Chapter 26Resurrection – Kerry
Chapter 26
Resurrection – Kerry
M y nap, though short, was so needed after the energy Vic poured out and into me on that plane ride.
The man eats as well as he cooks, and now I’m starving for more.
But we have an awards show to prepare for.
I’ve never been to New York, and I’ll admit, it looks different than I expected.
I’ve always pictured it as some fast-paced, gritty metropolis, the kind I’d seen on reruns of Law it transforms. It resurrects.”
I press my fingers to my heart, fighting the swell of emotion in my chest.
“And after resurrection, there is light. A light that refuses to allow my darkness to return. A light named Kerry Kind.”
A soft gasp catches in my throat, and my vision blurs with unshed tears.
“Kerry, you remind me every day that love isn’t lost. That second chances exist. That I’m not the sum of my pain, but the sum of the love I choose to embrace.”
A collective aww ripples through the crowd as cameras flash.
I can only sit there, completely overcome by the words coming out of his mouth.
Vic takes a steadying breath, looking out over the crowd.
“So, I accept this honor, not just as a chef, not just as a man who lost his way and found it again, but as proof that love is the greatest thing we’ll ever create. This—” he holds up the award.
“And the man I am today is because of the resurrecting beauty of love. ”
The entire coliseum erupts into thunderous applause of thunderous, a standing ovation of teary-eyed admiration.
Vic stands there, taking it all in—humble, powerful, and raw.
I’ve never been more in awe of a man, and I can’t look away.
I’m stunned not just by his talent or success but by his heart.
His resilience.
His love.
And in this moment, I realize without hesitation, doubt, or fear that I’m completely and irreversibly in love with Victor Grimes.