Page 275 of Bossy Hero

Fucking hell. We need to get a new janitorial crew. Too much dust around here these days.

We make pleasantries until Tomer comes up behind me and squeezes my shoulders. “It’s time, Big Al.”

A few minutes later, I stand at one end of the aisle with Leo on my left, followed by Tomer, Sawyer, Shep, and Klein. Soft music fills the air. But I barely hear it over the pounding of my heart.

Maddie’s bridesmaids breeze down the aisle one by one—Mia, Kri, Lettie, Sue, and Sammy. They all look beautiful in simple wispy knee-length dresses—even Kri. Each a different shade of blue.

The song ends, and another starts playing. A beautiful solo piano intro gives way to an ethereal voice. I glance to the right to find the source. Lettie’s singing something about growing old together and being two branches of one tree.

My heart couldn’t possibly be any fuller.

I rock on my heels, wipe my sweaty palms on my pants, and then lock my hands in front of me.

Maddie’s granddaughter in the adorable pink dress prances down the aisle, sprinkling flower petals every few steps.

And then there’s my Maddie, looking as radiant as the sun and smiling twice as vibrantly.

Right at me.

Like the bride doll she crocheted for me, Maddie holds a small bouquet of blue flowers. Her simple off-white dress falls below her knees. With each step, the fabric whooshes and flutters.

She’s flawless.

When she gets halfway down the aisle, I lose my patience and close the distance between us in three long strides.

“You’re supposed to wait up there,” she whispers, dazzling blue eyes full of surprise.

I cup her cheeks, letting my thumb linger on her scar. “I’m also supposed to wait until the end to kiss you. I’m done waiting.”

“Weare done waiting.”

And I kiss her.

In the middle of a makeshift aisle, surrounded by the people we love, I kiss the love of my life.

When our lips separate, neither of us makes a move to pull away.

I’m stunned and grateful for what she’s done here today. Claiming me—openly and proudly, with the confidence of a woman in control of her life.

As if she’s silently encouraging me to look deep into her eyes, she widens them for me. I dive headfirst into sparkling azure pools of love and strength.

I see Madeline.Allof her.

Not only the pieces, but the entire beautiful woman.

No longer broken or scared.

She’s done hiding.

She’ll fight to the end for us because she believes she’s worthy of love.

Her mama bear is finally free.

And so is our love.

* * *

Several Months Later

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