If I knew he wouldn’t leave me again, if he could offer me some sort of security, I’d leap into his arms in a heartbeat.
But does anyone really have that kind of security?
Sometimes people don’t choose to leave, they’re taken.
In which case, does that mean to protect myself I’ll never let anyone in again? It’s a pretty miserable prospect.
More miserable than I’ve been the past six weeks, though?
‘Congratulations, Doctor Sexton.’ Andie weaves through my security, swathing me in a warm embrace. Roger pats my back awkwardly.
‘Thank you so much for coming. I can’t believe you’re all here.’ I turn to my favourite seven-year-old. ‘Lily-May, we have so much to catch up on.’
‘We have the rest of our lives for that, if you’ll have us.’ Archie steps forward, taking my hands in his. Something cold and hard presses from his palm into mine and before I know what’s happening, he’s on two knees on the grass, looking up at me.
‘Victoria Sexton…’
‘DoctorVictoria Sexton!’ someone shouts from behind me, and giggles ensue.
‘Doctor Victoria Sexton,’ Archie begins again, his tone fraught with nerves. ‘I have loved you since long before I ever should have done. And I will love you for as many years as we have left on this planet, and even longer after that. I don’t want to just be your first love. I want to be your last love. Will you do me the enormous honour of becoming my wife?’
I open my palm to find the most beautiful diamond solitaire nestled into a plain gold band. ‘It was my mother’s. If you don’t like it, we can buy something else.’ Liquid topaz eyes gaze up at me.
‘I… it’s beautiful.’ How much more security can one person offer?
Tomorrow is promised to none. I’ve always said we should live for today. Tears stream down my cheeks. ‘Yes, Archie. I will marry you.’
He slips the ring onto my finger. ‘I swear to you, Vic, I’ll never leave you again.’
‘I know.’ And somehow, I just do.
I trust him.
Trust his sincerity.
Trust what we have.
My sisters whoop and cheer behind me, with Libby and Mel screeching alongside them. Archie leaps to his feet. His hot lips crash against mine in an urgent, frenzied kiss. He tastes like mint and mojitos, but mostly he tastes like home.
His fingers stretch over my spine, pulling my body against his. I groan into his mouth. Cameras flash and families cheer, but they all fade into the background.
When we eventually break apart, Lily-May runs to our side, her strawberry blonde hair bouncing behind her back.
My lips press against her temple, and she wraps her small arms around both of us, burying into my side. ‘How did you get them to agree to let you foster her?’
‘She’s my cousin, don’t you know?’ Archie winks and pulls her between us again.
A blood relative. Of course. ‘I’ll ask no more questions.’
His fingers brush over the ring on my fourth finger. ‘Enough questions have been asked today already.’
‘Not quite enough. I do have one more.’ Ryan steps forwards, a grim expression carved onto his face.
‘Ryan,’ I warn.
He squares up to Archie. ‘Are you planning on sticking around this time?’
‘I am. I promise. I’ll take care of her, Ryan. Not because it’s my job, but because it’s my life’s purpose.’ Archie’s flat palm rests across his heart.
