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The words hurt. Because I understand exactly what he means. I kneel in front of him.

"Sayer."

"You were never a secret because I didn't want you."

His expression shifts.

"I know."

"I need you to really know."

A pause. Then he nods.

"I do."

I take his hand.

"You were taken from me."

His eyes flicker.

"But you're here now."

Rhett stands beside us. A quiet presence. A steady one. The person who was supposed to be impossible. The person who somehow feels inevitable.

"We need to figure out what happens next," he says.

"Yes."

"No rushing."

"No."

"Practical decisions."

"Definitely."

Sayer raises an eyebrow.

"You two are terrifying."

I smile.

"Why?"

"You sound like you're planning a business merger."

Rhett actually laughs.

"He gets that from you."

"Excuse me?"

"Organization. Lists. Contingency plans."

"I do not⁠—"

Sayer gives me a look. I stop.