“We have to talk it out. When things come up, we have to give each other the benefit of the doubt. We have to promise that no matter what happens, we will work through it, together. Because we’re building a family now, and peace in our familymatters.Keeping our family together matters.”
My throat’s all tingly when he says this because he’s just stated what I want so badly. I’ve longed for the comfort and consolation of family. Sure, his is not perfect, and they have their flaws like anyone does. But no matter what, they have each other. Thayer went hunting for his brother and was ready to keep him safe, no matter the cost. He’s utterly devoted to Savannah. Fabien would crawl over hot coals for his wife and family.
This, this is what I’ve longed for. I’ve wanted a family to call my own.
“You’re the mother of our family,” Lyam says. “By some grace and miracle, here we are. Despiteeverything.You’re growing a healthy baby, and this baby isours.I’ll be the best father I know how to be. And I already know you’ll be the best mother.”
Bending his mouth to my bare belly, he places a gentle kiss at the center before he looks back up to me. “Now tell me, Cosette.”
“Mmm?” I blink at him and swallow the lump in my throat.
“Will you marry me?”
EPILOGUE
Cosette
This visitto the Gerard family home is much different than the last, when I was fraught with nerves, afraid of what would happen with Thayer and Savannah. But this time? This time is different.
Lyam and I stroll up the beautiful pathway bordered by Avril’s stunning flowers, hand in hand. I’m reminded of when he picked me up at the airport. How very different our walk together looked then. And now… now we’ve made peace with our pasts and look together toward our future.
We haven’t told anyone our plans yet. We wanted some time to savor the knowledge that he proposed to me and that I said yes. During one of our romantic dates, he took me to a jewelry store in the city and we picked out mybague de fiançailles. My engagement ring.
Our plan is to set things right again, to make a family of our own. I know what he does and who he is… and he knows me.
I considered getting an unorthodox ring, something to signify our unique union together. But when the time came, I fell for a stunning diamond set in rose gold, an elongated, pointed oval shape.
“A marquise cut,” the jeweler said. “A classic choice. A popular cut of diamond, mademoiselle, but it can sometimes chip because of the fragile edges. One must choose a high-quality diamond to prevent such a tragedy.”
Lyam and I shared a smile, before he forked over more money than I’ve ever seen in my life. For aring.When I gave him shit about it, he only shook his head.
“I spend my money on what I want to spend my money on. If that’s on Paris’s most expensive macarons or a late-night flight to visit our friends in Tuscany, or amarquise-cut diamond the size of my hand, I’ll do it. Got it?”
I smile and melt a little. “Fine, then, spend your money on me and spoil me a little, as long as you promise not to spoil our child. Spoiled children are entitled, Lyam.”
“Yes, yes, of course,” he says soberly. “No spoiling the baby.”
I’ll believethatwhen I see it.
Avril meets us by the front steps, grinning from ear to ear. “Oh myGod,look how gorgeous you are! Look at that little baby bump! Please, can I touch your belly for good luck?”
I laugh out loud. “Of course.”
She gently pats my belly and her eyes mist over. “I miss being pregnant, though I’ll tell you, those sons of mine were all kickers.” We start up the front steps while she regales us withtales of her sons’ Herculean efforts and supernatural strength in utero.Of course, I’m not surprised.
We enter the house and I stare, uncomprehending, for a few moments.
I expected the others would be here, and the front entryway might have its traditional oversized vases filled with fragrant blooms.
But…no.
Lyam comes up behind me, a warm wall of protection at my back. His hand goes around my ample belly and he tucks my head under his chin.
He whispers in my ear. “Happy birthday, Cossette.”
Savannah and Thayer, Nicolette and Fabien, all their friends and family and acquaintances, stand smiling with flutes of bubbly. Golden letters glitter beneath overhead lighting heralding a message:
Happy Birthday.
