Page 114 of Wreck Me

‘You’d really resign from the position you fought so hard to keep?’ Deep lines furrow Alexander’s forehead.

‘I’d do anything for Scarlett.’ His fingers flex on my hip.

Alexander pauses, a thoughtful expression across his face. ‘Well, perhaps you’ve learnt something at long last.’

‘Excuse me?’ James inches forwards.

‘With big talk like that, you might just be husband material yet. I never thought I’d see the day.’ The corners of Alex’s eyes soften slightly. ‘Looks like Scarlett may be a good influence on you after all.’

‘I know it’ll take time, but I hope we can form a friendship. Despite your previous beliefs, I never really had a father. I wouldn't mind having one now.’

Alexander slowly raises his eyes. ‘Congratulations on your engagement. Welcome to the family.’ He stands and signals for me to do the same. I toss my napkin onto the table. My heart hammers like a drum in my chest as I look to James. He smiles and jerks his head towards Alexander, who is waiting with his arms open.

My mouth pops in surprise as he pulls me in for a hug that lasts several seconds longer than I’m comfortable with, but I guess he’s used to Vivienne Beckett and her overenthusiastic PDAs.

‘Easy, Dad.’ James’s tone is jovial but his warning is genuine.

‘Perhaps we should start again?’ Alexander says as he releases me.

‘Absolutely.’ My cheeks burn as I sit back in my chair. I’m not sure if it’s the emotion or the champagne.

‘Where’s Isabella?’ James asks Caelon.

‘She’ll be here later. She’s sorting the kids out. They’re going through a really clingy phase right now and they won’t even let the nanny put them to bed. It has to be Isa.’ Caelon winks at James. ‘You guys will know all about it soon enough.’ He nods towards the ring on my finger.

‘Here’s hoping,’ I blurt before I can stop myself.

James’s eyebrows arch. ‘Hoped I might get you to myself for a while first.’

‘You know, I knew I liked you.’ Alexander actually winks at me. Winks! ‘Vivienne and I have been begging for more grandchildren for years.’

‘What’s this about more grandchildren?’ Vivienne’s head whips from Zara to us.

‘Oh Jesus, can we at least get married first?’ James rolls his eyes but his smile suggests he’s not entirely averse to the idea of starting a family.

A family of my own.

Of our own.

My fingers reach instinctively for my throat and stroke the silver cross. I’m not sure I believe in heaven but if there is one, my mother is there.

James calls me angel, but truthfully, it’s him who’s heaven sent. And I’m pretty sure I know who sent him my way. I have an angel watching over me. It’s the only explanation.

Because I morphed from having nothing to having everything.

And best of all, I have him. The man I wanted long before I ever met him.

My eyes slide towards my fiancé . Our eyes lock in an unspoken exchange.

I love you.

I love you too.

EPILOGUE

Graduation

Scarlett

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