Page 95 of Redemption

I whirl around the center of the room and take a deep breath. “Three years to plan, and in the end, all I wanted was this beach, this man, and our son.”

“I’m glad you’re so happy,” she says.

Our friendship has come a long way in three years. Lorcan and Kim have stayed here between assignments several times, and Lucas calls them aunt and uncle. Family doesn’t have to share blood.

“All right.” I check the clock on the nightstand. “Let’s do this.”

Kim throws open the bedroom door and leads the way to the beach. There, a trellis sits in the sand strung with flowers. Underneath and beside it stand all the people I love: Finn, Lorcan, Jay, Sofia, Rosa, Luciana, Lena, and Lucas. They’re all here to witness our happily ever after.

A photographer snaps photos, but I can’t tear my gaze from my husband. Legal or not, he’s been mine for a long time. Today we’re making it official and forever.

When I get to Finn, there’s a sheen of tears in his icy gaze. “I never thought I’d get this.” His voice is thick. “I never really believed I’d get this.”

Ignoring everyone else, I cup his chin and give him a quick kiss. “We made it,” I say. “I’m never letting you go.”

Instead of starting the ceremony, he tugs me tight against him and whispers, “I love you, Carys. Forever.”

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