Chance stiffens next to me, but it’s not anger, it’s that stoic, responsible soldier showing up to take responsibility. “I did. And you know just what that’s like, don’t you?”
"Subject attempts a direct confrontation,” Eve narrates, "only to be thwarted by his enemy’s superior knowledge of his own infractions."
“Not quite the same though, is it? I crossed the line, but I didn’t lie to you about it. So what’s your point?” Nick demands.
“I had a choice. My loyalty to you, or her—I chose her. And I’d do it again—I’ll do it every time.”
The tone of his voice is a heady combination of resolute and authoritative. His loyalty—almost all promise, with a dash of threat—heals the ache of a lifetime of being second, third, and sometimes fourth choice, still lodged in my heart.
“I’m sorry that I had to do it to you, of all people. But I’m not sorry I did it. It’s what you would expect from the man who loves her, Nick. Don’t hold it against me that I had to betrayyouto do it.”
He can’t argue the logic, and he knows it. The truth of that is right there in Nick’s eyes. “Fuck.”
“They did,” Eve says at the speed of mischief.
“Easy, Eve,” Charlie says with a snort. “Bruising the dick for fun is one thing, breaking it…well, it’s my dick, so let’s not over season the steak again.”
Nick scrubs a hand through his hair and blows out a breath. “I need a drink. Or two. Probably ten. You’re buying, Chance. Until I’m dead.”
"Worth it," Chance says as he drops a lingering kiss on my lips.
“Don’t sweat it. Keep this up and you won’t even have to tap into the savings,” Eve says.
Our families’ laughter blends into the background until I barely hear it.
Because I've found my place. It's not in my father's shadow or his legacy.
It's right here, in my own Hallmark movie directed by satan in the form of possessed mistletoe. My once upon a time Holly style—a storm, a confession, and a brothers’ best friend walk into a bar…
If the bar is in Narnia, keep an eye out for the sock and the Tupperware lid.
Fuck the pride that ran off with my lapse in judgment. Narnia can keep it.
Because my past mistakes have nothing on the triumphs ahead.
All with a man who doesn't just want me to plan the dinner parties—he wants to throw them with me—and maybe execute a few of his own. He likes a good power trip every now and then.
But we're both doing the dishes.
Unless I smash them.
Gotta keep it interesting.
Either way, we’re doing it together.
Epilogue
Holly & Chance & Holly again… because boss bitches get the first and last word.
One Year Later
HOLLY
Lookat that man over there.
Good God.
Cargo pants?
