Page 56 of Romancing the Reaper

The tension in the room eases, replaced by a sense of optimism. I make a mental note to inform Liam about Cristiano’s decision. This approval will not only solidify their alliance but also bring a sense of peace and stability that both clans desperately needed.

The dinner continues with a lighter atmosphere. I can’t help but feel deeply satisfied.

I get Ada, and that makes everything worth it.

EPILOGUE

ADA

Two Months Later

The day dawns bright and clear, the perfect backdrop for my wedding. We decided to hold the ceremony in a beautifully decorated garden in New York City surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers. The floral scent in the air is everything. Mother insisted that I was going to get cold feet any minute, but all I feel is excitement and nervousness as I prepare for this new chapter in my life. It’s unreal. I can hardly even believe how much has changed in just two short months.

We’ve built a whole life together.

My reflection is my friend.

For the first time in countless years, I say the age old mantra in my head and actually feel like it might be true. My reflection is a stunning woman. Maeve designed my dress, a lovely concoction of silk, satin and lace. It hugs my body just right without clinging to the small baby bump that’s forming. It looks like a large lunch, and for the first time thinking that my body reflects that I’ve eaten today doesn’t repulse me.

My hands run over my body, the growing curve of my hips and the way my breasts are finally filling in. My face is no longer gaunt and my cheekbones are just a touch harder to see but that’s okay. The recovery is working. Day by day, but it’s progressing so well. Finally, my hands settle on the bump. Still too early to feel anything but I know that any day now the little bean will flutter. Kieran’s got our first sonogram stuck to our mirror so that he can see it every morning. I’m sure he’s going to keep up the habit until the whole mirror is covered with pictures of our child.

More than that, I’m starting to feel strong. Inside and out. My body feels more capable and I don’t get so cold and tired every day. I will do this for myself, for my baby and the future that we are promised. It’s not just a bride looking back at me, but a woman who has overcome such immense challenges.

A soft knock at the door and Maeve pushes it open. Her baby pink dress is perfect on her, another one of her designs. “Ready?”

I nod, grabbing my bouquet and linking arms with her. Lila’s also in a matching baby pink gown, waiting for us by the lineof chairs that lead to the aisle I’m going to walk down. Kieran’s support through all of this only cemented the knowledge that he’s the one I’m meant to spend my life with and start my family with.

Kieran stands at the altar, looking so handsome I can hardly breathe. He’s chosen an all-black tuxedo, very on brand for him. He even let Maeve help style it for him. It’s as much of an olive branch I think that I’m ever going to get between the two of them.

Lila and Maeve walk down the aisle first. Cristiano comes around the corner. He’s going to be the one walking me down the aisle. Emotions surge inside me as I slip my arm in his. Everybody stands, turning to look at me. I have to make sure that I don’t cry, no matter how much the tears are welling up in my eyes. I can’t afford to ruin the wonderful work that Lila’s done on my face.

At the other end of the aisle, Liam slaps the back of his hand into Kieran’s chest excitedly. No doubt he’s making some silly comment about how, if Kieran doesn’t marry me, he might have to after all. Kieran’s jaw twitches. He didn’t think it was funny the first two times that Liam said it, but Liam keeps telling me that he just likes seeing Kieran’s eye twitch like that. Liam said that if Kieran wanted to have his position of Reaper switched to Cristiano with his blessing, then Kieran wasn’t allowed to punch him anymore.

Liam’s been capitalizing on that immunity every chance that he gets.

When my eyes meet Kieran’s, something in his expression softens. I can’t stop smiling even though happy tears are in my eyes. I’m going to blame the hormones, but I’ve always been a little bit weepy.

This is the most important runway of my life, and I’m ready to embrace it fully. Everybody that I’ve ever known and every one of my brother’s allies are here to celebrate. Family, friends, associates, all gathered to witness our union.

Unarmed, of course. I insisted on it.

My dress flows out behind me prettily and we stop at the end of the aisle. Cristiano leans in.

“You’re sure about him?”

I nod and kiss his cheek. “I’m certain. Thank you.”

I step up to the altar, a surge of love and determination filling me as I pass my flowers to Lila and take Kieran’s hands.

This moment marks the start of the rest of our lives.

The rest of the ceremony passes in a blur. Before I know what’s happening, I’m dancing in the center of an elegant ballroom. Maeve and Lila have kicked off their heels with me as we dancetogether, singing lyrics at the top of our lungs. I can’t drink, of course, but my best friends don’t seem to care.

Only when my legs feel like they are going to fall off does Kieran carry me off the dance floor. I don’t want the night to end. I want to stay here in this blissfully happy bubble forever.

If only that was possible.

My husband has been gracious enough to field most of the host duties, shaking hands and thanking everybody for the gifts and wishes. We’ve received enough envelopes to pay for three or four honeymoons. I plan on having a very elaborate trip, just the two of us, where I can keep him naked and in my bed for days at the beachside somewhere.

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