35. Scarlett
Chapter thirty-five
Scarlett
THREE WEEKS LATER
M y toes curl in the cool sand as I tug my jacket around me a little tighter, an icy breeze sweeping over me. Waves crash against the shore nearby, mixing with the sound of the crackle of the fire and boisterous laughter around me. But all the noise is a distant afterthought as my eyes become transfixed on the bright orange flames, with thoughts of my father and Dolion churning in my mind.
I knew my father despised me. Hated me with a burning rage merely because I wasn’t the son he yearned for. The one who would make him proud, taking over the Balcom legacy. And because of that, I kept my distance and did as I was told like an obedient daughter. Trying everything in my power to make him proud of me. To make myself worthy of his love that he would never grant me. But I guess I never knew who he really was.
A cold-hearted monster.
One who was never capable of loving his own daughter.
To prove that, he gave me away to the devil himself. Offered me up to him as his reward for years of loyal service before he planned to sell me in an auction.
But because my heart had always belonged to another, Dolion’s tirade of jealousy sought punishment. Revenge. Unimaginable pain. And above all, he wanted to break me.
A shiver runs through me as dark memories begin to resurface. The devil’s mask. A knife. Blood. Screams.
Quickly, I blink them back, wrapping my arms around myself.
I know how close Dolion was to truly breaking me. To snapping my soul in two. But he failed. Not even coming close. All because of one man.
Leo Alarie.
My husband.
Warmth rushes over the glacial chill sweeping throughout my chest.
Leo made it his mission to find me, to save me from the monster’s clutches. And he didn’t stop until he slayed the demons that haunt me.
He took my shattered pieces with patience and love and made me whole again. And because of that, and so much more, I love him with everything I am.
“Hey, you.” Maddy’s voice disrupts my thoughts, and I internally shake my head as she plops herself on the seat next to mine with two glasses of white wine. “You looked a little lost in thought,” she says, handing one to me.
“Was just thinking,” I admit with a half shrug. I take a sip and enjoy the crisp, peachy taste that slides down my throat.
“I can understand that.” She looks over at the ocean and then back at me. “Mom told me you’re taking on more at the women and children’s center. Starting with building a library?”
“Yeah. I thought it might be nice to give them a place for their minds to escape when things are a little too much.”
Maddy smiles. “I think that’s a great idea. And I’d love to help if that’s okay.”
I snuggle my side into hers, resting my head on her shoulder. “I’d love that.”
She places her glass in the sand. “Leo wanted to talk to me about something tonight. Any idea what that might be?”
I purse my lips, shaking my head. “No, he never mentioned anything to me. Maybe it’s just about your wedding.”
Her eyes look downcast as she gives a half shrug. “Maybe.”
“Here he comes,” Eli says, peering across the fire.
Maddy and I turn to see Vin trudging through the sand, making his way toward us with a glass of whiskey. He looks tired as he combs his fingers through his hair.
“What took you so long?” Maddy asks.
He walks up to her and rubs the top of her head, making her scowl. “Just had to take care of some business, but I’m here now.” He sits on a chair between Mauro and Eli, throwing back a hefty sip of his drink. Mauro and Alex share a look Vin notices, causing him to shake his head. “Not now,” Vin mutters.
Voices behind me by the patio cause me to look over my shoulder, where I find the staff setting up a feast for dinner. “Are we celebrating something tonight?” I ask. Large space heaters are positioned by the table, lights are strung around the quaint space, and pink flowers in vases are stationed in the center of the long table. I narrow my eyes on the flowers, realizing they’re the same kind that were left in my room while I recovered at Mrs. Alarie’s house, gladioli.
Maddy shrugs. “Beats me.” She brings the glass to her lips, looking across the fire, and I swear I see a fleeting moment when her eyes connect with Eli’s before she averts her gaze and stares across the water.
“I made it!” Alina approaches with a contagious smile, marching through the sand. Her sweater comes undone against the wind, and her long brown hair flies over her shoulders.
“Hey, I didn’t know you were coming today!” I start to stand, but she motions for me to sit as she bends down to wrap her arms around me.
“Of course! I was so relieved I could finish my finals early. Besides, there was no way I was missing this!”
My brows furrow. “Miss what?” I look over at Maddy, who quickly starts guzzling her wine.
Suddenly, Mauro comes over and places his chair beside Maddy’s for Alina to use.
“Thank you,” she says and signs at the same time. Her cheeks grow a soft shade of pink. He gives her a slight nod and then walks back to his spot, taking a seat on the sand.
“I don’t understand…” I peer over at the grand table being arranged, watching as Mrs. Alarie directs the setup of all the food. My eyes then travel around the group, jumping from person to person who all seem to be avoiding eye contact with me, their eyes glancing anywhere but at me. “Is something going on?”
A hand lands on my shoulder, and I peek up to see my favorite pair of dark whiskey eyes staring down at me. Leo’s expression softens, a slight smile forming. “Want to take a walk, Firefly?”
Butterflies swarm my belly. As I stand, he removes his jacket and places it over my shoulders. Holding out his hand, I instinctively take it, intertwining our fingers. His thumb glides smoothly back and forth across the back of my hand, tiny goose bumps erupting over my skin.
That overwhelming happy feeling in the pit of my chest takes root, spreading over me like English ivy.
We walk silently for a few minutes, wandering farther away from the group until we lose sight of them and approach a quiet spot with a sizable log. Leo sits and pulls me down to his side, wrapping an arm around me. The sun in the distance is just beginning its descent—beautiful hues of orange and pink shimmer across the sky.
“It’s so beautiful here,” I say, burrowing closer to Leo’s side.
His arm tightens around me, his lips landing on the top of my head, softly pressing gentle kisses. “No sunset could ever compare to you.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “That was pretty corny.”
“What’s wrong with corny?”
I look up at him, my lips curving up. “Not one damn thing.” I lift my chin, waiting for his lips to find mine in a gentle, sweet kiss.
One that feels like home.
He brushes back my hair, sweeping it over my shoulder. His forehead rolls against mine, his warm breath caressing my skin. “I love you.”
I grin, cherishing those three little words that hold so much power. “I love you.”
He smiles and pulls back, staring off at the ocean. “You know, I was thinking it was a shame we never did everything the right way.”
I gaze at him, confused. “What do you mean?”
“Just that I never had the chance to propose to you. I never got you an engagement ring. And we never had a proper wedding or a honeymoon. We missed out on all the good parts, don’t you think?”
I stare at our joined hands, the platinum bands on our fingers catching my attention. “When I was a little girl, that’s all I ever dreamed about. An elaborate engagement. An over-the-top wedding. But now that we’re married, I’ve realized those things aren’t as important as I thought they were. They’re nothing in the grand scheme of things.”
He nods, deep in thought. “I guess you’re right.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small black box. “Guess I should just toss this in the ocean then, huh?”
He lifts his arm, and before I even comprehend what I’m doing, my fingers snatch around his wrist. “Leo.” I blink a few times, my eyes glued to the box. “What… What is that?”
His lips curve up as he sends my heart into overdrive, kneeling on one knee before me. He’s at eye level with me, and I see the nerves dance across his irises as I try to contain my emotions.
“Scarlett,” he breathes. “You are and have always been the only woman in my heart. You brought light back into my life when I was so accustomed to darkness. And now that I have you, I’m never letting you go.” Tears glide down my cheeks and a broad smile blossoms across my face. “I promise to love you every day for the rest of my life. I promise to wake you up from every nightmare and hold you in my arms until you fall asleep. I promise to always keep the fridge stocked with precut vegetables and fruit. And I promise to always leave the nightlight on for you.” A full-on sob takes over me, my throat tightening with a vise-like grip.
He opens the box and a gasp escapes me as he plucks out the delicate engagement ring, holding it before me. Two thin platinum bands intertwine, covered in little diamonds looking like vines, and they meet at the center, where a beautiful pink diamond is attached to two white diamonds on the sides that look like wings. “Will you, Scarlett, my firefly, please make me the happiest man in the world by marrying me…again?”
I vigorously nod, holding out my trembling hand and watching as he slides the ring on my finger. I stare at it in disbelief for only a second before jumping into his arms, my limbs wrapping around him as we roll in the sand, both of us laughing.
I lie on top of him, pressing kisses to the side of his neck. “Is this why a fancy dinner is being set up at the house?”
He grins. “Yes. I wanted everyone to be able to celebrate together.”
I arch a brow. “And how were you so certain that I would say yes?”
“Maybe because…” He places the palm of his hand on my chest. “Your heart.” And then places my hand on his chest. “And my heart.” He presses his lips to mine. “They beat for each other.”
I roll in my bottom lip, biting down as my eyes water.
He sits up, embracing me in his arms. “Thank you.” His hands cup my cheeks, his thumb gently wiping away my tears.
“What are you thanking me for?” I brush sand off his shoulders, trying to distract myself.
“For breathing light back into my darkness.”
An onslaught of tears builds behind my eyes. “Without you, there would be no happily ever after for me.” I brush my lips over his, anticipation building between us. “Without you, I would be broken in the dark.” My lips crash onto his as his hand slides behind my neck, tugging me closer to him, our hearts truly beating as one.