I knew from the pieces of the story of the life of the Kent siblings that we had learned in the previous books of this series that this book was going to be emotional, but I don't think I was prepared enough for the number of times I was sobbing reading this book (if you know me, that's not a bad thing AT ALL!). I adored this story and the characters and I am so glad they are going to continue in some form in the new spinoff series.
Echo - I just want to wrap him up in a hug and never let him go. The depth of love this man has for his siblings and his friends; without realizing it, he's made himself the caretaker, the one who stands firm for everyone, but he's never allowed himself to have a safe place to fall. When Jackie offers herself as just that, Echo doesn't know what to do with that. He doesn't want to be vulnerable and let someone else shoulder the burden even a little bit because that means he failed somehow.
Jackie - she's beautiful inside and outside and somehow she finds the right words to let Echo know she sees ALL of him. She wants to be the place that he can hide in a storm and know that she doesn't judge him for needing her. They are perfect for one another (physically, emotionally, spiritually) and like each of the couples in this whole set of series of books (from 707 to Next Gen to TC) these couples are meant to be, perfect, end game to each other. Even though they all fight it in some way, believe they aren't worthy, don't deserve it, have shame for something and can't have it, they ARE perfectly suited for each other. It's there in the special things that each couple has - nicknames, favorites, habits -- just perfect!
This story is the perfect ending for this series because it's Echo who made the Kent siblings as normal as possible and even he was deserving of that happy ending.
Favorite quote: "No, Jaclyn, not enough. You’re everything. Everything he needs to open his eyes and do the hard work so he can keep you."