Page 127 of Versions Of Us

“Yeah,” she smiles.

We both turn as the courtyard doors open and Kristen and Mackenzie walk through them.

“Uh oh,” Katie says. “You’re busted.”

“You are in so much trouble!” Kristen points an accusing finger in my direction. When she reaches me, she gently ruffles my hair and kisses me on the forehead before taking a seat in the chair next to me. “Hey, Katie.”

“I know. I know,” I say, waving off her concern. “Katie, this is Kristen’s sister, Mackenzie.”

“Hey,” Katie says. “Nice to meet you.”

Mackenzie offers a small wave. “You too. How’s it going?”

“Better now,” Katie says, giving me a knowing look.

“Me too,” I wink. “Got my three favourite women right here in the same space. What more could a guy need?”

“Coffee?” Mackenzie asks.

“Sure,” I answer. “As long as you aren’t making it.”

Kristen laughs as Mackenzie scowls at me. “Come on Mackenzie. Let’s go get some coffees.”

“Before you do,” I start, holding up a hand. “Do you think you could get the nurse for me. My painkillers are starting to wear off and if I’m not back in that bed in ten minutes, you’re gonna have to scrape me off the floor.”

“God, you’re dramatic,” Mackenzie teases and the three of them giggle.

“We’ll get the nurse.” Kristen laughs, but there’s a hint of concern in her tone.

Katie and I watch as the two sisters walk through the doors to the nurse’s station. I wonder for the millionth time how I got so blessed.

“You really love her, don’t you? Katie asks.

“More than anything,” I say. “I’m the luckiest guy in the world to have that woman by my side.”

Katie smiles. “Something tells me she’s pretty lucky to have you too.”

Epilogue

KRISTEN

Liv looks gorgeous in a simplistic silk gown, her chocolate brown hair glossy under the glimmer of soft light. EJ, equally as gorgeous in a striking, grey tux twirls her around on the dance floor. She throws her head back and laughs as he whispers something in her ear. Something only for her.

It’s hard to believe that our two best friends are finally married. Their wedding ceremony had been a simple but beautiful one down on the sand behind the tavern, with the waves crashing in the distance. And now that most of the reception formalities have been completed, everyone is enjoying all that the rest the night has to offer.

Victor Petersen is beaming with joy, the picture of a proud father. Maggie and Steve look relaxed and happy, having not long ago returned from their trip around the country. Carla looks as though she’s working towards having an even bigger hangover tomorrow than the one she had after the engagement party. Even Mackenzie and Dylan seem to have hit it off over by the fire pit down on the beach. Or maybe they’re arguing. It’s hard to tell from here.

I feel warm, strong arms curl around my waist as Henley leans into me, his breath on my cheek. “They seem happy,” he says, nodding to where Liv and EJ dance under the canopy of fairy lights.

“They do,” I agree. “And so am I.”

I spin around so I can lace my arms around his neck. His eyes glisten, sapphire under the moonlight. “Me too,” he says.

And I believe him.

Henley has been seeing a therapist since leaving the hospital three months ago and the progress he’s made with overcoming his demons is evident. He still has bad days. And maybe he always will. Sometimes his posture stiffens, his eyes glaze over and I know he’s gone to his own personal hell. But most days are good days, his eyes shining a little brighter than they had the day before.

And on those bad days, when his light is suppressed by the shadows, he has me. I’ll be there to reach in and pull him out of the darkness.

---