Thisis what happiness feels like, folks. Trust me on that.
A whistle sounds across the rink. Looks like practice is over.
“Come on,” Eddie says, grabbing my hand. “Little man is going to want to see you.”
The three of us walk toward Theo, who’s seated on a bench, trying without success to remove his skates.
“Let me help.” Eddie kneels down, gently removing the skates.
“Thanks, Dad.” Then Theo looks up and sees me. “Miss Kiki!”
His smile melts my heart every damn time.
“Hi, Theo.”
Eddie pulls his helmet off and motions toward me. “Go on. Give her a hug.”
Don’t have to tell him twice. He barrels over in sock feet, throwing his arms around my waist.
God, I missed him so damn much.
He gazes up at me. “You’re not too busy to be my friend anymore?”
Yep, my heart falls out of my chest and splatters on the pavement with that remark.
I crouch down and shake my head, swallowing back the emotion threatening to overpower the moment. “I am never too busy for you.” I hold up my pinky, hooking it with his. “Pinky promise. I will always be here for you.”
He grins. “I love the dinosaur. It was the best gift ever.”
Wait, what?
Deirdre smiles as she helps Theo into his coat. “We let him know his very special friend Kiki got it for his birthday. You’ve officially won the coolest adult award.”
I stand, a bit wobbly as I bury my head against Eddie’s chest, his arm slung about my shoulder. “I thought you weren’t going to tell him.”
“I was wrong. Realized what was important. Are we still good? You still all in?”
Glancing at Eddie and Theo, I realize I’m more than all in.
I’m home.
Chapter 33
Epilogue #1 - The Theater Goats
Eddie
Nolan Montague has officially lost his mind.
I know he’s eccentric. Hell, he’ll tell you that himself, but this is beyond ridiculous.
A giant striped tent stands at the entrance to the garden, serving as an unofficial welcome to Nolan’s party. Best I can figure, it’s either a circus theme or a fever dream.
Who knows with that man?
Fire dancers command the edges of the space, flames bursting into the night sky in sharp, controlled bursts. A small stage to my left hosts actors mid-performance, though I couldn’t tell you what the hell they’re saying. To my right, aerialists spin above us, suspended on silks.
And then there are the goats.
