He chuckled. “I love when you talk dirty.”

“Yeah, well, you bring out that side in me.”

“Right now I want to bring out another.”

“Oh?”

“Do you know why I tracked down the flamingo?”

I leaned up to kiss him lightly. “Because you knew I wanted it, and you like to get me what I want.”

He took my face in his hands. “It’s a reminder.”

“A reminder?” I leaned my head into his palm.

“That you will always come first. The Society, the crown, none of that matters as much as you do.”

The tears started again—much heavier this time. “You’ll always come first for me,” I managed to choke out.

“Allie, my life is nothing without you. You are everything to me. Knowing I get to spend every day with you at my side as both my wife and queen makes everything we’ve been through worth it.”

“I love you, Levi, and I love being your queen.”

“We’re going to be great together as long as we stop keeping secrets.”

“I know.” I smiled.

“Which is why it’s time I reveal my last one.”

“You have another secret?” I looked up into his blue-gray eyes.

“It’s called an Oasis.”

“What is?

“Your drink. It’s rum, triple sec, and pineapple juice.”

“You’re finally revealing it?”

“I’m not worried about you leaving and finding the drink on your own.”

“You’re adorable.” I leaned up to kiss him again.

“So are you.” He really kissed me. It was sweet, intense, and everything I wanted. I could have kissed him forever, just standing there in the living room.

“If you’re done admiring the flamingo, I’d love to get you back into bed.”

“Will you carry me?”

“Anytime, love. Anytime.”

I thought I was running away from life when I came to New Orleans that summer, but really I was running toward it. Sometimes you have to take flight to find your way home.