Page 151 of Wreckage

One she had never seen before.

She looked confused as we pulled up, frowning as she stepped out of the car.

“Where are we?” she asked.

Troy smirked, grabbing her hand.

“Shhh,” he murmured, leading her inside.

The moment we walked through the door, she gasped.

Roses everywhere. And one small house plant. A fire flickered in the fireplace, casting a warm glow throughout the area.

She turned toward us, her lips parted in shock.

And that’s when she saw us?—

On our knees.

Both of us.

Holding the same ring together.

Elena’s hands flew to her mouth, her blue eyes shining with tears.

Troy was the first to speak, his voice thick with emotion.

“Baby, we’ve loved you since the moment we saw you. I know our love didn't look like love, but I fucking swear to you it was, and it's only grown since that day.”

I swallowed hard, my throat aching with everything I felt.

“We’ve lost you, found you, and through it all, it’s always been you,” I whispered. "And there will never be anyone else."

Troy reached for her hand, his thumb brushing her skin softly.

“You are our home, little dancer,” he murmured. “And forever will never be long enough to love you how you deserve. We want to give you the life you deserve. We want to love you for the rest of our lives and our next lives. Forever means forever, little dancer."

I nodded, my eyes never leaving hers.

“Marry us,” I breathed. “Be ours, always.”

Her soft sob filled the room as she dropped to her knees between us, her fingers trembling as she reached for us both.

“Yes,” she whispered.

Troy exhaled, his body shaking as he laughed softly.

I closed my eyes, overwhelmed with relief, all-encompassing love, and something more profound than words could explain.

I slid the ring onto her finger with Troy, my chest aching with happiness.

Troy kissed her first, deep and slow, his hands holding her like she was his whole universe.

Then he pushed her toward me, and I took her face in my hands, kissing her like she was the only thing keeping me alive.

And maybe, in some ways, she was.

When we finally pulled apart, Elena looked down at the ring on her finger, her breath uneven.

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