Page 66 of Sweet Possession

I know Remi knows where my thoughts have gone when she reaches up and cups my face. “It’s not your fault, Asher. You are not to blame for their repulsive actions, so don’t even think about going down that line of thought.”

Leaning forward so my forehead is resting against hers, I say, “If anything had happened to you…” I can’t finish the sentence.

“I’m safe, babe. They didn’t manage to do what they set out to do. I’m here, and I’m safe. Mentally, it might take some time for me to come to terms with the attack, but I am not going to let them break me. I’m stronger than that.”

I smile. My strong angel. “Yes, you are. And do you know what?”

“What?” she whispers.

“I am going to be by your side every step of the way to help you through this.” I press my lips to her skin, taking a deep breath as I breathe her in.

“I know you will. Thank you.”

My brows furrow. She never has to thank me for taking care of her. “For what?”

“For stalking me. For not giving up, even when I tried to push you away. For choosing me.”

I chuckle despite the solemn atmosphere. “Always, angel. I knew from the moment I saw you that you were made for me. And I was right. I’m never letting you go.”

EPILOGUE

Remi

Five months later…

The sun shines down, making me sweat as I wait for my name to be called so I can go up and collect my diploma. The football field has been made up with a stage and seating area for today’s graduation event, with no expense spared.

Glancing down, I lay a palm on my flat stomach. It’s strange to think that only a month ago, I was rounded and waddling everywhere. Twisting my head, I search the sea of faces behind me, my gaze finally landing on my reason for breathing. Asher’s eyes are already on me as he cradles our six-week-old daughter, Amalie Angel Grant, against his chest. Warmth spreads through my body at the sight. He really is my everything and he is the best daddy to our little girl.

I would like to say that things have been easy after everything that went down with the Carrington’s, but they haven’t. We both met with Principal Abernathy shortly after that event, and Asher admitted to our relationship. I had already decided I was going to leave Coral Lakes, so it didn’t matter to me that he confirmed we were dating. To say the principal was livid would be an understatement. She threatened us with all sorts of things. I should have known my little stalker would have something up his sleeve though. One thing is for certain, he will always protect me.

Asher threatened to go to the press about what happened with Louis and Logan, a student and board member, if my scholarship was revoked—which she threatened to do. After some serious thinking, she agreed to keep me on as long as Asher resigned from his position. He was happy to do that, and Mrs. Abernathy was just happy that her perfect Coral Lakes image would not be dragged through the media. It was a win-win for everyone. I got to finish out the school year, and today I collect my diploma.

As for Asher, he spends his days making money playing poker, decorating the nursery, and doing freelance consultancy. He is a magician with numbers, and companies lapped it up. Although he liked teaching, he prefers doing his own thing.

I couldn’t hide my pregnancy when my belly rounded as the months passed. There was a lot of speculation about who the father could be, but I never gave it up. I told Jessa about Asher but left everyone else to speculate. It was none of their business. That was until I went into labor in the lunch hall and had to call Asher. He arrived before the ambulance, and though the teachers had cleared out the room, I know they saw Asher by my side as the paramedics wheeled me through the halls. I was only grateful Principal Abernathy allowed me to finish the last semester online at home, so I didn’t have to deal with the looks and whispers of the other students. I wasn’t ashamed of being a teenage pregnancy statistic, I just didn’t want to deal with the gossip… and not just about the baby.

Asher received information from his PI, but in the end, we didn’t need to use it. Not after they attempted to rape me. The report we received indicated that I wasn’t the first woman Louis Carrington had assaulted, but hopefully with my testimony, I would be the last. A few months after the incident at school, both Louis and Logan Carrington were sentenced. Louis received four years for his part and Logan a year and a half in a Florida State Penitentiary. It was a long recovery for me, and I still have nightmares, but Asher helps me through it every day.

“Remi Hale.” My name being called over the microphone snaps me out of my thoughts. Pushing out of my chair, I make my way up to the stage. Whistling and hollers break out and I know who it comes from without even looking. Asher, his parents, and Brody. Yes, Brody. It took a while, but after he saved me, Asher and Brody worked on rebuilding their relationship. Asher was hesitant because of what happened with Cali, but I reminded him that I wasn’t her and that our love could never be broken. They are not exactly where they used to be, but they’re getting closer every day.

Principal Abernathy grabs one of my hands to shake as she hands me my diploma with the other. “Congratulations, Miss Hale. I will admit that I didn’t think you would be here today, but I’m glad you are. Proud, even. I know Coral Lakes hasn’t been the best experience for you and that we haven’t had the best relationship, but I’m happy you are here today, graduating with the rest of the senior class.”

Tears prick my eyes. She’s right, it hasn’t been easy. I thought she hated me after Asher’s blackmail, but I see the honesty in her eyes, hear it in her voice. She is proud. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

She nods. “Your daughter is beautiful.”

I follow her line of sight to where my family sits, watching us. “She is my greatest achievement.” I smile, then step away. I don’t care that the ceremony isn’t over yet, I stride down the aisle and straight to them, with my heart full of love.

I never knew I could have a life like this, and although some things may have come sooner than expected, I wouldn’t change a thing about my life. Not even the fact that I haven’t seen or heard from my mother in months. At this point, I don’t know whether she is dead or alive. I know, deep down, she died the day my father did. My feelings for her are complicated, to say the least. I will always love her because she is my mom, but now that I have my own daughter, I will never understand how she could just up and leave. How she let random men around me, let them prey on me. I would do anything to protect Amalie and that is where my mother and I are different: because she just gave up the day my dad passed.

I like to think my dad had something to do with Asher coming into my life. That he was looking down on me and brought Asher to me, knowing I needed someone, and not just anyone. I needed Asher.

I never believed in fate, but I do now.

He was meant for me, and I was meant for him.

EPILOGUE

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