Epilogue
Her heart was filled to bursting.
All around her the bright lights shone down on the twirling skirts and sweeping legs of the dancers on the floor. The audience full of people cheered happily, some of them coming down to join them. Inez stood proud and gleeful near Corny's podium with her sparkly crown perched on her head.
She had set out to grab her shot at Miss Teenage Hairspray, not just for herself but because there was just no way she was going to let Velma get her way without a fight; but things had worked out so much better than she ever could have imagined. Part of the reason for that currently had his arms wrapped tightly around her, with his nose brushing gently against hers.
"I think I might be dreaming," she said quietly. They had pulled away from the crowd and huddled together off to the side while the Corny Collins Show tried to finish up the Pageant. Link was smiling and holding her and he couldn't seem to stop touching her hair.
"Maybe I should pinch you?" he offered, grinning at her as he twirled a dark tress around his finger, and she giggled.
"You just kissed me on live television," she whispered. He only grinned wider and kissed her again, his lips just slightly parted, taking her lower lip between them. His lips were warm and soft against hers and she sighed into the kiss.
"Well, Doll; I was just staking my claim," he said once they had parted again.
"Oh really?" she teased, tightening her hold on him a little, staking a silent claim of her own.
"I'm crazy about you Tracy, and I'm all yours… if you'll have me?"
Tracy smiled, wrapping her arms around his waist and pulling him close. "I knew you'd figure it out eventually."
Link leaned in and she was enveloped by his presence, his scent and warmth so comforting. "Smart and beautiful," he whispered against her lips. "I am very lucky."
"No," she said smiling, "we both are," and this time she kissed him.
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A/N: Thank you so much to everyone who read and reviewed. Everyone has been so great and encouraging. I'm feeling a little sad that this series in over! Thanks to my Super Beta, without whom none of this would've ever gone anywhere. :)