Page 119 of Cut up
She gasps through a sob and throws her hands over her mouth, crying harder now. She nods, whispering a breathless, “Yes,” then says it again louder, “Yes, yes, yes!”
I slip the ring onto her finger, and she launches herself at me, knocking me backward onto the blanket with a laugh and a kiss that feels like sunshine.
I hold her tightly, my heart full to the brim, and think:This is the start of everything.
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Epilogue
22nd May 2026
One breath at a time,my life became whole again.
The sky is melting into shades of pink and gold, and the vineyard behind us glows like something out of a dream. Butterflies flutter between the trees, the fairylights sway gently in the breeze, laughter carries across the grass, and music hums low and sweet beneath it all.
But the only sound I really hear is my heart. Still beating a little too fast. Still saying his name with every single thump.
My husband.
That word still feels impossibly soft in my chest. My cheeks ache from smiling, and my feet are dirty from dancing barefoot.
There’s a diamond and pearl hair brooch tucked into the side of my curls tonight—Mum’s. She kept it in her jewellery box and I alwaysloved it.
Dad handed me the brooch this morning, with trembling fingers and tears in his eyes. “She’d be so proud of you, Bug.” His voice barely above a whisper.
And I know she would.
I carried her with me down the aisle, and I carry her still.
I sit at the bridal table with Danielle.
“I’m so happy for you,” she cries as she leans on my shoulder.
“If you asked me two years ago this would be where my life is, I wouldn’t have believed you.” I laugh. “I’m happy for you too, Dani. You guys seem so in love. Will you move back to Coevey already, please? You know, your sister is going to try convince you to move back too, right?” I nudge her softly. “Thanks for helping me convince her to take the job by the way. I really want to cut back my hours this year.” I don’t tell her why yet, I need to tell Lucas first. Even though it’s our wedding day, it feels like we haven’t had a minute alone.
She smiles widely. “You’re welcome, I’m so glad Freya decided to take it. You could tell she wasn’t happy in Sydney. She needs more support.” She looks to the crowd, before she looks back to me again. “I want to come back but we also want to travel around a little more before we settle down. With Freya living here—we’ll definitely be back soon, hopefully for longer next time.”
“Thank God.” I let out a sigh. “I just need my best friend back.” I wipe a tear from my eye, my emotions are heightened today.
She pulls me into a big hug. “I need you too.”
We let go and we look around at my wedding reception. Some people are still dancing.
Tyler is dancing with Renae. Nicole is dancing with her boyfriend, Derick.
My dad is dancing with Sarah. He’s looking at her in a way I can’t quite figure out—I’ve never seen him look at anyone likethat. I don’t know what to make of it.
I’m distracted from my train of thought when I see Lucas and Patrick standing off to the side talking.
I quickly forget about everyone else—busy checking outmy husband.
Lucas glances up, like he can feel me watching. That little grin tugs at the corner of his mouth—the one he gives me when it’s just us in the world. He excuses himself, weaving through friends and family until he’s back at my side, reaching for my hand like he always does. Like we’re magnets.
We don’t say much as we slip away.
Past the crowd, the clinking glasses, the camera flashes.
Down through the rows of grapevines and wildflowers, toward the hill where it all began.
