Afterward, when we’re tangled together in my sheets, he traces patterns over my skin that make me shiver.
“I talked to my father,” I say, lacing my fingers with his.
“I heard he’s back.”
“He came to see me. Apologized.” I prop myself up on one elbow. “We have a long way to go. But we’re going to work through everything.”
“And your mam?”
“We talked too. Really talked. She actually apologized.” I trace the line of his jaw. “I told her I’m done being controlled. The ballet, my life—it’s my choice now. She seems to get it. And she’s okay with letting go. Finally.”
Declan pulls me closer. “What do you want to do? Other than ballet?”
“I don’t know yet. Something withbusiness, maybe. It’s been so long since I had to think about it.” I look at him. “What about you? How’s the bodyguard business going?”
“It’s going well. Roark’s been sending clients. Cal’s talking about expanding.” He kisses my forehead. “Legitimate work. Clean money. A future that doesn’t involve breaking kneecaps.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“Yeah?” He grins. “Maybe you could help. Be my business manager.”
“Maybe I could.”
The animals have gathered around us. Fiona at the foot of the bed, Lola glaring from his perch, Monarch curled up in the corner.
“I meant it, you know,” Declan says. “Every word.”
“I know.”
“Forever, Molly. That’s what I’m promising.”
“Forever,” I repeat, tracing a finger over his lips.
And for the first time in weeks, I believe it.
epilogue
DECLAN
*Three Months Later*
The church is packed.There are Murphys everywhere.
Mam’s crying. She has been since she walked in over the reality that her baby is getting married. Cal hands her tissues while he bounces Tally in his arms.
The animals are here too. I insisted. Lola’s in a new backpack, hissing at anyone who gets close. Arnold’s wearing a bowtie. Petal has new racing-green wheels. Even Pepper’s here, in a covered cage, muttering profanities that cause Father Luigi to make the sign of the cross.
Natasha and Tatiana, our flower girls, stand in the back of the church with Raffy, the ring bearer. He keeps telling everyone who passes that the rings are his.
Seamus walks up to me and claps me on the shoulder. “You ready?”
“I’ve been ready for months.”
He grins. “Look at you. Declan Murphy, settling down. Never thought I’d see the day.”
“Fuck off.”
“Love you, too, brother.”
