Page 25 of Blue Summer

“What?” I pull back and stare down at him trying to judge how serious he is or if this is maybe the meds talking.

“Marry me. I love you, you love me, I saved you, you saved me, we already lived a lifetime together. It only seems right we do the next sixty or so years married. Not to mention,” his hand drops to my lower belly, “we might already have started our family.”

Realization dawns and shocks a gasp out of me. “Oh my God!”

I place my hand over his and he flips his over to capture my fingers in between his.

“No regrets, angel. I love you. I could never let something happen to you. And I want to spend the rest of our lives together. Now, say you’ll marry me and lean over here and give me a kiss.”

I start crying again but through the tears, I bring my lips to his…and whisper a very clear yes. This summer might have started out as a blue one but this man who came crashing into my life has made it one I will never forget. A summer to remember. The summer I learned what love is and met my happy ever after. Who could have a Blue Summer when that happens?

Epilogue

Summer

Four Months Later

Who would have thought running away from my problems would have led me straight to the one place I am supposed to be? I ran right into the arms of the man I was meant to spend the rest of my life with… or rather I ran straight to his burning vehicle and pulled him out so we could spend the rest of our lives together. I may have saved Roan that day but he’s more than returned the favor.

And the man who caused the wreck, they found him a few days after my demon was put away. He was in a bar, drinking and bragging about what he had done. The bartender turned his ass in. Guess he should have tipped better.

And now there is absolutely nothing stopping me and my hero from being together. Today is going to be perfect. I have too many people willing to shoot someone to make sure of it.

“Are you ready?” I can’t help but laugh at my little sister being all antsy to get me down the aisle.

“Nolia, you seem more nervous than I am. What is up with you?”

“I just… think maybe, if you can find your happy ever after…maybe so can I. Like it’s not some lie they’ve been telling us our whole lives, you know.”

“Nolia,” I brush a stray hair back behind her ear, “it isn’t a lie. Soulmates are real and happy ever afters exist. And one day you’ll find yours. Someone who isn’t afraid of how… strong you can be when you want something.”

“Nolia, you little… where are you, Sunshine?”

As if on cue, Roman yells loud enough the whole church can hear him. Her eyes widen at the sound.

“Uh, I have to go.”

“What did you do?” The way she’s getting all squirrely tells me she’s done something to Roman she’s going to take a spanking for. I swear that man’s hands are on my baby sister’s ass more than her panties are.

“See ya, sis. I’ll be back in time to line up.”

Nolia runs from the room, and I start to wonder if all the women in my family have a running problem. I have to ask Mom how she met Dad and if it was during a time she also found herself sprinting towards something.

But it’s who is standing behind my sister that has my heart racing and my nipples perking up. Roan.

“What are you doing here? You know my mom is superstitious. If she sees you…”

“I had to see you. I missed you last night. I didn’t get a fucking wink of sleep with you not being by my side. I cannot believe that woman nailed the windows shut.”

I have to laugh. Mom knew Roan was going to come for me. That’s why we all slept in the living room like sleepaway camp. It was fun and I’m glad I got to do it with my mom and sister and Pearl, but I missed my man too.

“Me too. I can’t believe how fast it’s become something I can’t seem to do without. You are something I can’t do without.”

“So, let’s make sure we never have to do without one another.” He pulls me in close to him.

“I thought that was what we were doing today.”

“Well, it’s one step to doing it… making a baby is another one.” He starts to trace the edge of the silk strap on my chemise and gives me that Hot Cop smile.

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