“Oh my God!” I shout into Asher’s chest, struggling to believe what really happened.
As the clinking sounds of fractured glass colliding slowly fades, we separate from each other, all looking toward Everett,who thankfully protected his head and face from the raining shards.
His hands are shaking at his sides as he turns to face us, his bottom lip quivering. A broken man stands before us, finally facing the feelings he’s been hiding from for so long.
“I’m so, so sorry,” he whimpers, and my heart breaks.
“It’s okay. It’s okay,” I assure him, wanting to reach out and hug him.
But this isn’t my moment with him. It’stheirs.
Looking up at them, I find Dean’s and Asher’s faces slowly falling apart, fracturing and revealing the little boys who just want their father’s love.
Dean looks down at me, his brows twitching as he cups my face. He plants a kiss on my forehead and murmurs, “Can you give us just a small moment?”
Grabbing his wrists, I nod. “Of course. Take all the time you need, please. I’ll be in your room.”
Nodding, he nervously bites down on his bottom lip. “I love you.”
I think I’ve known it for a little while, but hearing the words leave his lips feels like so muchmore.
“I love you too.” I smile, kissing him before he pulls away.
I turn to Asher, and he nods, and I know without a word that he feels the same way about me. We can say it later or never. It won’t change a thing between us. I’m theirs undoubtedly, and they’re mine.
Stepping back, I stride toward the door security shut, twisting the knob and pulling it open. I take one last glance behind me, and my heart explodes.
Dean and Asher are wrapped around their father in a messy, chaotic hug, all three of them crying and healing together.
Quietly, I close the door behind me, giving them as much time and space as they need to become a family again. Feelinglighter than I ever have, I slowly make my way through the house, back toward the grand foyer, the size of a massive ballroom, which is now empty of any and all guests.
If I had to guess, I imagine the assistants or security or some other staff member of the family ended the party.
“Ciri!” Jules shouts from the top of the staircase, Gus in her pouch and Myra at her side. She hastily hands Gus to Myra and takes off down the steps.
My legs are moving, racing toward the stairs and up them as a gasp tears through me. I didn’t realize how badly I needed to see her. But I feel it deeply as the distance between us fades away.
“Thank goodness!” Jules cries out as we slam into one another.
We’re an emotional, crying mess.
I guess the Kensingtons aren’t the only family coming together and healing tonight. My new one is too. Myra joins us, carefully wrapping both of us up in her arms, and Gus immediately finds his place on my shoulder, the fabric of his mint green sweater brushing my neck.
I don’t really know how long we stay there, embracing one another. Telling each other how proud we are and how much we love each other, happy the Adrianna chaos is now over.
But I know when Gus and I go our separate ways, heading upstairs to wait for Dean and Asher, I’ve never felt more loved or sure that right where I am is exactly where I was always meant to be.
Changing from my gown into an oversize shirt I find in Dean’s clothes, I slide into bed with Gus beside me.
“We did it, buddy.” I kiss his little nose, and he nestles into my neck on the pillow.
The biggest sigh I’ve ever had leaves me, and I close my eyes, relief like I’ve never experienced lifting thousands of pounds off of my shoulders, knowing we’re going to be okay.
Last night was a lot. Both emotionally draining and invigorating for very different reasons.
I tried staying up as late as I could, but I was passed out by the time Dean and Asher got done talking with their father.
When I wake up this morning, I’m wrapped up in both of them—Asher behind me and Dean in front. Like a loving Kensington sandwich.
