Chapter 235

Jacob's Perspective My girl was back. The words echoed in my mind like a tremor of pure sweetness, making my hands tremble slightly on the wheel. It wasn't fear. It was a dizzying, weightless joy, the kind that made me feel like if this rustbucket of a pickup decided to take flight, I'd just ride it out with a grin plastered on my face. Celena had forgiven me. She'd actually said it. She'd looked right at me with those eyes, stripped of all their defensive edges, and said those words in a voice soft enough to break my heart. It wasn't a dream. The celebratory honks and whistles from Lily's SUV behind us were proof enough. Dave and that lunatic twin Jim were probably still hollering. And that kiss. God above, that kiss. I could still taste the salt—hers or mine?—and feel the profound shift as she finally, completely relaxed into my embrace. The trust in that surrender was everything. And beneath it all, thrumming back to life like a reconnec