Page 74 of Lost Lyrics

He raised his arms into the air, pumped his fists, and hollered, “Fuck yes!”

Grabbing me around the waist, he lifted me, spun around on the spot twice, then lowered me back onto my feet.

Laughing, I brushed my fingertips down his cheek. “I love you.”

“Love you too, Aves. Woohoo!” he cheered, then kissed me.

Flint stopped dancing with Sutton and slapped Cole on the shoulder. “What’s up?”

“I proposed, and she said yes.” Cole hugged him sideways. “We’re going to get married.”

“Argh! Congratulations.” Sutton flung her arms around my shoulders, and we jumped up and down. Our other friends joined our celebrations.

The news spread like wildfire around the room. A few minutes later, the DJ bellowed into his mic, “Well, folks, it all happens at the after-party. The word is out, so let’s be the first to wish the very best to Cole Tanner and AvaMatthews. They just got engaged. Whoa! Alright! Yeah! Someone grab those two some champagne, and let’s celebrate.”

As music blared, people hugged and congratulated us. By the time we made it to our table, a waiter had brought us a bottle of champagne and had filled several glasses.

My heartbeat and head hadn’t come down from cloud nine.

I’d found the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

My friends and I took a flute each—Slip grabbed a water—and we chinked our glasses together.

“To Ava.” Cole raised his glass to me. “Life works in mysterious ways. It brought me Charlotte, Josh, and you. We’ve become a family, one that I will love and cherish forever. You’re a Flintlock, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together. Cheers.”

“I look forward to kicking your ass forever more.” I nudged my elbow against his ribs. “But most of all, I want to love you every day. Love our children. Follow our dreams and be happy.”

“Cheers to that.” Maddy tapped her glass against mine, then downed a sip of her drink. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” I took a decent mouthful of my champagne, savoring the sweet, cold bubbles as they tingled on my tongue.

I would always be grateful these people had come into my life...and for Cole.

For him, being a decent, kind, and loving man.

I cuddled into his side. He draped his arm around my back, held me close, and kissed me on the cheek. My heart doubled in size.

I’d found love. Happiness. A home.

This was true love.Family.

After the hell I’d been through, I deserved to be happy.

Thiswas my happily ever after.

Chapter 19

LEWIS

“Lewis? Wake up. Oh shit. Shit. SHIT.Arrrrgh!”

Tia’s slap on my head, cursing, and shaking of my shoulder had jolted me from my sleep. “Tee? What’s up?”

“It’s time. We have to go. Now!”

“Now?” My pulse spiked, hitting my skull with a thud. “You sure?”

“Arrrrgh!” Tia rolled onto her side, drew her knees up, and clutched her belly. Her breath hissed through her teeth. “Fuck yes. It’s coming. I haven’t slept. My lower back is killing me.”

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