page48 (1/2)

“You came!”

Steph laughed as she rested in the circle of his arms She lifted a hand to stroke his cheek

“Of course I came Did you really think I wouldn’t?”

Mehdi looked sheepish as he placed his fingers on top of hers, which still rested on his face

“I thought for sure you would stick with duty and do as your parents asked I’ve been in that position… I knohat it means to have to make that choice”

Steph stared lovingly into his green-speckled eyes, doing her best to memorize his features, to capture the moment with perfect clarity

“I choose you, Mehdi You’re the one I want”

At her words, Mehdi shtened his grip around her as he dipped his head to clai their fate, once and for all

The sun finally set, and a few pinpricks of stars poked out against the night sky before Mehdi illing to release Steph froether, hand in hand

“So, what do we do now?” Steph asked

Mehdi looked ahead, swinging her arm a little as they walked

“Well, that’s the beauty of it, I suppose,” he said, glancing down at her with glea ant”

NINETEEN

Steph