Page 156 of Until I Have You

The silence stretches for a moment as Abigail’s eyes well up with tears.Her smile is shaky, but it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

“Yes, Theo.Yes, I will.Of course.”

I find myself laughing in relief and happiness, surprising myself with my reaction.

“Thank you,” I murmur as I slide the ring on her finger.I take her now ringed hand in mine and kiss the back of it.“Thank you so much.”

Abigail helps me up to my feet and pulls me close, kissing me as tears stream down her cheeks.

I hold her close to me, embracing her with all the strength I have.

“I love you,” I tell her.“I love you so much.”

Instead of saying it back, Abigail draws away, holding a hand out toward Bonnie.“Come here, honey!”

Bonnie bounds toward us, her own face streaked with tears.She’s known what was going to happen, but I’m sure it’s overwhelming when everyone is celebrating, and both Abigail and I are crumbling under the weight of our emotions.

I scoop Bonnie up in my arms, and Abigail flings her arms around both of us.

“I love youboth,” Abigail says.“You two are my everything.”

When we are finally ready to break out of our little bubble of love, Abigail, Bonnie, and I are showered with affection from the Lyons family.

We all go back to Edwin’s for a beautiful, lavish celebration that lasts late into the night.

As the evening winds down, Bonnie snoozes quietly, her head on my lap, while Abigail sits beside me, tucked under my arm.

The Lyons clan is in the midst of quiet discussions with some of the babies asleep nearby, everyone tired but unwilling to let the celebration end.

My family was never like this, not even when things werenormal.So outwardly loving and vocal about their care for one another.

“I love your family,” I tell Abigail in a soft voice.

Abigail looks up at me, touching my chest.Her hand on my heart sends my pulse racing.“It’sourfamily now, Theo.”

Our family.

“I like the sound of that.”

She touches my cheek.“Good.I do too.”

Epilogue –Abigail

One year later…

Traditional Irish folk music floats on from the chapel, dancing on the air delicately.The chapel is ancient, a testament to history and romance, nestled in the heart of the Irish countryside.Weathered stone, moss-covered walls stand tall.A beautiful relic full of romance.

Perfect for a wedding.

I stand outside the main wooden door between my mom and dad.The wood is carved with intricate Celtic knots.This wedding couldn’t get more Irish.

Dad stands beside me, his face illuminated by the soft, early light.“You look beautiful, Abigail.”

“Thanks, Dad.”I can’t even think about how I look right now, the nerves are rioting inside me.

However, he’s right.The gown is perfect, made by Bridget who handstitched all the beads and lace.

He studies my face.“How are you feeling?”

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