SERAPHINA’S POV
For a moment, the world stilled between them—the hum of engines, the rustle of night air, even Daniel’s small hand in mine.
All that existed were the two outstretched arms, the two contrasting gazes—warm and searing.
I felt like I was at a proverbial crossroad, as if the choice before me carried far more weight than just deciding whose car would take me home.
Dammit, I should have just brought my own car. In hindsight, walking to OTS so the fresh morning air could calm my nerves before the final challenge had been a stupid idea.
I stood frozen, indecisive, for way too long.
And then Daniel tugged lightly at my hand and tilted his head toward his father.
“Can we go home first, Mom? I have one more surprise for you.”
And just like that, the decision made itself.
I smiled, despite the tension crackling in the air like lightning poised to strike.
“Okay, baby.”
I turned to Kieran. “We’ll ride with you.”