Page 35 of Timeless: Encore

“I didn’t realize until recently you and Zane were childhood friends. It’s so wonderful it blossomed into love.”

“We’ve always loved each other. It sounds cheesy, but we were destined from the day he was born. He proposed the first time when I was six.” I gaze up at my husband. It’s hard to express how close Zane and I are. How intertwined our souls are. Few people understand.

So I explain. Ronni seems like someone I can trust. As I’ve learned more about her, I’m more and more impressed. It makes sense I’d like her. Just like I like Zoey and Alex.

The four men of LTZ are, essentially, brothers. All handsome, decent, loving, kind men with huge doses of integrity and talent. It stands to reason the women they’ve chosen for their committed, forever relationships share similar qualities.

As couples, we are family. Our kids will grow up together like cousins. We’ll travel together. Experience life together. Celebrate our successes. Help each other through failures.

A lightbulb goes off. Our family isn’t just biological. We have amazing people around us who truly have our best interests at heart. As we do theirs.

Zane and I are creating a life that is bigger, fuller and richer than anything I ever imagined.

What a difference a year makes.

Chapter twelve

ZANE

A Couple of Weeks Later

I’veneverbeenabest man before, my plan is to knock it out of the park. Ty’s wedding is going to be epic, but tiny, so there’s not much for me to do. I’m winging the speech, although I have a couple of bullet points written down.

Ty asked Carter to preside over their ceremonies. My dad’s so fucking excited, it makes me a little ashamed I didn’t think to ask him to marry me and Fee. He went online to get ordained by the Universal Life Church.

It’s hard for me to say that without laughing. I mean,c’mon.

Anyway, I invited him to join Ty and me while we get ready. I thought he’d get a kick out of it. I didn’t expect him to be emotional. I swear to God, he sounded like he was crying when I called.

Admittedly, this year hasn’t been the best for us. Or for me and my mom. I’m feeling a certain kind of way about them being together. Oh, and they’ve beentogether.A lot. Now that Mom’s taken a step back from her dance career, she hasn’t been flitting all over the world doing ballet stuff quite as often.

Instead, she’s been holed up at Carter’s house. Flitting around with him when he plays Limelight shows. I half-expected them to elope in Vegas at some point. There must be trouble in paradise though. She won’t be at the wedding. She won’t be here for Christmas either.

Then again, maybe the opportunity to work with the London Ballet was too lucrative to pass up despite whatever their relationship status is.

Either way, it doesn’t matter. I struggle with the idea of her taking Carter back permanently. I’ve come to terms with the fact they must have some sort of chemistry, though I don’t see it. Not at all. It didn’t occur to me they would keep in touch once I graduated high school, let alone become friendly again.

Romantic?Gah.

Kill me now.

Hell, if I hadn’t been born they wouldn’t have survived a year.

Then again if I hadn’t been born Carter might also be dead.

He and I have been through our ups and downs over the years, there’s no question. On the other hand, Mom and I have always been solid as a rock. When Mia came into my life, I realized why she left Seattle and Carter. To keep me safe. What a huge sacrifice she made. At twenty, she gave up her coveted position at the Pacific Northwest Ballet just to protect me.

Shit. Itotallyget it now. I would literally do anything for Mia. I love her so fucking much. She’s in my bloodstream. Figuratively, I guess. I wish she were my biological daughter, but she’s Fee’s so it’s as close as it gets. I couldn’t love her more than I do. I know that for definite.

Admittedly, fatherhood has dredged up all sorts of confusing thoughts about how my dad treated me when I was little. I thought I was over it. Largely, I am. I’ve come to terms with the abandonment. The broken promises. The horror of him overdosing in the park when I was younger than Mia is now.

It’s hard to believe we’re approaching twenty years since he’s been clean. Carter’s mostly redeemed himself as a father. Some hiccups, of course, but he’s a wonderful grandfather to Mia, and that’s what’s most important. I’m not worried about him relapsing. Not for years now.

It’s no secret Fee’s dependence on Xanax earlier this year was triggering. Even though we seem to be past it, I’m still in monthly sessions with Lisa Kincaid to keep my head straight. She validates my thoughts and feelings. Holds me to task when I veer off course.

Therapy’s been such a positive part of my life from an early age.

I’d hoped Fiona would find it helpful.

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