Page 71 of Deceit & Desire

“You’re stronger than I’ll ever be, you know that?”

I let out a soft, bitter laugh, the sound surprising even me. “I don’t feel strong, Roman. I feel… tired. Tired of all of it. But if forgiving him means I get to let go of even a little of that, then maybe it’s worth it.”

He didn’t say anything for a moment, his thumb tracing slow circles over the back of my hand.

“If you ever change your mind,” he said finally, his voice low but firm, “I’ll still be here to knock him on his ass.”

That made me smile, even if it was faint. “I know.”

The room fell quiet again, but this time, it felt a little less suffocating. The shadows on the walls didn’t seem quite so heavy, and the steady hum of the machines faded into the background. For the first time in what felt like forever, I allowed myself to believe that maybe—just maybe—I could breathe again.

Chapter28

About All of Us

PLAYLIST: “HOLOCENE” BY BON IVER

KAT

The late afternoonsun bathed Twisted Creek Ranch in a golden glow, the kind that made everything look softer, more magical, like a memory you’d want to keep forever. But to me, the light felt sharp, casting long shadows that sliced through the idyllic scene. It wasn’t just the setting; it was the weight of everything Zoe had been through to get here. This wasn’t just a wedding—it was a battle won, a flag planted in the middle of a life that had tried to break her.

The string lights twinkled between the barn and the oak trees, the soft glow mixing with the scent of barbecue and wildflowers. It was the kind of setting Zoe would’ve rolled her eyes at once, calling it “too perfect.” Now, though, it seemed to fit her—like she’d earned it. Not because it was handed to her, but because she fought tooth and nail for it. And yet, as I stood with her near the end of the aisle, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something could still go wrong.

I adjusted my weight, trying not to wobble in the stupid heels Zoe had guilted me into wearing. Sage green wasn’t my color, but I let her win that fight. She deserved to win. But as I glanced at her, radiant and calm, I noticed the tight grip she had on her bouquet of wildflowers… the little tells of nerves she couldn’t quite hide. She needed me to pull her out of her head.

“Don’t trip,” I whispered, leaning in close. “Seriously. It’s bad enough you made me wear heels in the dirt.”

Zoe glanced at me, her eyes sparkling with a mix of nerves and amusement. “Kat, if I can survive being strangled, I think I can handle a dirt aisle.”

I raised an eyebrow, grinning at the woman who wasn’t just my boss, but also my best friend.

“Not the pep talk I was going for, but I’ll take it.” I squeezed her arm for luck before she turned to link her arm with her father’s.

Mr. Brandt, gruff and old-school as ever, looked like he’d just won the lottery. His smile didn’t waver, though his voice cracked as he leaned toward Zoe.

“You look just like your mother did on our wedding day, sweetheart,” he said, his tone thick with emotion. “I couldn’t be prouder.”

Zoe smiled softly, her voice just above a whisper. “Thanks, Daddy.”

The words hit me harder than they should have, and for a second, I forgot to breathe. There was something about Zoe in that moment—calm, radiant, but still holding the scars of everything she’d survived. She’d come so far, and she deserved this. But the memory of everything that had almost stolen this moment from her lingered in my chest like a splinter.

As the ceremony began, I shifted my weight, my heels digging into the dirt. Roman stood at the wildflower-covered arch that was standing in for an altar, solid as a mountain, his presence steady and unwavering. His eyes stayed on Zoe like she was the only thing that mattered, and—for once, despite myself and my tendency to roll my eyes at sappy things—I wholeheartedly believed him. This wasn’t some romantic gesture for show. He’d earned his place there, too.

Rick stood beside him, grinning like a fool as Alex, Zoe’s spotted white and blonde cocker spaniel, pranced down the aisle with the rings tied to his collar. The crowd chuckled, and even I couldn’t stop the small smile tugging at my lips. Roman smirked, leaning slightly toward Rick.

“Well, looks like I’ve got competition for your best man, Rick,” Roman said.

Rick nudged him with a grin. “Don’t worry, I’ll step aside. Pretty sure he’s got me beat in charm.”

The vows came next, and I thought I’d be bored, but Roman surprised me. His words weren’t flowery or rehearsed; they were simple and raw, carrying a weight that hung in the air like a promise carved into stone.

“Zoe, you’ve been the strongest, most stubborn, most loving force in my life,” he said, his voice steady and sure. “I’m not always good with words, but I know this: I’ve loved you for as many years as I can remember, and I’ll love you for a hundred more.”

The crowd wasn’t even trying to hide their sniffles. I glanced at Mr. Brandt and saw him swipe at his eyes, though he’d never admit it. Then it was Zoe’s turn, and leave it to her to make us cry and laugh in the same breath.

“Roman, I’ve loved you since the moment you yelled at me for accidentally breaking your grandpa’s guitar when I was eight,” she said, her voice shaking but strong. “And even though you’re the most frustrating man I’ve ever met, you’re also my favorite person. Always have been, always will be.”

When they kissed, the crowd erupted into cheers. Alex barked, wagging his tail like he’d just sealed the deal himself. It was perfect, and I hated how much I loved it. They deserved this, but a part of me couldn’t stop looking over my shoulder, waiting for something—or someone—to ruin it.

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