Chapter 55
I sniffle, a hot tear falling onto the page. I scrunch my eyes shut, clutch the letter to my chest where my necklace is, and swallow hard to push down the rock in my throat.
I miss him so much it hurts, but I really needed that letter.
There's a strange kind of peace that comes from knowing my dad is still with me, even if it's not in the way I want. Every move I make, every step I take, I want to make him proud. And right now, I have someone else in my life, too. Someone who makes it easier to live, to keep going, and to fully embrace my life without feeling like I’m a shell of myself.
My name is called. Heart beating hard, I carefully tucked the letter back into its envelope and set it on one of the tables. I take a deep breath, standing by the curtains, summoning every ounce of confidence I have and willing it into my body.
The curtain rises, and the lights strike me like a wall, blinding me—but in a way, it’s helpful. I can't see anyone in the crowd, and that helps with the nerves. All I need to know is that Elijah is here physically, and my dad is here in spirit.
The applause starts almost immediately as I walk to the centre of the stage, the spotlight landing squarely on me. I don’t look at the audience; instead, I concentrate on the words from my dad's letter circling in my mind, fueling me.
The first notes of Lose You to Love Me by Selena Gomez float through the theatre, and I let the music take over. Every movement, every turn, every extension of my body feels purposeful and alive. I dance not just for the crowd, but for myself and for him.
The lyrics sink into me, into every part of me, and for a heartbeat it feels like I’m the only one in the room—even though there are hundreds of eyes on me. I came to this city feeling dead inside, ready to let life pass me by, and now… now I have every reason to live.
I spin, over and over, letting the adrenaline pulse through me, muscles screaming, until I land my Grand Jeté perfectly. My chest heaves, my skin tingles, and for a fleeting moment, I open my eyes and glance toward the crowd.
Every single person is on their feet, clapping, cheering, whistling and then I find him.
Elijah, in the front row, is smiling that gorgeous, wide smile that makes my chest swell, and my insides flutter like butterflies trying to escape. I can't help but grin back at him.
It’s not just him; his whole family is here cheering me on.
Millie is perched on Elliot’s shoulder, dressed in a tiny pink ballet costume and clapping along.
River is whistling with his teammates, and Quinn, my crazy, brilliant best friend, stands with her girlfriend, holding up a giant white banner with the words: “That’s my hot, talented best friend. ”
Everywhere I look, I see love. Support. People who came just for me.
My family.
It didn't take Elijah long to find me in the dressing room. He closes the door in a rush, carrying a stunning bouquet of my flowers, their fragrance instantly filling the space.
“I don't have long.”
He puts them down and strides toward me. In moments, I’m in his arms, pressing my lips to his. One of my favourite things in the world is being close to him and how perfectly I fit against him, as if we were always meant to be.
“I am so damn proud of you.” I feel him against my lips, hands stroking my back.
I trace over the strong muscles in his arms, feeling his heartbeat against mine, his nose against mine. “I’m in awe of you, baby. I don't think I could love you any more than I do right now.”
In that moment, my thoughts drift back to the first time I laid eyes on him.
I deliberately avoided looking at him, determined to keep my distance and convinced that I disliked him.
And now… now I can’t imagine my life without him.
Every gentle touch, every synchronised heartbeat, serves as a reminder of how he has rescued me in ways I could never fully express.
He pulled me from the depths of the emptiness I felt after losing my dad, guiding me back into a world filled with laughter, love, and the joy of being alive.
He did more than heal my heart; he helped me rediscover myself. He showed me that I am fierce and capable, revealing a beauty within me that I had never recognised. With his support, I’ve learned to stand tall and embrace my confidence, all while feeling fiercely cherished and loved.
He has been my source of courage in moments of doubt, my beacon of light during times of grief, and the embodiment of love when I thought it would never find me again.
“I want to go home,” I murmur, scraping my hand lightly over his stubble.
“Don’t you want to celebrate?” he asks, eyes tracking Mine.
I know we are meant to be celebrating with the family, and we will. But for now, I just want to be with him first, to cherish every moment together without hiding it. He is my safe place, my soul, and the reason I am still breathing.
He's also looking extra hot right now.
“I do, but then I remembered… I promised you a dance.”
He studies me for a second, and then realisation hits. With a swift motion, he lifts me effortlessly into his arms.
“A naked dance?”
I giggle at how happy he sounds at just the thought of getting me naked and all to himself. I wrap my legs around him, feeling him harden against me.
“I love you.” He peppers kisses all over my face, my neck, and my shoulder before tilting his head back up, keeping me close, adoration shining through him.
“I love you more.”
“That's debatable.”
I take his cap off his head and put it over mine. “We can argue about that for the next forty to fifty years.”
We know who's going to win that argument.
I’m just more than grateful to spend these years with him, even the little petty arguments.
“Are you ready to spend the rest of your life with me?”
I don't even need to think about my answer because it will always be a yes.
“I can't wait to live my life with you,” I whisper, leaning my forehead against his. “Until we’re old and grey.”
He smirks, teasing, but I don't miss the way his eyes glisten. “And you'll still love me with wrinkly balls?”
“Even then.”
“Come on then, princess. Let's start a beautiful life together.”