Page 47 of Bearly Believable Romance

“Hi,” Ophelia hugged her back shyly. “Thanks for meeting me.”

“Sure, you know you can just come to my house and hang out, right?”

Ophelia shrugged. “I wanted to tell you that I found a place I’ll be going to for therapy.”

“You’re leaving?”

Ophelia nodded, her gaze torn. Tabitha still couldn’t believe she had a twin sister. It was like looking into a mirror-image of herself. A very confused and scared image of herself.

“I think it’s best if I can get some help dealing with the left over emotions I have from our parents abandoning me.”

Tabitha’s heart wrenched at her twin’s words. “You know that I would have never left your side and would’ve searched for you if I knew. You know that right?”

Ophelia finally smiled. “I know. I can feel your love for me. It’s why I want to get help.” She bit her lip and once again looked skittish. “I don’t want you to think I’m holding anything against you. I just have a lot I want to get rid of. I would love to be able to have a better sister relationship with you.”

Tabitha squeezed Ophelia’s hand. “You’re sure about this?”

Ophelia nodded again. “Yes. I think so. I want to feel less angry. Less hurt. Less everything and more open to our sister bond.”

“It’s okay for you to feel how you feel, you know that, right?”

She grinned. “Yeah. But I don’t like negative emotions. I lived in them for too long. I want to live in happiness now.”

“Okay. But if you need me, just call me.” Tabitha eyed her twin. “You will call me right?”

“I will call you and check in and tell you all about my therapy.”

“Thank you.” She scooted over to her sister’s side and hugged her. “I’m always going to be here for you. I know you were alone for a long time, but I’m here now. You’re not alone.”

Ophelia lay her head on Tabitha’s shoulder. It was the first gesture of closeness she’d taken and it made Tabitha’s heart fill with joy.

“I know that. I’ll be back soon. And then I will be the best sister I can be.”

Tabitha sighed. “I just want you to be you.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me, Ophelia. I love you. You’re my twin. I feel your emotions. You feel mine.”

“I know. That’s why I’m thanking you. I can feel how much you love me. It’s really nice.”

Tabitha’s eyes filled with tears. She’d never forgive her parents for abandoning her sister, but she’d try to make it up to Ophelia by being there for her from now on.

EPILOGUE

One evening, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, Bram led Tabitha into the enchanted woods. The air was thick with the scent of wildflowers and the hum of cicadas. Suddenly, Bram dropped to one knee, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket

“Tabitha Greer, from the moment you walked into my life, everything changed. You brought light, laughter, and love into my world. I can’t imagine spending a single day without you by my side. Will you marry me?”

Tabitha gasped as he opened the box to reveal a stunning antique ring, the diamonds catching the fading light. “Yes,” she whispered, tears of joy streaming down her face. “A thousand times, yes!”

“Great, let’s go to the brewery. I hoped you’d say yes and have a little something planned for you.”

The brewery buzzed with excitement as Tabitha and Bram gathered their closest friends and family for an impromptu celebration. The warm glow of string lights cast a cozy ambiance, and the scent of hops and barley mingled with the aroma of freshly baked treats from Molly’s kitchen.

Celeste, her auburn hair dancing around her shoulders, rushed over to the couple, her eyes sparkling with joy. “I knew it. I just knew you two were meant to be.” She clapped her hands gleefully, her laughter ringing through the room. “And just so everyone knows, I won the bet. I’ll be using the money to buy Ophelia some fabulous housewarming gifts for her new home.”

The room erupted in a chorus of cheers and congratulations with friends and family members taking turns embracing the newly engaged couple. Kade engulfed Bram in a hug while Luna and Daisy admired Tabitha’s ring, their eyes wide with wonder.

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