“Let’s go get our girl,” I tell him. “Does she know?”
“No, I wanted you to tell her,” Denver says. “Her only wish has been for you to be a part of her life, and I want to watch her wish come true.”
“Thank you,” I tell him.
“I did ask Lea, by the way. She doesn’t know I couldn’t wait past today, but she knows it’s coming.”
“You asked her?” I choke out.
“You think you’ve been taking care of her all these years, but for some reason, I don’t think you realize how much you’ve needed her too. She worries about you more than you think. I’ve had many talks with her, and God, that girl just wants you to be happy, Kai. She told me she would pay me to take you.”
“What?” My heart stops for a brief moment.
“I’m kidding. Well,shewas kidding. She screamed so loud, I thought my ear drum burst. She’s all for us, without a doubt.”
“She’s wanted me to find someone since I was eighteen.”
“I’m glad you waited,” he tells me.
“I knew there was a reason. I just never realized I was meant to be with Wonder Buns.”
“Hey now. Easy. I’m only formally known as Wonder Buns to you.”
“Sorry, Sergeant Wonder Beach Buns.”
Epilogue Part one
DENVER
Idon’t know why I’m shaking as we walk into the house to relieve Aya’s babysitter, but my excitement is overwhelming, knowing not only have I gotten my wish, but she’s about to get hers too.
“We’re back. Are you ready to get your dance on, kiddo?” I shout from the front door.
Aya runs down the stairs a mile a minute, followed by Mary, our neighbor and babysitter.
“She’s just a little excited,” Mary says, shaking her head with laughter.
“You look beautiful,” Kai tells Aya.
“So do you,” she says.
“I have something for you. I think it will go with your dress perfectly.” Hearing this surprises me because I didn’t know Kai had anything to give Aya today.
“You do?” Aya asks, jumping up and down.
“Come here.”
“I’ll see you kids later,” Mary says after I hand her a pre-written check.
“Thanks, Mary!” I say as she leaves.
My focus is drawn to the center of the room where I watch Kai slip down to her knees. She reaches around her neck and unclasps the necklace she’s wearing.
“This was my mom’s. These shells are curled into each other tightly to hold onto wishes. They can only take them in because they’re too tight to let them back out. So, when you make a wish, it stays put, resting against your heart until it comes true. The shells can hold as many wishes as you like, and they’ll be kept safe.”
“Really?” Aya says, enamored by Kai’s explanation.
“I want you to have this necklace, Aya.”
