Page 123 of Undone

EPILOGUE

SHE WALKS TOWARD ME and I feel it just as strong as I did the first time she walked toward me, while I was standing in this same exact spot two years ago. My heart stops as she comes closer. Tucked in her hair are wildflowers from the meadow beyond the lake. In her hands are a bouquet of flowers. The ones I planted that lonely fall day when I dreamed of a future with her in it. Instead of a white runner or roses, she walks on a bed of pine needles.

My throat feels thick.

She’s my angel.

She’s barefoot, to boot. Each tiny toe is painted hot pink. Christ, my dick is swelling as I imagine her legs wrapped around my waist as I call her “wifie” and drive inside that tight, little body that’s about to be all mine—forever.

I told her to plan the wedding of her dreams. I could afford anywhere and anything. Nothing was too lavish. But my love, my Luce, chose to have it here; where we first met at Camp Creed. We’re even staying in my cabin for our wedding night.

Rog and Duke stand next to me just as they did before. I shake my head at my Ma dabbing tears while Will’s own golden ring sits on her finger. But I’ll be damned if I ever call him, “Daddy.”

“Fuck, you are a one lucky bastard.” Rog says.

“Takes one to know one,” I reply, with a wink.

“I still can’t believe she took you back,” Duke baits, under his breath.

“Leave the man alone it’s his wedding day,” Dare pipes up, jabbing Duke in the ribs.

“Since when do you give a shit about weddings?” Duke hisses.

“Since I’m thinking about planning my own.”

“What?” We all mutter, as the celloist’s notes hang in the air.

“I still think if I met her first—I’d be the one standing in your shoes,” Roque jabs.

“Fuck that,” I growl, pacing forward and grabbing Luce around her waist to carry her the rest of the way down the aisle.

“What—”

“You were taking too long to get to me.” I don’t even wait for her reply, as I bend my head kissing the breath from my bride.

My men whistle and cat-call, some even shout lewd things. I’m not even pissed. They are my men. This is my life. The sighs and sounds of panties hitting the forest floor has me grinning against her lips. “I think your single friends from Chicago are liking the men out west, babe.”

“Oh, I know they are. But the best ones are already taken.”

“That they are.”

“Hey! We heard that!” Mac and Federico scowl, puffing out their chests.

Luce rolls her eyes at the two men who escorted her down the aisle. I reluctantly put my bride down and turn to the officiant, Rog. He winks at his wife, holding their six-month old daughter in her lap.

“Make this fast and make this official. I have a wedding night to get to.”

“Not so fast.” Luce stares down at our entwined hands then looks up with tears shimmering in her eyes. “I wanted to say my own vows.”

I nod, “For a second I thought…”

“Never. You promised me forever and beyond, remember?”

“I do.”

“We didn’t get to that part yet,” Rog laughs.

Luce waits for the hooting to die down before she begins, “The second our eyes met—I knew you’d be trouble. The second our lips met—I started falling…but you caught me every time. Even in times when I didn’t know it. I love you more than words could ever say. I can’t wait to keep going down this road with you and seeing what lies ahead. In good times or bad; I won’t be afraid. Because I know you’d move worlds for me… anything on earth won’t ever stop us. I want to raise our baby here amongst the wildflowers, let her or him walk barefoot in the meadow, basking in the light of our love—”

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