Page 157 of Choosing Forever
“So, you want a truce or something?”
Her laugh is short, almost disbelieving. “A truce would work, yeah. You’re not a threat to me, Delaney. What Darren and I had, or didn’t have, I guess, doesn’t matter anymore. I’m assuming you’re not going anywhere. That’s why he sold the house.”
“Yeah, it is.”
“Okay. Well, I just wanted to clear the air.”
I can’t say that I’d consider it cleared entirely, but at least I’m not choking on her pollution anymore. This has to be better than before. We’ll never be friends, and that’s perfectly okay with me. All I need is some room to try and be a part of her daughter’s life without feeling like I’m being judged for everything I do.
“Thank you,” I say.
“Abbie wanted to stay for a while. If you’re okay with that, I’ll come back in a few hours to get her.”
My brows jump, a fleck of hope floating in my chest. “Of course that’s okay. She’s always welcome.”
“She chose those donuts especially for you.”
“You’ve done a great job with her, Sasha. Both of you have,” I say.
The small smile on her lips is genuine. “Thanks.”
“I’ll let Darren know the plan.”
She nods and starts down the sidewalk, heading for the SUVthat’s still running. I watch her get inside before going back inside.
The moment I shut the door behind me, everyone turns to me, their curiosity obvious. Bryce sits on the arm of the couch, staring as if she’s trying to speak mind to mind. I know her well enough by now not to need to hear the question she’s asking.
The appreciation in my gaze answers her.
Darren snares my eyes once I join him and Abbie on the floor. He takes my hand, stroking my fingers and the ring I never take off.
I nod at him and lean into his body. His arms bracket me, and Abbie hands me a donut. Our friends start to chatter again, seeing that I’m okay, and I swallow the emotions trying to escape.
This moment is perfect. A sneak peek into the rest of forever.
EXTENDED EPILOGUE
SIX MONTHS LATER
DELANEY
There’s something to be said about soulmates.
I don’t mean the type you read about in fantasy novels, but the real ones. The non-fiction type that you don’t hear about as often. Not romantic partners, but best friends. I’ve been lucky enough in my life to have both, and while I love Darren, we were always written in the stars. Chalking up what we’ve been through as just something that was always meant to be negates what we overcame to be together.
Best friends, on the other hand, yeah, I’ll take soulmates. Poppy’s that to me. She’s someone who I found through Darren, but who never truly was just my boyfriend’s little sister. Instead, she became my family. A sister who I hadn’t found because of blood, but by fate.
I couldn’t have ever thought that by falling in love with Darren, I’d get Poppy too. It wasn’t a coincidence that the guy who I’d recognize as my forever would have a sister who I would connect with so deeply to the point we became best friends. That was all fate.
Standing beside her at the altar today, watching as shemarries a man who would get on his hands and knees and pave the ground she walks on . . . it’s surreal. Looking past her at where her brother stands with his daughter as he watches me with such raw, open love might be even more so.
I’ve spent the last few weeks helping Poppy perfect this day, and I’d be lying if I hadn’t found myself daydreaming a few times about what marrying Darren would be like. The draw for that experience nearly sent me home once or twice in tears. It’s too intense for me to think about often.
Marrying Darren is my childhood, teenage, and adult dream.
“I understand that you’ve both prepared your own vows,” the minister announces.
I swallow, forcing myself to look away from Darren. Focusing on Poppy and Garrison, I find myself at a loss for words once again. The soon-to-be husband and wife are simply stunning together.
