“No, it’s just that I wouldn’t be employed.Not until I figured out something else to do.”
“I don’t love you because you’re a model.I love you because you’re you.I’ll love you if you retire from modeling, and when you’re sick, and as we both get older.”He touched her cheek.“I’ll love you always.”
After that touching declaration, melting was a real possibility.“I like my house, Knox.I like living by my sister.”
“Babe, I loveyou.The rest doesn’t matter to me, so I think you’re just arguing with yourself.”
It felt like her heart might burst from her chest.Beyond excited, she squeezed him tight, kissed him once more, and then pressed him back.“Come on.Let’s tell the animals.”
Tomorrow, they’d tell everyone else.
EPILOGUE
To Skye’s surprise, Laylee decided to follow her lead with a simple family wedding in the combined backyards.She even opted to wear the same wedding dress, which her sister happily loaned to her.
And because that was so easy, their friends were able to wear the same dresses, too.It was like a matching twin wedding—with a time gap in the middle.
Laylee explained her decision easily enough.She’d planned Skye’s wedding for her, so naturally she loved all the choices.
Knox’s mother had enjoyed helping her add some extra touches, like fresh flowers and the perfect casual menu.
Marcus attended with Lucy, and Bray with Karen.Laylee and Skye’s family cheerfully returned, and this time Knox’s family joined the large group.Paul, who attended with a different but equally nice date, bragged repeatedly that he’d always known they would make an ideal couple.
Everyone was happy, though Knox’s mother, Jenny, cried a lot—something her kids teased her about.His dad, Nolan, merely held Jenny close and smiled.
“His family sure is different from ours,” Skye said.“Jenny met me and knew right away that I wasn’t you.”
“You weren’t wearing white.”
“Ha!Mom mixed me up, then accused me of fooling her.Dad said it’s because I’m so happy now, I look more like you.”
Laylee grinned.“You do glow a little more these days.”
“Not once has Ashlee or Jacob gotten confused, either.They’ve hugged me a lot, though,” Skye confessed.“They said they’ve known Ford for a long time, and since we’re sisters, they want us included in all their family holidays now.”
Laylee smiled.“Knox’s family is way more hands-on than ours.”She and Skye knew they were well loved, but their parents were fine letting them do their own thing, assuming they’d take care of themselves and only involve them when necessary.“I’m so glad Knox had such a beautiful upbringing.”
They both knew Marcus and Bray hadn’t been so lucky—at least not until later, when they’d been adopted.And Ford had gone through his own childhood nightmares, which explained his early independence and estrangement from his parents.
Skye leaned against Laylee, saying softly, “I’m so glad we’ve always had each other.”
“You’re the best part of me,” Laylee said, then squeaked when Skye pinched her.
“Don’t say that.You’re perfect and I love you.”
From behind them, Knox said, “I agree.”He tugged Laylee into his arms, pressed a kiss to her forehead, and said, “Best of all, you’re perfect for me.”
Ford, leading River along on his leash, pulled Skye to him.“This arrangement, living next door to each other, is pretty sweet, too.”
“Built-in pet sitters?”Knox asked.
“For both of us.”
Yes, Laylee agreed.Her life had always been pretty great, but now it was absolutely perfect—in every single way.
