Page 88 of Cowboy
"It's us," she explains softly. "You, me, Saoirse. And room for more." She traces the pattern where the knot could expand to include additional hearts.
I'm stunned. Caoimhe has been adamant about not getting tattoos, even as I've added to my collection over the years. For her to mark her body this way, a statement of permanence and belonging...
"When did you do this?" I ask, my voice rough with emotion.
"Yesterday," she admits. "Grá went with me. Do you like it?"
"Like it?" I pull her close, my hand sliding to her hip, covering the tattoo. "I fucking love it. And I love you."
She rises on her toes to kiss me, a kiss that promises much more to come. "Take me home, Cowboy," she murmurs against my lips.
As we say our goodbyes, making our way through the crowded main room, I notice Tank deep in conversation with someone at the bar. I do a double-take when I realize it's Enya. She doesn't look like she hates him—quite the opposite, actually; leaning into his space, a smile playing at her lips.
"Well," Caoimhe observes, following my gaze. "That was quick."
"Good for him," I say. "Though I give it a week before he does something else stupid."
"He's not so bad," Caoimhe says with a laugh. "Just needs to find the right woman to set him straight."
As we step out into the cool evening air, Caoimhe nestles against my side, fitting perfectly as always. I think about how far we've come. From those dark days, Caoimhe rescued but broken, Saoirse traumatized, me consumed with vengeance and guilt.
Now we're whole. Scarred, yes. Changed, certainly. But whole and strong and ready for whatever comes next.
"Let's go home, Mrs. O'Reilly," I say, throwing my leg over my bike and holding out a hand to help her climb on behind me.
She settles against my back, her arms sliding around my waist, her head resting between my shoulder blades. "Home," she agrees, her voice vibrating against my spine.
As I kick the bike to life, I feel her squeeze me tighter, her body molding to mine as it has a thousand times before. With her arms around me and the open road ahead, I feel invincible.
Whatever the future holds, a new patch, more children, new challenges, we'll face it together. This woman who survived hell and came out stronger. This family we've built from the ashes of what was destroyed.
This is what matters. This is what's worth fighting for.
This is everything.
