Page 96 of About Last Knight

He replies, “They’re called Pop My Cherry.”

Cassandra grins. “I thought it was appropriate since you have your wedding night coming up soon.”

Everyone laughs. I just smile and shake my head.

While no one else is paying attention, Cassandra whispers, “Just be happy I didn’t order the Porn Star. I checked my email the other night on Declan’s computer. He’s got lots of interesting pictures on there.”

My eyes pop open and she just smirks at me in her special Cassandra way.

Rayne clears her throat, pulling all of our attention her way. “Everyone, thanks for coming to celebrate Melissa. I’m so happy for my best friend. She deserves all the happiness in the world. Can we all hold up our glasses and cheers to love, happiness, and sisterhood.”

As a big group, we all say, “Cheers.”

Epilogue

One Month Later

Melissa

It’s our wedding day. I’m feeling incredibly emotional about this day. It’s been a long time coming for me.

We’re having a small family wedding. There’s a well-known restaurant with a huge open patio overlooking the river. I know how much the beauty of this location means to Declan, so I decided to have our wedding here.

I personally don’t care about the location. I care about the man I’m marrying. I honestly never thought I’d get here. I didn’t believe I’d ever have my day.

Rayne, Izzy, Darian, Jade, and all three of my daughters-in-law are with me as I put the finishing touches on my make-up. There’s a knock at the door. Cassandra opens it. I turn and see Jackson standing there.

Darian suggests everyone give us a few minutes of privacy. We’re silent until the room empties.

He smiles at me. “You look beautiful.” I’m in a cream-colored dress. It’s form fitting and falls to just above the knee. I know how much Declan likes my legs, so I chose not to hide them.

“Thank you.”

“Are you nervous?”

I shake my head. “No. Honestly, I’m not. I feel a sense of calm I’m not sure I’ve ever felt before.”

He nods. “I’m glad you’re getting the wedding day you always wanted. I’m sorry you didn’t have it the first time around. I wish I could have given it to you.”

I let out a breath. “It’s not your fault, Jackson. You’ve always blamed yourself for my unhappiness. It’s not on you to make me happy. It never was. It’s on me.”

He nods. “You’re happy with him, though, right?”

I smile. “I am. Very much so.”

He wipes his eyes from the tears that have formed. “Good. You deserve it. Better late than never.”

He’s quiet for a moment. “Would you allow me the honor of walking you down the aisle?”

I hadn’t considered anyone walking me down. I’m fifty-two. Do I need someone togive me away?

I think for a moment. He’s not giving me away. I’m not his to give. I never was. He’s helping me on my path to happiness. He’s always been the one there cheering me on. It actually seems kind of perfect. I nod. “I’d like that. Thank you.”

The ceremony begins. We decided that we’d each have one person standing by our side. Jade is already at the altar, ready to stand with me. My boys played rock, paper, scissors to decide who would stand by Declan. I see Hayden proudly standing next to him now.

Jackson and I step out into view. I look at Declan for the first time today. The enormous grin on his face matches my own.

On a warm, early fall day, on a beautiful patio overlooking the Philadelphia skyline and scenic river, surrounded by a smile-filled group of family and friends, I married Declan McGinley. A man I love, who loves me back. A man I’m crazy for, who’s crazy for me. A man who I know I can’t live without, who can’t live without me.

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