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Everything feels wonderfully, beautifully normal.

“Magnolia Hayes.”

I turn to find Roman approaching in a charcoal suit despite the warm weather. Luka and Viktor stand nearby, looking far more relaxed than they did a month ago.

To my complete surprise, Roman opens his arms.

I blink.

Then I hug him.

He pats my back awkwardly. “Don’t tell anyone about this.”

“You're becoming sentimental,” I tease.

Roman scowls. “Don't spread rumors.”

Before I can answer, a dachshund barrels across the grass, dragging an ecstatic little boy behind him.

“Elvis!” I squeal.

The dog skids to a stop in front of me, tail wagging so hard his entire body wiggles. He plants his front paws against my legs.

“Easy, buddy,” Alexei warns, steadying me with a hand at my waist.

A familiar couple approaches, both laughing.

“We thought you'd want to see him,” Mrs. Williams says as Elvis sits proudly at my feet.

“Want to see him?” I laugh, dropping to scratch behind his ears. “Look at him!”

Elvis looks fantastic. His coat shines, he's gained healthy weight, and pure happiness radiates from every inch of him.

“He sleeps on our bed now,” Mr. Williams admits.

His wife snorts. “Correction. We sleep on his bed.”

I laugh so hard I nearly cry again.

“Thank you,” I whisper, looking down at Elvis. “This is exactly why we do this.”

Alexei squeezes my shoulder.

Second chances.

Maybe that's always been what this shelter was really about.

Later, Alexei leads me behind the shelter to a surprise memorial garden dedicated to Clara and Irina. By the time we return for the ribbon cutting, my emotions are already hanging by a thread.

Ivy insists on helping cut the ribbon. She stands proudly between Alexei and me, holding oversized ceremonial scissors while Winston barks encouragement.

“Ready?” I ask, smiling down at her.

Ivy beams. “Ready!”

Together, we cut the ribbon.

Applause erupts. Second Chance Savannah is officially open again.