My body hit the water. By the time the New Year's bell tolled, my cold, stiff corpse drifted downstream with the current. Meanwhile, on the bank, the very people I had sacrificed my life to find were lighting fireworks, celebrating a reunion I was never meant to witness.
The biting wind flushed Brandon's cheeks.
Bonnie immediately unwound her scarf and draped it around him, pulling him into her embrace. She rubbed his hands between hers to warm them, a soft smile on her lips.
"The fireworks are breathtaking this year," she murmured. "I wish I could freeze this moment forever."
Brandon lowered his head, feigning shyness. A moment later, he squeezed her hand.
"Like a dream," he whispered. "Bonnie, I never expected we could truly be together again. And I didn't expect you to sacrifice so much for me."
He paused, his voice taking on a tremble. "I didn't mean to hide Mandy back then. I just wanted to scare Justin a little. I was jealous. Jealous that he got to be with you, jealous that you two had such a lovely daughter."
Pain flashed across Bonnie's face. She kissed his forehead, her voice firm.