Page 75 of Obsession

Sam grins, standing from the desk to walk around and shake my hand. “We’re gonna be great partners, Adrian. Welcome to the family.”

FORTY-ONE

Madi

“Surprise!” I’m shocked when I step out onto Sam’s back porch. Zoe’s here, like John promised, but beside her is Lana with her arms thrown up in the air and an excited look on her face. Behind her is Naz, holding a drink in his hand with his own smile, though he’s looking at Lana and not me.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, still too stunned to fully take in the moment.

“Sam called last night. He said it was safe to come home.”

Safe to come home.I hear those words for what they really mean. Damien, Lana’s father, is dead. I want to ask about her mother, but I don’t want to ruin the moment. Instead, I move forward, wrapping my arms around my cousin and best friend and holding her tight.

“I’m so happy to see you!”

“I’m happy to see you!” She squeezes me back. “Where’s Adrian?”

Immediately, I feel the tears welling up in my eyes at hearing my husband’s name. “He’s-” I’m choking on the words, not knowing how to express them to Lana.

Zoe comes over, wrapping her arms around me. “It’s gonna be okay, Madi.” Both of my friends hold me tight.

“Don’t cry, cousin.” It’s Sam’s voice that has my head whipping around. He walks out onto the back deck, Adrian following behind him. Sam pats my husband on the back and Adrian moves forward, stealing me from my friends’ grip.

“It’s gonna be okay,” he whispers softly as he pulls my body against his.

“I don’t understand.”

“I’ve forgiven him,” Sam says cooly. “We’re not grieving today. We’re celebrating.”

I can barely process the words after I’ve forgiven him. “What?” My voice comes out shaky as I look up to my husband, who nods in confirmation. “It’s over?”

“It’s over.” Adrian leans down and kisses me deeply, passionately, ignoring that we’re not the only ones on the patio.

Tears well in my eyes as I wrap my arms around my husband. We’re safe. It’s over. Warmth floods my entire body.

“Everything’s going to be okay,” Adrian whispers as he holds me close.

“If I can interrupt…” It’s Sam’s voice that pulls me from my moment, and I look over at my cousin. The six of us are gathered on the patio, all eyes on Sam. “We’ve come a long way,” he says solemnly. More blood was spilt than any of us would have wanted, especially my father.” He pauses. “But we’re all here now, the next generation, and I believe we can do better than our fathers and mothers did. I believe we are better. Tomorrow, we’re going to rebuild this family. Better than it’s been before. Stronger. But for today, we’re going to celebrate.” He raises themug in his hand and his eyes find Lana and Naz. “Are you ready?”

“Absolutely,” Naz says certainly.

“Then let’s have a wedding.”

“What?”I shout, and Lana giggles as she unzips the white dress hanging in Sam’s spare bedroom. “Were you planning this?”

Zoe pours us each a glass of champagne and hands one over to me. I chug it down, my brain still reeling with all the things that have just happened.

My husband is not dying today.

And my cousin is getting married to the love of her life.

What. The. Fuck.

“We knew this mess was going to end eventually, and we figured when it did, we’d get married.”

“That’s so fucking sweet.” Zoe sighs, sitting on the edge of the bed.

Lana pulls the simple white dress from the hanger and holds it out to me. “Help me get into this?”

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