Page 102 of Miles Apart
Miles is playful and prideful at times, but I see the vulnerability he’s hiding behind the mask I want removed permanently. “You’re brilliant, amazing, and one of the best men I know. I love every part of you, in this lifetime and the next.”
His lips crash to mine, trembling with every kiss he takes. “I fucking love you.” He clasps my body to his.
“I fucking love you back.”
Authorities flood out of the elevator to apprehend Carter, who kicks and screams. He mumbles about it not being the last we hear from him before he’s carted off in handcuffs.
“We can fix this. I—I didn’t know, John. I swear! We’re still a family. We’ll make it work,” my mother pleads in a rush.
“Enough!” My father expels a deep breath. “Enough,” he repeats softly. The light in his eyes is dim when he faces me. “I have a few meetings with trusted colleagues about this network and the extent of its power. Miles, you owe us nothing and gave us everything. I’ll never be able to repay you, but if the time comes for you to marry my daughter, you have my yes right now.”
My father cuts my mother off when she tries to speak. “Our daughter is happy and in love, Juliette. I will not hear another vile word about Miles or his past. Let them be. Some of us should marry for love.” His confession is so quiet, I have to strain to hear it. My parents met in college, but they never discuss their love story. They just are, which explains why so much was hiding in plain sight, even for me.
“If you find it in your heart, I’d love to spend time with you before I go back to Washington.” My father takes my hands and looks to Miles. “I’ll make this right, but I know it will take time.”
“She’s deserves better, John,” Miles says with no hint of humor in his tone.
“I know.” My father nods. “I know.” His gaze shifts back to me. “I should go. The authorities will likely have questions about all of this.” He huffs out a laugh. “Ihave questions about all of this. I love you, Emma. Always have, and always will.”
We hug before my father leaves. My mother is hot on his trail, begging for him to forgive her. She said nothing to me—or Miles—and I’m okay with it.
I’m more than okay. I’m at peace.
Miles looks down at me. “You alright, baby?”
“You just unmasked an episode ofScandal.” I laugh and wipe away a stray tear. “But yes, I am.”
His lips press to my forehead as he pulls me into his warmth and holds me. “I’m not sorry what I found, but I am sorry this shit touches people you love. I’ll always protect you, kitten.”
“I know. Do you have to go back to Jersey now?”
“Nah.” Miles shakes his head and smiles. “I’m finally home.”
“I love you.”
“I love you.” He kisses me with a grin. “And Bernadette. And Deloris.”
My head tips back with laughter.Only him. “Let’s go.”
We leave the restaurant hand in hand with Miles singing “I Will Follow Him” fromSister Act.
Epilogue
Miles
Eight months later
“How is she?”
“Pissed but playing it off,” Justice says with a giggle. “She almost threw out your flowers.”
“Damn, that’s cold.” It’s not like I had red roses delivered.
“This is Emma’s first Valentine’s Day with someone she loves. The holiday isn’t her favorite, but she’s in her feelings that you’re not there. Your trip took too long.”
“Well, excuse the fuck out of me for flying to the other side of the world and back.” I chuckle. “I wasn’t exactly jerking off in the Outback.” My kitten deserves the best. If that means digging out a diamond by hand from an ethical mine in Australia, so be it.
Low and gentle, Justice says, “I know. Did you get it?”
