Epilogue

**Six Months Later**

The balcony overlooked the skyline of Atlanta. The air was cool, smelling of autumn leaves and city exhaust.

Elias sat on the railing, holding a mug of coffee. He was wearing jeans and a soft gray t-shirt. His hair was a little longer, softer. He looked five years younger.

"You’re brooding," Julian said, stepping out onto the balcony. He wrapped his arms around Elias’s waist from behind, resting his chin on Elias’s shoulder.

"Thinking," Elias corrected. He leaned back into the embrace. "About the job interview tomorrow."

"The non-profit?" Julian asked. "You’ll get it. You’re great at organizing people. And you have that 'reformed pastor' charm."

Elias chuckled. "I still pray, you know."

"I know," Julian said, kissing his neck. "I hear you in the shower."

Elias turned in Julian’s arms. "But it’s different now. I don't pray for forgiveness. I pray for thanks."

"Thanks for what?"

Elias looked at Julian. He reached out and traced the tattoo of the bird on Julian’s collarbone.

"For the fire," Elias said softly. "For the second chance."

Julian smiled. "Amen to that."

Elias leaned in and kissed him. It wasn't a desperate kiss in a dusty attic. It was slow, and steady, and full of a peace that Elias had finally found, not in a building, but in the arms of the man he loved.