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Now they were married. And she was finally moving across the hall.

Noah looked into the box. “The espresso machine.”

“Yes.”

“You know, we still never use this.”

“We might someday.”

“We’ve been saying that for over a year. We won’t.”

“Just carry it, husband.”

He grabbed the box from her and smiled. “I like when you call me that.”

Mrs. Evelyn opened her door precisely as Noah stepped into the hall.

“Finally,” she announced.

Claire looked at her. “Were you listening for us?”

“No.”

Harold appeared behind her. “She has been standing by the door for twenty minutes.”

Mrs. Evelyn ignored him. “It took you two long enough.”

“We got married a week ago,” Noah said.

“I’m referring to the moving.”

Claire looked inside one final time.

The apartment had been her proof that she could do it. Move to Manhattan. Begin again. Build a life without waiting for anyone’s permission.

She would always love what the apartment represented. But it had never become home.

Noah waited beside her without rushing.

“Ready?” he asked.

Claire locked the door. “Yeah.”

Claire stopped between the two doors. “This is where I met you. This hallway changed my entire life.”

Noah shifted the box in his arms. “You mean when you were immediately captivated by me?”

“You stole my Chinese food.”

“I delivered it.”

“After inspecting it.”

“Quality control.”

Claire smiled. “I thought you were going to be a problem.”

“You were right.”