Page 74 of Enchant Me

Ash shook his head. “No. That’s the thing. I thought I would—and I’m afraid that you might be expecting me to now that we’re smoother—but I still don’t want to. For different reasons, this time.”

“Tell me.”

“I want to do this on my own. Not to show you up, but because I think I can, and I want to prove to myself that I can do it. And, to be honest, I want to make you proud. Does that sound like sentimental tripe?”

He glanced sideways at Nikki, remembering when she’d refused his help as well, for similar reasons. “No,” he said. “I completely get it.”

He saw the relief on Ash’s face. “That’s a relief. Thank you. Here’s the rest of it. I want this system to have the best shot possible, which means I do need capital. I thought I might solicit investors, and I thought I might go to you first. As Damien Stark, not Stark International. See if you might want to buy stock in my company. A minority share, of course.”

Damien felt Nikki squeeze his hand, and he smiled. “As a matter of fact, I’d consider that a very good investment.”

“Good. Thanks.” He started to turn away, then stopped when Damien called his name, his brows rising in question.

“I hope this doesn’t come out sounding condescending, but I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks. And, Dad,” he added, that simple word bringing tears to Damien’s eyes, “I never thought I’d say this, but I’m proud to be your son.”

Epilogue

Two months later

It feels a bit like déjà vu as I stand beside Damien at the end of the aisle waiting for the music to start.

In front of us, Ash is standing with Lara and Anne on either side of him, each holding a hand. Bradley is clinging piggyback to his older brother.

Highly unconventional, but it makes me smile. More important, it makes Damien glow.

The music begins, and the kids move down the aisle ahead of us. We wait until they’ve taken their seats in the first row. Then, when the music swells, Damien and I begin our own walk as our friends and family watch.

Our vows are simple, but heartfelt, full of the promise of continuing love and happiness and respect. And to be honest, I’m so happy that the ceremony feels like a blur. After everything that’s happened, this feels like a moment of great importance. Like we’re truly crossing the line into a new phase of our lives.

Judge Kaplan speaks to the crowd, then addresses us each in turn, asking if we want to renew our wedding vows.

“I do,” I say, meaning it with all my heart.

“I do,” Damien says, and I feel the truth reverberating through me.

Then the judge tells Damien to kiss his wife, and I lose myself in the sweetness of his lips and the rousing applause from the friends and family who surround us.

I’m breathless when I pull away, and I hold tight to Damien’s hand as I look out at the crowd. At our friends and family. My eyes drift over them all, my smile so bright I’m sure it’s blinding.

My gaze falls on our children, then on Ash, who bounces Bradley before giving me a thumbs-up.

I smile, then turn to Damien and bask in the love that shines on his face. I sigh, thinking that this moment really couldn’t be more perfect.

I don’t know what adventures are yet to come, but I know that with Damien, they will be magnificent.

The End

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