Page 111 of Never Have I Ever

It’s best for me to put my boundaries in place, starting now. Referring to Laird, I ask, “Have you met my . . .” I look up at him. “Are we engaged?”

“We are. We’re very much engaged.” Wrapping his arm around my waist, he stands by my side.

“My fiancé. You won’t be invited to the wedding or into any part of my life. I love you, Mom. I just can’t be less for you anymore.” Slipping my hand into Laird’s, I turn but quickly realize all the police are gone. “How do we get out of here?” I whisper out of the side of my mouth.

He laughs between us. “I’ll order a car.”

Well, this is awkward . . .

Since I’m stuck here, I pull my phone from my pocket while Laird is busy, and call Marina. She answers immediately. “Is everything okay? How was the wedding?”

“A wedding is what I’m calling about. Will you help me?”

“When and where? I’ll be there.”

EPILOGUE

Laird

I made this trek once before.

Not the same route. I took a lot of detours to get here this time. But you know what they say—it’s about the journey, not the destination. For me, it’s about both.

Poppy got her memories, but I got her, so it all worked out how it was supposed to in the end. Though, I believe this is just our beginning.

The car pulls into the parking lot, and I get out, taking my duffel bag from the trunk before tapping the back to send them on their way. It’s hotter in July than the last time I was in Austin.

I could have spent my time flying here wondering why she insisted I meet her here since the place doesn’t hold a spot in my fondest memories. No fault of theirs. Only my own. Knowing Poppy was coming here and that she would marry me that day in October doesn’t mess with my head like it used to. That’s what closure gives you.

That’s the gift she gave me.

Peace with the past.

I look around and can’t lie. I’m starting to feel a little nervous. Only a few cars are in the parking lot, and no one is walking in or out. The last time I was here it was packed, so I’m sure what’s going on but I head to the front door on the side building.

As soon as I round the corner, I stop.

A cropped top, short skirt, tan legs leading into white boots. Dressed in white with white flowers in her hair that match the bouquet in her hands. Poppy says, “Took you long enough.”

I walk right up to her, drop my duffel, and dip her into a kiss. Pulling her upright, I take her into my arms. Face-to-face. Lips to lips. Heart to heart. “I took the scenic route. Thirty-three months to be exact.”

With a smile that could light up the Vegas Strip, she caresses my cheeks. “You got here just in time, babe.” This time, she kisses me. Could be Austin, or maybe it’s just being reunited after a long week of shows, but her happiness pervades the world around us.

I kiss her again, our lips parting and our tongues tangoing. I taste her little mewls and deepen our connection. She wasn’t wearing white when I met her, but I can see so much of her returning to who she used to be. The heaviness doesn’t weigh on her, the sense of always failing in her parents’ eyes is gone.

She’s carefree again.

Her hair is a little unruly from the wind, her lips stained in cherry red, and the boots are scuffed, though she’s probably only worn them for an hour. I love discovering the little things that make her Poppy.

The scars from the accident.

The vibrant green in her eyes bask in the sun’s rays.

And a new tattoo I’ll be asking her about later. Although it doesn’t need much explanation. With my eyes on her, I bring her arm to my mouth and lick the length of it.

“What do you think?” she asks, timidity entering her tone. “I wanted something else that you designed.” I love you. L.

Simple. Encapsulating. Our past tangled with our future. “I love it, but I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”

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