Page 70 of Always & Forever
“Force of habit.” Cora gave a sheepish grin.
“I know, and I’m fine. Thanks for checking up on me,” she said with a grateful smile.
“Anytime.” Cora smiled back. “Do you need help getting down the porch steps?”
“Um, no. Brian’s coming to get me after he’s set up a seat for me.”
“I’m so glad you two found your way back to each other,” Cora replied.
Erin grinned in response. Cora turned and descended the porch steps, and walked toward the patio. Erin watched as Brian made his way back to her.
“Your throne awaits your presence, m’lady,” he said with an elaborate bow.
“Thank you, kind sir,” Erin followed his lead. She attempted a curtsy but could only manage an awkward half bow instead.
Brian took the crutches and lifted her into his arms once more. Her arms wrapped around his neck, and her gaze roamed his face appreciatively.
“What?” Brian asked as his cheeks reddened at her scrutiny.
“Nothing. You’re just really handsome,” she replied with a complimentary smile.
Brian beamed before saying, “And you, my love are very beautiful.” It was her time to turn red. She buried her face in his chest, causing him to chuckle. The sound reverberated throughout his body, and her face vibrated against his chest.
He set her down on the chaise and elevated her broken ankle with a stack of cushions. “Let me go get you something to eat. I know you must be hungry.”
“Extremely,” Erin agreed, and he left to go fix her a plate.
“Hey, Sis.” Jules walked up to her with Becca in her arms and a smile on her lips.
“Hey.” She smiled back.
“How are—” her words faltered at the look on Erin’s face. “How’s the weather?” she asked instead, earning a laugh from her sister.
“The weather is great,” Erin replied. “Can I get my niece, please?” she asked, holding up her hands.
“Sure,” Jules replied, placing Becca into her arms.
Becca giggled as Erin buried her face in her middle and blew. “Who’s my favorite niece? You are.” The baby’s giggles rose in decibels, and Erin laughed.
Brian returned with a plate filled with food. Jules reached for Becca, leaving the two. Erin attacked the food immediately, making sounds of satisfaction. Brian turned to wave at her father, who gestured for him to come.
“Babe, I’ll be back. I’m going to check what your father needs.”
“Okay,” she replied. Her lips lifted broadly, and her heart swelled with joy as she watched her father pat her fiancé on his back with a grin on his lips. She turned her head to watch the rest of her family. Like at all their barbecues, the younger generation of women sat by the water, and the men were playing with a football. She caught sight of her mother and Jamie in a tender embrace, filling her with joy. As her mother’s ring glistened under the afternoon sun, it prompted her to look at the one she now wore, and her heart warmed.
Her mind flashed to that fateful day when she thought her life had come to an end after the news she received from her doctor and her finding herself in that diner. Looking back, she realized that the old waitress was right. She had almost lost everything that she needed and loved because of her pain and her bad choices. Had it not been for the accident and her almost losing her life, she probably would have. She was sure she wouldn’t be sitting there with a contented look as she watched her family celebrate their togetherness. She wouldn’t feel the warmth that she now felt when it came to her father, and her heart wouldn’t be bursting with joy at the thought that soon she would be marrying the man of her dreams and her best friend. She couldn’t wait for the start of the rest of their lives together.
“Everyone, can we get your attention, please?”
She was brought out of her musings as she looked over at Ben and Marg with excited smiles. Everyone drew close, waiting for whatever announcement the couple was about to make.
“Marg and I would like to thank you all for the love and support you’ve shown us both and for endorsing our love. We will officially be the adoptive parents of a newborn baby girl come this fall.”
Everyone cheered and congratulated the couple. Erin smiled appreciatively, realizing that Marg had taken her own advice and sought an alternative to having a child of her own. She was truly happy for them.
Brian walked over to her. Without a word, he leaned down and planted a kiss against her lips.
“Hey,” Erin returned, grinning against his lips.
“You okay?” he asked.
She glanced around the backyard at her family and friends having a great time, and her heart swelled with joy as she turned to face Brian once more.
“I couldn’t be any happier,” she answered.
The two looked knowingly at each other before sharing another kiss.
