Page 258 of There's No Us Without You
Their heartbeats begin to sync, slowing, and lulling me into a deep sleep. I sigh, knowing that if I get to fall asleep like this every night, I’ll never experience another night terror.
Ever again.
EPILOGUE
Eden
Four Months Later
There areno words to express what I’m feeling right now. My heart is racing. My palms are sweaty. My stomach has twisted itself into knots, to where the thought of putting anything into my mouth right now has me almost dry retching.
Which is not great considering we’re at the re-opening of the new—or should I say, remodelled—restaurant. It’s everything I ever dreamed, times a million. And I have two beautiful men to thank for it. Without them believing in me, this wouldn’t be happening right now.
Emerson’s knee is healing nicely and doing physiotherapy a couple of times a week is helping to get his strength back to play next season.
And Will is still a grumpy prick, but he’s my grumpy prick.
I fix my hair in the mirror in the bathroom and take a deep breath as I head out into the dining room. This is everything I’ve always wanted, and I’m not about to mess that up.
We’ve been busy renovating the restaurant over the last couple of months, and tonight’s our big night. No longer does the place look like it stepped out of an eighties horror movie. It’s all open plan with crisp white walls and polished concreted flooring; timber tables surrounded by luxurious velvet chairs in navy; and white subway tiles in the kitchen with brand new stainless-steel benches and fridges. We also updated the lighting situation with polished chrome pendants adorning the ceiling.
Groups of our family and friends start arriving, including Will and Em’s best friends, who are home for a few weeks until they head back overseas. Koby and Emerson have me in tears every time they’re around each other, and Matilda and Audrey tell me they’ve been that way since their friendship started when they were six.
It’s kind of adorable when Emerson sulks like a small child every time Koby insults him. I’d like to get to know all of thema bit better before they go, but hopefully when they come home next year, there’ll be plenty of time for that.
Smith is working hard in the kitchen when I come in. “Hey, boss lady,” he says with a wink. “You ready for tonight?”
I smooth my black dress over my thighs. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Well, make sure you thank those boys of yours real good, if you know what I mean?” With a wink, he keeps prepping, a chuckle escaping his throat.
“Oh, don’t you worry about that, my friend.” I throw a cherry tomato at him before heading back out to the growing crowd.
Will and Emerson are drinking with Wren and Koby when I come back, and with everyone already here, I guess it’s time to start the celebration.
But first I need a drink, so I grab a glass of champagne from the table and take a long sip. The front door opens, and the smile drops from my face when the person walking through the doorway makes eye contact with me.
I glance at the boys, and Will’s entire demeanour shifts, but Emerson puts an arm across his chest and mouthsI love youat me.
At least one of us believes in my ability to keep my cool. Hint . . . it’s not me.
Setting the glass down on the table, I square my shoulders, then storm towards my mother. Her presence is ruining my good mood and the sooner she leaves, the sooner I can get back to enjoying my night.
When I reach her, she smiles softly, her eyes glassy. “You did it, darling,” she says, glancing around. “You really did it.”
“No thanks to you,” I say, my words coming out a little harsher than I wanted, but this woman brings out the worst in me.
What can I say?
“No, I guess not.” Smoothing the front of her navy-blue blouse, she sniffs. “But I’m not here to fight with you, Eden. I am genuinely proud of you.”
Wow. This is all very new. And absolutely frightening. Is she just warming me up for the big finale where she lets loose with her words of hatred until I’m a writhing mess on the floor?
I nod, linking my hands in front of my stomach. “Thanks.”
“I’m serious. I’ve always been proud of you—I just never knew how to show it.”
“Jesus, Mum. Look, can we do this later? I’m kind of busy here.”
