switched off lights, locked doors, and walked out hand in hand.

She thought of the key around her neck, and the heart stone she still carried in her bag. And the sweet, silly gum-ball ring on her finger.

Symbols, all of them—of unlocked places, and lasting love.