Page 159 of Finn Rhodes Forever

We all laughed. For years, Holden had been frustrated that Finn and I were no longer friends. When he and Sadie broke up for a few weeks before they were engaged, he admitted at the bar one night that perhaps things weren’t as simple from the outside as they seemed.

“Holden,” I told him, shaking my head. “Shut the fuck up.”

“Happy for you,” he said as we hugged. “You were always family.”

My heart expanded in my chest. “Thanks, buddy.”

Elizabeth appeared in front of me, already crying, and we all burst out laughing.

“I knew you two would find your way,” she said, tears streaming down her face.

“Mom.” Finn doubled over laughing. “Come on.”

Elizabeth laughed too, wiping her eyes with a tissue that Sam pressed into her hand. “I’m sorry. I’ve waited so long for all my kids to be happy.”

“It’s okay.” I smiled at her and pulled her into a hug. “Thanks for being patient,” I whispered in her ear, and she squeezed me tight.

My parents and Cole were next, hugging and congratulating us. And on my mom’s face? Not a lick of hesitation or worry. My chest eased as she and Finn embraced. She had changed in the past month. I didn’t know whether it was regret over what she said in the past, or if she saw Finn in a new light now that she was spending more time around him, but her attitude toward him had changed. A weight had lifted in me that I didn’t even know was there.

“You’re beautiful,” Cole told me before pulling me into a tight hug. “I’m so proud of you, honey.”

My heart warmed at the words and I smiled, inhaling his woodsy dad scent. He had moved back and started a handyman business here. Every Wednesday night, we had dinner. Sometimes Finn joined, but sometimes he was busy or working, and it was just Cole and me. Cole seemed happy living here. He had found a new AA group, and he and Holden watched hockey together at the bar, even if Cole just drank soda. No one cared. He and Joe were even becoming friends.

“I’m glad you’re here,” I told him as he pulled back to look at me.

He nodded, mouth pressed tight, and it was like looking in a mirror. “Me, too.”

“Alright,” Finn said. “Enough crying. Let’s do this.”

A cheer rose up around us.

Emmett performed the ceremony in the middle of the bar, with our friends and family surrounding us with love and support. Elizabeth sobbed the entire time, and Finn and I kept laughing during the ceremony as more and more people started sniffling until we were all crying.

I smiled at Finn as we said the words in our hearts, the words we didn’t say for so long. He held my hand, his thumb stroking over my skin, and I bared my heart for him in front of everyone. He slipped a ring onto my finger—a pale green sapphire we had picked together. On his hand, a white gold band glinted in the low bar lighting, and a possessive, prideful warmth weaved through my chest.

The smartest thing I ever did was let myself love Finn Rhodes.

When the ceremony was over, we opened the champagne. Someone turned the music up. Despite Elizabeth’s protests, Finn put the game on the TV behind the bar. The place was filled with laughter, warmth, and love. We took photos, and the alien dildo hanging on the wall beside the TV was in half of them. The painting of Holden sobbing was in the other half.

Our wedding was perfect.

“Hey,” Dot called as I stepped behind the bar, swatting at me. “You’re not supposed to be back here.” She shooed me out and pointed at a bar stool. “Get.”

I snorted and took a seat. “How’s the new gig?”

Dot had taken a job as the new manager of the bar. My dad had hired her to take over while he searched for the right person to buy it. I could see him glancing around the old building with wistfulness.I’m excited for new things, he had told me.Your mom and I are going to spend the rainy winters in Mexico.

Dot wiped the spotless counter with a rag. “I love it. I don’t know why I didn’t think of this years ago.”

Beck slipped into the seat beside me, quirking a smile at me. “I think some congratulations are in order.”

“Thanks.” I smiled at him and Dot slid us each another glass of champagne. “I’m glad you got time off for our birthday party.”

He laughed, and the skin around his eyes crinkled. “I saw the note about dressing up and thought it was something I needed to be here for.”

I chuckled. “I appreciate it.”

Finn slipped into the seat on the other side of me, looping an arm around my shoulder and pressing a kiss to my temple.

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