Infinityglass(78)

“Believe it or not, the mess is bigger on the inside. Kind of like the TARDIS.”

When Ava laughed, Poe stared at her as if he’d been struck dumb.

There was a moment. My suspicions were confirmed when Hallie’s elbow slammed into my ribs.

“We obviously need more beignets.” I pulled Hallie out of her seat. “This round’s on me.”

She managed to wait until we were out of earshot. Probably. “Did you see that? With Ava and Poe?”

“I can barely breathe from the elbow jab you gave me, so yes.”

“I can’t believe this is my life,” she said. “It’s like one of those teen shows with superpowers and pretty people. And kissing. Lots of kissing.”

“Happy?” I asked.

“You don’t even know.” Joy lit her eyes. “I have everything I’ve ever wanted. Almost.”

I knew she was thinking about her mother.

“I’m learning to let go. Looking forward to the future. To our future.”

I took stock as the bells of the Saint Louis Cathedral pealed through the spring air.

My friends sat at the table, still laughing over the powdered sugar explosion.

Less than a mile away, the Mississippi flowed, holding secrets and sorrows, buried for eternity. Gone, but not forgotten, like so many people I’d loved.

Hallie stood by my side. My reason for breathing, and the answer to every question I’d ever have.

“I couldn’t be happier,” I said.

And this was only the beginning.