Page 60 of Hooked

“You’re so fucking incredible,” I say.

Her hair is still in braids, so I begin pulling the pins out, dropping them on the side table. I slowly unwind the braids until her hair is loose, fanned out over the pillow. I run my hands through it, rubbing her scalp gently.

“I’m not going to be able to walk tomorrow,” she moans. “That was hot.”

“Good. That way I can keep you in bed with me.”

“Not a bad way to spend the day,” she replies with a yawn.

I stroke her hair for a while, enjoying the silky feel against my fingertips.

“When are you leaving for Boston?” I ask.

“Day after tomorrow,” she says, yawning again. “But I’ll be back.”

“Can I come with you?”

She turns onto her side so she can face me.

“Are you serious?” she asks.

“Yeah. I figure your first boat trip after nearly capsizing might be stressful, and I’d like to be there for you. And I’d like to see where you live.”

I’m probably more nervous about the boat trip than she is. That evening seems like years ago now, but though it will fade, the memory of her half frozen and half drowned won’t ever fully go away. But I could live with that as long as she’ll have me.

“I’d love that,” she says. The pure joy in her voice sends a thrill through me.

She’s worth it. She’s worth everything.

Epilogue – Sia

One year later

Martha’s Vineyard has seen its fair share of weddings, but probably none as incredible as Sven and Kristi’s.

Because I planned it, naturally.

We held it at the inn, and it was a very different New Year’s Eve experience than the previous one.

Sadly, DJ Nick was unavailable to emcee the wedding.

Vinny and I had both been in the wedding, which was fun, even though I had to wear an ugly sea foam green bridesmaid dress. Kristi had apologized profusely, but her mom insisted.

I’d burn it, but the synthetic fibers would be toxic to inhale.

The guests have all left, and Vinny and I are alone in the ballroom.

“I can’t wait to get out of this dress,” I say, reaching for his hand.

“I can’t wait to get you out of it. Once again our goals align.”

He holds my hand as we head toward the exit. I stop at the entrance and turn around, taking in the aftermath of the reception. It’d been a blast. Kristi and Sven’s families are very different, but very loving, and watching them interact was equal parts heartwarming and hilarious. Sven had cried reading his vows, and Kristi had called him a dumbass before crying too.

It was beautiful.

A crew would be in the morning to clean up and reset. I had a great, reliable set of vendors to do all the heavy lifting now. Nothing like my patchwork Christmas from last year.

Vinny and I had spent most of the winter and spring in Boston, I’d stayed in the Vineyard in the summer, and we split the difference in the fall.

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