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2024-10-29 19:42:56Jackson was oddly nervous as they got ready for the night. He’d spent almost every day since he’d purchased Wren right by Wren’s side. Why he’d be nervous for what they had already acknowledged made no sense.
But he was. He found himself almost breathless as they pulled into the botanical gardens. They walked in, side by side, elbows brushing occasionally and sending a shock of awareness through Jackson every time. The lights had just opened so they beat the crowd and were some of the first in for the night. Jackson smiled up at Wren and ignored the way his heart sped up when Wren grinned back.
He also ignored the way Wren’s eyes flicked down to his chest.
They stepped out into a snowy, quite literal ‘Winter Wonderland,’ as the little sign proclaimed. Small twinkle lights blinked merrily at them from every tree and bush. They hung like diamonds from branches. Instrumental versions of holiday songs played softly from hidd
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Jackson couldn’t believe it. The sheer amount of people who had crammed their way into the small town near the border… He turned to Kia. “How did you do this?”Kia grinned. “The power of the internet… And your second interview was probably the main thing.”People in bright colors carrying signs of various messages milled about. The streets were packed. There were police officers out, some of them carried signs of their own.No More Collars. Freedom For All. No Rest Until We’re All Free.Jackson shook his head and stepped back from the window of his hotel room. “I can’t do this. I shouldn’t be the one speaking.”He heard the shower cut off. Kia leaned against him. “You’ve done so much more than this already, Jackson. Now you’re going to lead this march. You’re going to climb on that stage and you’re going to give that speech. Look out there
