(Lena)
By the time we finished thanking everyone, the ballroom had started to empty.
People collected their coats, said their goodbyes, and made plans to speak again during the week. Ryan and his wife hugged us before leaving and promised they would come by the house soon. Ryan shook Cole’s hand one more time before stepping back.
“You deserve a quiet evening,” Ryan said. “Enjoy it.”
“We will,” Cole said.
A few minutes later, we stepped outside.
The Atlanta night was warm, and I was glad to be away from the crowded ballroom. Cole reached for my hand as we walked, his fingers closing around mine without either of us thinking about it.
“So,” I said. “Attorney of the Year.”
He looked down at the award beneath his arm.
“I suppose it’s official now.”
“I’ve been calling you the best la
