Page 125 of Because of Dylan

She did.

“River,” I whisper-shout.

“Whaaat?” she whisper-shouts back at me. “If he’s going to be in the family, he better get used to me.”

Dylan looks from her, to me, and to her boyfriend, Liam.

Liam shrugs. “Just go with it, dude. It’s a lot easier. Trust me.”

“Guys?” my dad calls. “I got reservations in thirty minutes. Everyone hungry?”

He looks at Dylan and Tommy. “Let’s go, you two are coming too.”

* * *

When I first walked into Riggins, I never imagined I’d leave with a best friend for life.

I never imagined I’d leave with a family.

I never imagined I’d leave with a man who loves me and whom I love just as much.

So much can happen in four years. So much can happen in a few months, in a single moment.

For so long I allowed myself and my life to be defined by what happened to me. Defined by the hurt, angry, and afraid girl I once was.

No more.

It’s not as simple as that, I know. I have much to do. Loving myself, learning to heal and forgive is something I may have to work on for the rest of my life.

I have learned I can’t change the past. But as my father said on that very first day we met, I can change the future.

The choices I make today, the people I keep in my life will set the path of my tomorrow. And I’ll be damned if I don’t make it a much better one than I ever thought possible.

Epilogue

Two Years Later

“When areyou guys going to make me an uncle?”

Tommy’s question startles me so much I drop the cake pan I’m washing into the sink. The sound reverberates throughout the quiet kitchen.

“Jesus, Tommy. You scared the heck out of me.” I grab the pan and finish rinsing it, ignoring his crazy question.

“I’m home. Smells so good in here—oh, hey, Tommy. Didn’t know you were coming over today,” Dylan says when he walks into the kitchen.

I smile. Looking at him always makes me smile. “I made you banana chocolate chunk cake.”

Dylan slugs his brother’s shoulder, then ruffles his hair before stopping behind me and holding me to him. My back to his front. He drops a kiss on my shoulder and a chaste peck on my lips when I look up at him.

“Yum.” I don’t know if Dylan is referring to me or the cake.

Tommy drags a chair and sits at the island. “Don’t ignore me. When are you guys going to make me an uncle?”

Dylan stiffens behind me. “What?”

“You’ve been dating for two years, the last year of which you’re living together. It’s time, no?”

Dylan steps back from me. I turn around, grab a dish towel and dry my hands. Don’t look at Dylan. We’ve never talked about the future or kids in any meaningful way. Dylan knows the idea scares me. We’re taking it a day at a time.

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