Page 92 of House of Soot

EPILOGUE

Jenna – Two Months Later

Istare at my reflection in the full-length mirror, barely recognizing the woman in the flowing white dress. My hands smooth over the delicate lace bodice, and my heart fills with overwhelming joy.

"You look beautiful," my mom says from her chair by the window. Her color has improved so much since the transplant, and seeing her healthy smile makes my eyes water.

"Don't cry!" Lucy, my future sister-in-law, rushes over with a tissue. "We just finished your makeup."

I laugh, dabbing carefully at the corners of my eyes. "I can't help it. A few months ago, I never imagined I'd be here."

The world has shifted so dramatically since that night at the Kean estate. Learning the truth about my past, about Blaise, about everything, it nearly broke me. But somehow, through all the pain and confusion, we found our way back to each other. His love proved stronger than his desire for revenge, and my heart proved capable of forgiveness.

"Your father would be so proud," Mom says softly.

“I’m just happy to have another woman in this family. Two, actually,” Lucy says, glancing at my mother. I’ve so enjoyed meeting her and getting to know her. I was shocked to learn she was the one who wrote the article that had the Keans scrambling to fix their reputation. To think I’d wanted to meet with her and tell her how good they were. When I think of it, I feel foolish, followed by guilty.

"Five minutes!" Phoenix calls through the door.

My stomach does a flip. In just moments, I'll walk down the aisle to marry the man I love. The man who showed me what real love feels like.

"Ready?" Lucy asks, adjusting my veil one last time.

I nod, and my hand drifts to my slightly rounded belly, where our baby grows. Some might think we’re marrying so quickly because of the baby, but they’d be wrong. We marry today because I can’t wait another moment to become Mrs. Blaise Ifrinn. Well, not officially. The brothers are still operating in the shadows, not using their real names and even dropping Tine, the fake last name they’d been using before. But in my heart and someday when this war with the Keans is over, I’ll be Jenna Ifrinn.

There was a moment when being an Ifrinn was the last thing I wanted. But back at the safehouse, Ash had helped me understand Blaise’s actions and the intense pain that led him to do what he did, not just to Ronan, but to me. When Blaise bared his soul to me, I believed him, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I was afraid to be hurt again. I just couldn’t deny the love I felt for him and knew I had to learn to trust him one more time.

He knew it too, if his actions following that day are an indication. He started with little things. Fresh flowers on my windowsill each morning at the safehouse. Tea exactly how I like it, boiling hot with one ice cube.

When Mom was ready to leave the hospital, he brought us both to an amazing home outside the city with a large yard and security greater than Fort Knox. The home has an attached apartment complete with an accessible bathroom and an emergency call system for Mom.

In the yard, Blaise spent weeks creating raised beds and installing irrigation systems. Now, roses climb the arbor where we often sit in the evenings, and my herbs perfume the air.

"Plant whatever makes you happy," he told me, bringing home packets of seeds. "This is your space to create beauty."

When I worried about the baby, he came to every appointment. When nightmares of that terrible night plagued me, he held me close and whispered his love for me until I fell back asleep in his arms.

The real turning point came when he took me to his parents' graves. I’ll admit, it was difficult to see them knowing the part I played in their deaths. But Blaise wasn’t there to shame me. Instead, he laid flowers I’d grown in our new garden and told me about their love for each other and their sons. Then he turned to me saying he wanted that for us as he dropped to one knee and gave me a beautiful diamond ring that had several marquis-shaped emeralds, making it look like a flower with green leaves.

"They would have loved you," he said. "Just like I do."

There was no hesitation when he asked me to be his wife. The trust we'd rebuilt wasn't fragile anymore. It was stronger for having been tested.

"Yes," I whispered, and his arms wrapped around me, solid and secure.

That's what I feel with Blaise now. Completely safe. Not just physically protected, though I know he'd die before letting anyone hurt me or our baby. It's deeper than that. I trust him with my heart, my future, my everything.

“It’s time,” Lucy says with a grin.

“It’s past time.” I’m so ready to join my life with Blaise’s.

We’re marrying in a small ceremony at Flint and Lucy’s place, with Mom giving me away. Only family is allowed since we’re trying to stay out of the Keans’ and their minions’ radar. My heart aches thinking of Debbie, who should be here as my maid of honor. But having her here would put both our lives at risk since the Keans are looking for Blaise and would likely hurt Debbie if they knew she had any contact with us.

As I look up toward the makeshift altar, I see Flint, Blaise’s twin, although their colorings are completely different, standing next to Blaise. He’s holding his baby son, Flynn, picking up the boy’s hand and waving toward Lucy as she makes her way to them. She takes the boy and goes to stand to the side.

Phoenix and Ash stand with Blaise as well. Ash leans forward and whispers something. Phoenix makes a face while Blaise gives him the finger. I smile, loving how these four brothers who lost everything somehow held onto their humanity and their deep bond with each other.

Music begins playing, and my heart swells with emotion as Blaise turns to watch me, his blue eyes shining with pure adoration.

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