Page 88 of The One Who Changed Me

He growls before biting my lip. “There is nothing for you to apologize for, my love.”

Then he captures my lips again in a searing kiss.

We had an unconventional beginning, but somehow, we found our way to each other. Finn and I will go through our ups and downs as we try to find our footing with each other once again, but there is one thing I know for certain: Sometimes, love is all you need.

EPILOGUE

FINN

Two Years Later

“Welcome to My Soul to Bake!” A young girl flashes me a bright smile as I walk into the best bakery in town. I mean, it’s also the only one, but people come from three towns over just to get their sweet fix.

I give the girl a curt nod before focusing all my attention on Peyton, who is standing behind the counter, helping a customer.

“Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea,” I mumble to myself, my nerves getting the best of me, but the only way to make this happen is with Peyton’s help.

I wouldn’t say Peyton and I are friends, but she at least tolerates me. Although it didn’t take much to get Marissa to forgive me for leaving without a goodbye, Peyton was another story completely. But I think I’m starting to win her over since I make her friend ridiculously happy, but man, that girl can hold a mean grudge.

“Thank you, hun,” the woman standing in front of me says softly before turning and placing her order on the counter beside her and reaching into her purse.

“You know your money’s no good here. Besides, I’ll just make Marissa pay for everything.”

Marissa.Just the mention of her namecauses my heart to swell to twice its size. Even after two years, I still want to pinch myself to ensure that my life with Marissa isn’t just a dream. We’ve had our ups and downs, just like any other couple, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. We go on dates and spend lazy Sundays snuggled on the porch swing on our front porch. The promise I made to her in front of our home still rings true. I’ve spent every day trying to show her with my actions that she’s the most important person in my life as she slowly opened her heart to me, allowing me to get behind her walls. But there is only one more thing I want to give her to make my life complete: my last name. And I’m prepared to do anything I can to make that happen. Marissa has been leery about taking the next step in our relationship, which is understandable, but I think my girl needs a little push in the right direction. I just hope it doesn’t completely blow up in my face.

“Good morning, Finn. Today’s the big day?” Ms. Roberta flashes me a bright smile as Peyton narrows her eyes in my direction.

“Big day for what? What the heck is going on?”

“Don’t worry, dear. I’m sure Finn will explain everything.” Ms. Roberta raises her cheek in my direction. “I’ll see you two at the church in a few.”

“The church? Why are you going to the church? It’s not even Sunday.” Peyton’s head swivels back and forth, trying to make sense of Ms. Roberta’s cryptic words, but it’s no use.

“I’ll see you soon.” I lean down, planting a soft kiss on Ms. Roberta’s upturned cheek before wrapping my arms around her tiny frame and bringing her in for a hug. “Thanks for everything, Ms. Roberta.”

“None of that, Finn. Call me Mom,” she responds as she grabs her order off the counter, smiling softly at me.

“Okay, now I’m really confused,” Peyton chimes in from her place behind the counter. “You really need to explain to me what’s going on or I’m calling Marissa.”

“Oh, calling out the big guns this time,” I respond quickly, chuckling softly. “Finish up what you’re doing, Peyton, and meet me at the table in the corner. I’ll explain everything.”

“Thanks so much for coming in, Auntie Roberta,” Peyton tells her with a smile before her eyes flick to mine. “I’ll grab Alicia from the back to take over the register, and I’ll be right over.”

I nod my head, turning on my heels and heading toward a quiet table in the corner. Once I take a seat, my hand slides into my pocket, grasping the promise ring I stole off Marissa’s nightstand yesterday afternoon before she left for work. She even went as far as to call her mother, sister, and best friend to see if, by some miracle, she had left it at their house, with no luck. She was devastated, thinking that she had lost it somewhere, but what she doesn’t know can’t hurt her. It might hurt me, but I’m hoping when I get down on one knee and ask her to marry me, she’ll completely forget that I took it.

I asked Marissa’s parents for her hand, made sure that Colt could spare her at the station for a few days, and had Sutton and Ms. Roberta pick out the perfect dress for her, but I still have one more person to help ensure my plan goes off without a hitch. I should’ve told Peyton weeks ago when I started planning to hold a secret wedding for my girl at the church in town, but not only is she the closest person to my girl, but she can’t keep a secret to save her soul.

I don’t sit there for long before Peyton takes a seat in front of me. “What the fuck is going on, Finn Buckley?”

“I need you to keep an open mind and not say anything until I finish talking. Can you do that?”

“I make no promises. Now, talk,” she deadpans, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms over her chest.

“I guess that’s the best I can ask for.” I chuckle lightly. “You remember the promise ring I gave Marissa, right? I want to…” My voice trails off, wondering if springing this on Peyton at the last minute was the best idea.

“Ask her to marry you, and you need my help to plan it?” Her eyes sparkle with mischief. “I’ve been waiting for you to grow a set and make an honest woman out of her, but that doesn’t explain why you’re going to the church.”

“Yeah, but there’s more.” My shoulders tense as my eyes lock with hers. This could go exceptionally well or horribly wrong, but either way, I’m going to be married to her best friend before the end of today. Finding my resolve, I decide to just rip off the Band-Aid and tell her. “Marissa and I are getting married in two hours at the church, and I need you to come with me so I can tell her, and you can be there to help her get ready ‘cause I assumed you’d be her maid of honor.”

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