Page 154 of A Duet of Darkness and Dreams

I shift the weight of the award in my hands and take a long breath.

“Thank you to my parents,” I say, the first prickles of emotion flowing into my cheeks. “I know I put you both through hell. Not only as an untamable child, a moody teenager, then an adult who left you behind to pursue my dreams. You’ve both always believed in me.Espero que estén orgullosos de mi.”

At the sight of my mother’s tears, the first of my own fall.

“To my amazing friends and members of Carnal Sins,” Key whoops from the audience, “meeting you all changed the trajectory of my life. You are the family I got to choose for myselfand I love you all so much. Without you, there would be no award in my hands.”

“Finally, to Dave.”

Blinking furiously, I take a long deep breath.

“Thank you for giving me the courage to chase after what I want. For being my biggest supporter and showing me all the beautiful facets of life that were hidden from me for so long. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and always having coffee in hand when I get a bit unruly.”

His eyes sparkle like the sun rising over the ocean.

“Thank you for letting me dream my crazy, impulsive dreams and being my strength to fight against all odds. You are the love of my life. Thank you.”

My eyes never leave his as I walk down the stairs. All I see is him as he stands and claps. His face glowing with a teary smile. Holding the heavy award in one hand, I wrap my other arm around his neck and kiss him deeply—right in front of everyone.

Fire and light burst inside of me. My body, my heart and my very soul yearns for him and the world around us fades away even after the kiss breaks.

“That was some speech,” he says, resting his forehead against mine.

“I love you,” I whisper breathlessly.

“I love you, too.” His arms wrap themselves around my waist, squeezing me tighter. “How did I get so lucky to have you?” he asks.

“It wasn’t luck. My heart always beat in time with yours. Our heads just needed to catch up.”

THE END