Updated Apr 8, 2026 • ~2 min read
Chapter 28: Statement of Intent
Sienna
May. Two months later.
Sienna and Jace are OFFICIALLY dating.
No more hiding. No more secrets.
They go to dinner. Hold hands in public. Kiss goodbye at pickup.
Harper is in Mr. Peterson’s class and THRIVING. Turns out the scandal was exactly what she needed—proof that her dad could love again.
One Saturday, they all go to the zoo together.
First official “family” outing.
“This is nice,” Harper says, holding both their hands. “Like a real family.”
“We ARE a real family,” Jace says.
“Not yet. You’re not married.”
Sienna laughs. “Give us time, sweetheart.”
“How much time?”
“Harper,” Jace warns.
“I’m just SAYING. If you’re going to get married, I need to plan my dress.”
Later, after Harper’s in bed, Jace and Sienna sit on his porch.
“She’s not wrong,” he says.
“About what?”
“We should get married.”
Sienna’s heart STOPS. “Are you—is this a proposal?”
“No. The proposal will be better. This is just… a statement of intent.”
“A statement of intent.”
“Yeah. I intend to marry you, Sienna Martinez. Someday soon. Just wanted you to know.”
She kisses him. “I intend to say yes.”
“Good. We’re on the same page.”
They sit in comfortable silence.
And Sienna thinks: *This is it. This is everything I fought for.*
*And it was worth it.*
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