The closure I gained in that moment was more than I could have ever expected. Maverick hopped off the stage, and Mitch turned to him.
“Take care of her. She’s a special one.” Mitch shook Maverick’s hand and my jaw went slack.
“I couldn’t agree with you more. Thank you.” Maverick smiled over at me as Mags hooked her arm around my neck.
“I told you he just needed some time.” Mags was always right. “Now let’s dance.”
We spent the rest of the night partying like no other, laughing, hugging, jumping, cheering. The entire group meshed together until all hours of the night.
Maverick grabbed me in the middle of the dance floor. “Are you happy?”
I beamed up at him. “I don’t think I could be happier.”
“You’re radiant, Cali. I love you.” His words rushed into me. We had known it but hadn’t said it to each other yet. I hadn’t wanted to push him, and I was glad I hadn’t. I had silently yearned for him to say it over and over again but knew it was something he was going to have to admit first.
“I love you, too,” I declared before crushing my lips to his.