Page 67 of Coming Unraveled
“What my husband is trying to say is that we know that you’re married and have been for a while. We just want to make sure that you remind her of that because she is going to be overly emotional regardless of the outcome.”
A smile grows on his face as he once again begins to pack up his things.
“Don’t worry. I’m already one step ahead of you,” Brooks adds as he escorts them from the clinic.
The group descends as one into Angie’s diner. From what Brooks can tell Amy had sent out a town text chain letting them know about Sierra’s arrival. The only person notably missing from the crowd is Everleigh. Then suddenly the air shifts around him and his body awakens to her presence. His heart distinctly recognizes its other half when close-by.
Brooks moves away from his conversation with Austin and steps in her direction.
“Sweetheart,” he murmurs into her hair as he wraps her in his arms, needing to absorb some of her quiet strength.
“Is she here yet?” Everleigh inquires as she glances around the space, waving to her family as they stand off to the side.
It had taken a while for Everleigh to let her siblings back into her world as they once had been, but now they were stronger than ever.
Before Brooks has a chance to respond Sierra saunters into the diner on her ridiculously high heels, acting as if she owns the place.
The crowd grows quiet, everyone anticipating the news Sierra brings with her.
“Well, don’t I get a hello or introduction?” she questions with her hands firmly placed on her hips, her dark eyes narrowing at the group.
Taking the lead Brooks introduces, “Sierra, this is everyone in Carson. Everyone, this is Sierra.”
“Well now, that wasn’t so hard, was it? Anyway, let’s get this ripped off like a band-aid.” She turns her attention to Everleigh and Everleigh only. “Well, I will have you know that the jury noted how moved they were by your speech. And I hope that your strength is felt by every victim of abuse around the world. That despicable man is going to be spending a veryverylong time behind prison bars.”
Everleigh gasps beside him, her delicate hand squeezing his with all its might. “So, he was found guilty?”
“On all counts. He’s looking at a 75-year sentencing with no option of parole.”
The crowd expels a collective breath, each person letting the verdict settle deep inside them. The quietness of the room doesn’t last long before the energy bursts forth and everyone begins clapping and cheering. Everleigh is tugged from beside him into the arms of her family, each member passing her to the next. He and Sierra stand together watching as each embrace builds back the innocence that had been lost inside her.
“Thank you, Sierra.”
“It was my pleasure, Dr. McCafferty. Now I believe you should go claim your wife.” With a nudge on his hip, he steps forward and wraps Everleigh into his arms, his favorite place for her.
“I’m so proud of you, sweetheart.”
“I can’t believe it, Brooks. It’s over. It’s finally over and I can move on with my life.”
Knowing that this is his chance Brooks descends towards the floor, kneeling on his left leg. Gliding his hand into his pocket, he grabs the ring Tiffany had slipped to him when she arrived and takes it into his fist.
“Everleigh Connelly. The first time we met I knew that you were someone special; you brought out a protectiveness in me that I hadn’t known existed. You were bright, beautiful, and strong. And I knew that I needed to make you mine. I still feel the same way despite the black eyes you like to give me. There isn’t anyone else I would rather fight with, or share my life with. I love you more every day and I want a future with you. My dreams only exist with you. So, would you do me the honor of tearing up the annulment papers and being my wife for good?”
“Oh, Brooks,” she responds as he holds up the sparkling antique diamond ring. Her eyes water with unshed tears as she considers his proposal. At first, Brooks fears that she’ll reject him, but then she smiles. The smile that shows every bit of love she has for him. “You crazy man, you actually asked me. You didn’t demand like you usually do. I’d be a damned fool to say no.”
“So, is that a yes?”
With the crowd gathering closer, he can feel their anticipating gazes at his back.
“It’s a thousand yeses. I love you so much, Brooks.”
He slides the ring on her finger, where it will remain for the rest of their lives, and then hauls her into his arms, their connection melding their two bodies into one.
“Are you going to want another wedding?” she asks as she pulls her mouth away from his a hair.
“It’s up to you. I’ll let you decide. Any ideas?”
A look of longing flickers in her eyes and Brooks instantly knows what location she is considering.
