I’ve been holding onto this anger for so long it became part of me. But lately… it doesn’t have a place in my life anymore.
Being mad at her won’t bring my dad back.
Being mad at her won’t make Paislee Brad’s daughter.
And I’m not angry as I used to be. I have no reason to be when life feels this good.
He’s changed everything for me and anger isn’t worth it anymore.
I feel lighter. Happier. And maybe bridging our relationship is the final step.
I know it is.
My lip quirks up on the side. “Yeah. Really.”
Her mouth drops, looking back to Kevin, finally finished with snapping her in.
“Okay, well I better go. We’re watchingMoanatonight.” She smiles softly.
I nod my head, stepping backwards. “Peeps' favorite.”
She nods. “Yeah.”
“Bye, mom.”
She gives me a quick wave as she hops into the truck.
I walk up to Brad and we stand there watching their truck pull out of the snowy driveway.
“I’m proud of you.” Brad surprises me by saying. He wraps his arms around my shoulders so his chest presses against my back.
“What? Why?” I smile.
“Not many people could do what you just did.”
“I don’t know about that.” I huff out.
He buries his face in my hair, soaking me in. “But I do,” he whispers softly. “I do.”
45
Epilogue | Brad
“Ow!” Noah’s muffled laughs ripple against the sheets.
“Does thatreallyhurt or are you just being a baby again?” I ask, sliding my finger under the knot at his ankle to ease it a fraction. They cannot be that tight. I’ve made sure of it.
A little laugh sounds from his chest and I roll my eyes, even though I want to laugh too.
“Noah.” I smack his ass, watching him clench around the plug’s base.
“Mmmph—” he groans, bucking his hips. I watch his toes curl as he shudders. That must’ve felt nice.
I feel like I’ve been dreaming of this moment for forever. We may be in one of the most gorgeous places I’ve ever been in my life, but seeing him spread out like this for me on the soft linen sheets in this hotel room—I couldn’t ask for a better view.
I run my hand down his back, feeling every crevice and ridge of the muscles in his back. His skin feels so warm from the Hawaii sun. His back, covered with little freckles, looks just like the ones covering the bridge of his nose.
He looks like anangel.
