Well, friends, this is the end (for now, at least). I leave on a happy note, and another of my favourite images of Mac and Stella. Fear not: more Lullaby of Broadway is on its way shortly. Thank you so much for sticking with me through this, and for the lovely comments. You're all stars.

xv. sunrise

July 5th, 1983 – a day she’ll never began, she supposed, the night before – fireworks on the beach at Coney Island, sitting on the rocks and talking all night. The sun rose over the ocean and for a few moments, the world was the most beautiful shade of rose Stella had ever seen.

He turned to her that morning, eyes bright, and said “it’s almost as beautiful as you.”

He kissed her then, and left for Beirut. It was then, as the sun banished mist from the Atlantic, she decided she was most definitely in love with Mac Taylor.