Page 97 of Forever Mr Black

He nods gravely. “I saw it this afternoon. When I told her I didn’t want to see her again, she tried to kiss me. When I asked her what the hell she was playing at, she went insane. Crying, shouting. Completely crazy.”

“Mental bitch,” I mutter, relaxing against him.

He presses a kiss to my forehead. “Theo needs proper help, and I think she does too. I’m guessing that kidnapping, false imprisonment, and all the rest carry pretty hefty sentences. It’s all over now, Sophie.” He rests a hand on my head, and I nuzzle into him. “No one’s ever taking you away from me.”

I hold him tighter. My protector. As long as Art’s by my side, I know I’ll always be safe. And he will be, for as long as we both shall live.

Footsteps thud up the stairs, and Big Steve appears in the doorway. He surveys Theo lying on the floor with a pitiful shake of his head. “Fucking hell. You okay, Soph?”

I nod. “I am now.”

“Good. The police have just arrived. They’re putting her in the back of the car.” He glances down at the floor. “They’ll be up for this one next.”

Art kisses me. “Come on. Let’ go down to the station and end this once and for all.”

Epilogue

Three and a half months later

The Summer Room is filled with chatter and laughter. We’re in the no-man’s-land time of day in between the ceremony and evening reception when everyone crowds around the bar and has a catch-up or retires to their room for a while. I’ve stood on the perimeter and watched it happen time and time again, but this time, I’m at the centre. It’s my day. It’s my happily-ever-after.

I glance across to the top table. Mum, Martin, and Barbara are knocking back the wine and having a whale of a time. Mum and Barbara have perfectly coordinated outfits in similar shades of burgundy, and the three of them get on like a house on fire. I’m overcome with a warm, fuzzy feeling of contentment. And this time, it’s not the wine.

“I’ve left them to it. Ever since Art popped over, they’ve been talking business.” Lucy slips into the seat beside me and nods towards Art and Big Steve sitting at the table closest to us, deep in conversation.

I roll my eyes. “On today of all days.”

She smiles and admires my dress. “You do look lovely, Soph. That dress makes your tits look fab.”

Trust my best friend.

I self-consciously smooth the white lace material across my stomach. “Thanks, Luce.”

She nods towards my full glass of white wine and pulls a face. “You’ve barely touched that.”

I wrinkle my nose. “I don’t fancy it, to be honest.”

Lucy nudges me with her elbow, her eyes glinting with the whiff of gossip. “You’re not pregnant, are you?”

I frown. “Don’t be silly. We’ve still got the evening do to go yet. I want to keep a clear head.”

“Suit yourself.” Lucy slides my glass towards her on the table, claiming it as hers. “How does it feel to finally be Mrs Black then?”

My eyes find Art once more. The cut of his charcoal-grey jacket hangs from his upper body, and the deep red cravat complements his tanned skin. His thick hair is swept back and coiffured. He’s perfect. And he’s all mine. His eyes meet mine, and he breaks out into a grin. I know he’s having the same thought.

“Wonderful. You’ll be next.” I tap her hand, and she waggles the diamond ring on her finger, beaming. I’ve never seen her this happy.

“Maybe, but I know one thing for sure: I won’t be getting married here again.”

“Yes. It would be a bit weird.”

She thoughtfully twirls a curl of hair around her finger. “Yeah, it’s not just that though. You wouldn’t be planning it, would you, Mrs Assistant Manager?”

“I suppose not, but the new wedding planner should be starting in a few weeks.”

“It wouldn’t be the same,” Lucy mumbles, resting her chin on her hand. “Anyway, I reckon they’ll be next.”

I follow her gaze to where Olly and Holly sit, totally engrossed with one another. “I don’t think you’re wrong there.”

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