71. Birdie

Confession: I have a soulmate.

Mara and I sat on the couch I'd found just as another couple was dragging it out to the curb. They were moving out of another unit in the building and were planning on buying a new one for the house they had just bought.

All of my boxes were spread about the apartment, some of them half-open—like the sheets for my bed that had been waiting for me in Mara's garage or the wine glasses I'd gotten out for the bottle of Cupcake wine we shared.

Ralphie's cage rested on a box by the couch, and I couldn't help but be proud of the home that I'd found for both of us. With my salary, this place was within my budget, and I could finally start building wealth for myself, feel more secure in a place that was all mine.

We'd spent all day Sunday moving my things up the three flights of stairs, and I was exhausted, but also incredibly happy.

"I have a feeling," Mara said, taking a sip of the rosé.

"What's that?"

She smiled against her glass. "I have a feeling that the best years of your life are only just beginning."

I grinned back at her. "I can feel it too." My chest was light for the first time in months, and I finally felt like I could walk into Emerson Academy on Monday as myself, without having to work to be someone I wasn't. The freedom was amazing.

"How are Doug and Anthea doing with baby Amelia?" Mara asked. "Have you heard from them today?"

"Anthea sent me a picture." I got out my phone, going to my text thread with her, and pulled up the picture of her, Doug, and Amelia in the nursery. "They just got home this morning."

Her lips formed a wistful smile as she looked at the picture. "They're a beautiful family."

I nodded, setting the phone on the arm of the couch. "It'll be our turn someday."

"Someday." She took another drink of her wine. "Well, I'm proud of you."

"Thank you. And actually..." I got up from the couch and started walking toward the bedroom. "I have something for you."

Mara had done so much for me, especially after Dax had moved out, leaving me high and dry. I knew I'd never be able to repay her, but I hoped she knew how much it truly meant to me.

I found the gift bag in my room and carried it out to her. Her eyes lit up as she saw it, and she immediately pulled out the tissue paper, unearthing a small jewelry box.

She looked up at me, curious, then flipped it open. Inside, there was a ring with a pink stone surrounded by small diamonds.

"What is this?" she asked.

"The other day, you were talking about how you feel like an imposter for writing romance even though you don't have your own happily ever after. But you are the most loving person I know. If anyone knows about love, it's you. I got this ring to remind you."

Tears shone in her eyes as she pulled the ring from the case and slipped it over her right ring finger. "What am I going to do without having you in the other room?"

"Girl, you know you're not getting rid of me that easily," I said, giving her a hug. "I'm just a phone call away. Plus, I'm keeping the spare key."

She laughed, wiping at her eyes. "Birdie, I think you might be the love of my life."

"I know you're mine."