Page 102 of Sullivan

“I would love that.”

I stood. “You chat. I’ll go get us tea and cookies from the kitchen.”

Lynn smiled, knowing I was giving them privacy. I knew Autumn wanted some time with her alone. To let her know, if all went well, we would be leaving next week. I had called my firm and taken a personal leave of absence, wanting to give Autumn a chance to recover before leaving her on her own too much. Her office was informed of her “accident,” and she was also on leave for a few weeks.

Whatever she needed, she would get.

Including, if she wanted it, a wedding.

That night, Autumn stared out at the night sky, her silhouette highlighted by the glow behind her. I walked up, looping my arms around her waist.

“All right there, mo fhiadh beag?”

“I’m fine.”

I dropped a kiss to her neck. “Finn and Niall have both informed me when your wife says, ‘I’m fine,’ it’s time to run or figure out what you have done wrong.”

She laughed. “I’m not your wife.”

I pulled her close, meeting her eyes in the glass.

“You could be. On Friday, if you wanted.”

“What?”

I turned her around. “If we sign the papers now, Finn will help us have it rubber-stamped right away. We can get married Friday here in the hotel. Just a small wedding. Lynn can come. Anyone else you want. Have a nice dinner. Una and Anna have it all planned. We can be married here then go to Scotland as husband and wife.”

“But Roisin⁠—”

“Is ready to get on a plane if you say yes.” I slipped the small box I’d been carrying around into her hand. “Please say yes, my love. Be mine in every way.”

She blinked, not looking in the box. Not caring what the ring looked like. She only looked at me. “Sully, are you sure?”

“I have never been more sure of anything in my life. When you were taken from me, I vowed when I got you back, I would protect you with everything I had, including my name. Autumn Black has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?”

Tears filled her eyes. “Yes, it does.”

I took the box and flipped open the lid. Her eyes widened at the sight of the glowing diamonds. “I met you because of snow. This ring looks like a perfect snowflake. A reminder of our start.” I suddenly felt nervous. “Will you wear it to remind you every day of our beginning, Autumn?”

“Yes,” she whispered. “I will.”

I pulled her into my arms and kissed her.

Mine now—forever.

EPILOGUE

SULLY

MONTHS LATER

Iwoke up, my hand reaching for Autumn. I wasn’t surprised or alarmed to find the bed empty. The sheets still held a glimmer of warmth, so she hadn’t been gone long. I knew exactly where she was and how to find her. Tossing back the blankets, I went to do just that.

She was in her usual spot, her face lifted to the glowing sunrise. Most mornings, she got up to greet the day in what she called “her favorite place.” She loved it here at the cottage. We had nothing but good memories. It was where we started, where we celebrated, and the place where we rediscovered each other with every visit.

What had happened back in Toronto was a memory now, locked away and rarely discussed. With therapy and a fresh start, Autumn was able to put it behind her and move forward. Her smile was constant, and the light in her eyes seldom dimmed. She loved it here in Scotland, and I loved watching her thrive.

I sat down behind her, pulling her into my arms. “Hello, mo fhiadh beag.”