For real.
Not in fear.
Not in desperation.
But in love.
As soon as the world stops spinning and the blood stops being spilled, I’m dropping to one knee and giving her the future we almost lost.
Epilogue
Ledger
Kelly stands in the summer sun, laughing so hard she has to grab Shaft’s arm to stay upright as he reenacts some ridiculous story involving Chux, two goats, and a faulty generator.
Her hair is tied up.She’s wearing denim cutoffs and a worn Kings tee that used to be mine.While she wears matching pink Chuck Taylor’s with Ally because my brother has convinced them those are the best shoes to wear for everything.
And on her left hand?The ring catches the light every time she gestures.
My chest tightens in that way I’m getting used to.Not pain.Not fear.
Something better.
This is real.She’s real.We made it.
Chux steps up beside me, beer in hand.
“Never thought I’d see it,” he says.
“What?”I grunt.
He lifts his chin toward Kelly.“You.Smilin’ like that.Without blood involved.”
I snort.“Shut up.”
He clinks his bottle lightly against mine.“I mean it.You and her?You earned this.”
I watch her cross the yard.She glances over, catches me staring, and her face softens in that way that still knocks me sideways.
She excuses herself from the group and walks toward me.Every step she takes, I feel it.
My future.My peace.My second chance.
“Hey, fiancé,” she teases, slipping under my arm so naturally it’s like she’s always belonged there.
“Hey, almost-wife,” I rumble, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
She holds up her hand, letting the ring sparkle in the sun.“Still not tired of lookin’ at it.”
“Better not be,” I state.“Sunshine, it ain’t comin’ off.You got a lifetime of wearing that thing.I’ll bleed before you aren’t wearing my ring and having my name.”
She laughs, bumping my hip.“Drama.”
I take her hand and turn the ring once between my fingers, just to feel it.Just to remind myself it’s not a dream.
In a couple months, she’ll stand in front of me in a white dress, and I’ll put a matching band next to it.I’ll promise her in front of God and the Kings andand whoever else shows up that I’m hers.
And I’ll give her that lifetime.
