Brutal King (The Seven Deadly Sinacores #7)

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

CARINA

Something borrowed, something blue. If you forgive me, I’ll forgive you.

“ F ifteen-minute warning, everyone! If you’re not downstairs at exactly five o’clock, you’re not going.” I twist to watch Selena, the same wedding planner that helped me get ready the day I married Luca, rush past me, clipboard in hand. “Come on, people. This is not a drill. Let’s go!”

“Jeez. Was she like this with you?” Emily hurriedly collects her things from a nearby chair—a tiny clutch that can only hold a lipstick, her cell phone, and her bouquet.

“Honestly, I don’t remember. The whole thing is a blur.” It’s the sad truth.

My marriage to Luca wasn’t the joyful occasion it should have been. Back then, I thought of him as the beast forcing me to marry him. My heart was beating so hard, the rush of blood to my head made me dizzy. Everything seemed so distant. Like I was a spectator at my own execution. The end of my life. My freedom gone.

If only I’d known how much I would come to love him. That he would become my entire reason for breathing.

But I wouldn’t change a thing.

I pause at Sofia’s doorway. She’s standing in front of a long mirror, staring at herself. Dressed in a pearl tulle maternity bridal gown, with long, off the shoulder puffy sleeves, her long dark hair cascading down her back in loose waves, she’s an absolute vision.

It’s been months since the night at Kingsbrook Manor. Months since Stephen Black’s terror was finally brought to an end. In that time, we’ve all finally begun to recover.

Sofia and Gideon have spent much of that time healing. Though she insisted that she hadn’t been affected by his actions, he was. In fact, his issues ran so deep he was sent to a rehab center for two weeks.

Luca took advantage of the time and spent most of it with Sofia. They fought a lot, mostly over his need to overprotect her in spite of everything that’s happened. I’m not sure he’ll ever stop. It’s in his blood.

She finally gave up and realized she’s just going to have to accept his love language.

Once Gideon returned, they began construction on a new house closer to Briar House. Although the relationship between Luca and Gideon is tense at best, for Sofia’s sake, they are trying.

That, and I think Gideon is growing on Luca. Though he’s a pain in the ass, he’s also funny, witty, smart. But the biggest reason is that he’s completely and utterly devoted to Sofia.

Through the reflection in the mirror, she spots me and smiles. “How do I look?”

I go to stand beside her and have to stifle a sob. “Breathtaking.”

She laughs, then grimaces and hugs her huge belly. “I don’t feel breathtaking. Although I can hardly breathe, if that counts. But, I’m happy anyway.”

“Is my niece giving you a hard time today?”

“Always.” She glances around the room before leaning in and whispering conspiratorially. “I made a wish when I found out about the pregnancy.”

“What?”

“That she would absolutely terrorize Gideon.” She laughs again. “I think she’s anxious to get started.”

I wrinkle my nose and giggle. “I hope she gives him hell.”

“Ladies.” Selena comes in. “It’s time.”

The wedding planner guides Sofia out. I follow them but stop when I see Scarlet and Maisie in the second-floor parlor.

Scarlet tenses visibly, as do I. She stands, Maisie coming with her. “I should go,” she tells her.

Before she can take a step, I raise my hand to stop her. “Stay.”

She blinks at me. “I…”

“Stay,” I repeat. “I have something to say to you.”

She and Maisie glance at each other. Some sort of unspoken communication happens between them, reminding me so much of what it was like to have my sister.

Maisie nods, and squeezes Scarlet’s hand. “I’ll be downstairs.”

“Can I just say something first?” Scarlet asks. “I… I’m sorry about Alma. I’ll never forgive myself for that.”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” I take a deep breath and release it, letting go of all the resentment I’ve held for months. “You should forgive yourself. Because I have.”

Her lips part as if she’s going to say something, but her eyes fill with tears and she simply nods.

“My sister was a sweet soul,” I continue, a soft smile painting across my lips as I think of Alma. “She didn’t deserve what happened. But it’s not up to me to judge you. It’s between you and God. And… You fought with Luca. You helped bring his sister home. I won’t forget that.”

“Thank you.”

“Good. Okay. I… We should get going.” We don’t walk together. The past will always haunt us. But we don’t have to hate each other anymore.

Hope Trinity Catholic Church is filled to capacity. Violinists play classical music as guests make their way to their seats. Gunn escorts me to the front row and sits beside me.

Once everyone is seated, the music changes, signaling the start of the procession. Gideon walks in first, handsome as ever in his formal suit, followed by Scarlet as his best man. She winks at Gunn as they pass us and go to stand at the front of the church, where the reverend awaits.

Next, are Noah and Emily, Rowan and Lou, and finally, Gavin and Andie.

The music changes once more, a slow rendition of We Belong Together that touches me to the core.

“All stand,” the reverend announces.

We all do and face the doors at the rear. I can’t help but think of my wedding day again. Except, on that day, it was Luca that was in here staring at the intricate wooden doors in the back, while I waited for them to open from the other side.

The doors are swung wide, revealing Luca and Sofia, arm in arm. She’s beautiful and beaming as they make their way down the aisle. I turn to Gideon, and the way he looks at her, with adoration and love, has me near tears.

Once they are at the front, we are all instructed to sit. The music dies down and the room goes silent.

“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” The reverend turns to Luca expectantly.

The entire church seems to hold its collective breath as we wait for his answer. The four words will hold more meaning than anyone here can fathom.

Luca peers down at his sister. “I give this woman.”

He hugs his sister and whispers something in her ear. She nods and lets out a small sob. Then, Luca comes to sit beside me.

He swallows thickly and clears his throat. “That was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

“You did great,” I say, taking his hand in mine.

Gideon and Sofia exchange vows. They swear to love each other in sickness and in health. To cherish each other. Protect each other.

Scarlet hands Luca the ring, and he slides it gently on Sofia’s finger. Emily gives Sofia his ring, and she slides it onto Gideon’s.

When the reverend says, “You may now kiss the bride,” Gideon lifts Sofia’s veil. He takes her face in, his eyes glittering in the candlelight of the church. Then, he leans in and kisses her so long, Luca starts to squirm.

“Save it for the hotel room!” Gunn yells.

They finally pull apart and face the crowd.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’d now like to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Black.”

With that, Gideon Black, our great adversary, becomes a member of our family before the world. Before God. It’s the greatest alliance there is.

And what God hath joined together, no man can put asunder.

Dear reader, I hope you enjoyed Sofia and Luca’s story. Thank you so much for coming on this long journey with me. This has been a joy for me, the characters and scenes in my head will live on forever.