Epilogue
Effie
My stomach tumbles so violently, I’m pretty sure I’m going to vomit.
It’s been almost two months since our moment in the middle of the Chiefs stadium, and just like he confessed, Kieran had in fact moved himself into my apartment.
After leaving the field, he drove us both straight back home. He apologized for not taking me out for a fancy dinner to celebrate, but I didn’t need it. I had no desire to be around anyone but him.
All I have ever needed is him, and I was more than happy to go home and order takeout.
To be honest, it’s pretty much how we’ve spent every night since then.
We’ve managed to keep our engagement under wraps so far. Obviously, our closest friends and Kieran’s family know. But thanks to Kat, who had everything to prove after her last fuck-up, we’ve managed to keep it from leaking to the press.
I didn’t think it was possible, but somehow, she’s done it.
It’s been incredible. Everything has been perfect and so easy.
He’s been spending his days either at camps, doing interviews and appearances, or working out in preparation for the upcoming season. And I’ve been working and dancing. Unlike Brax feared, he didn’t need to get a new partner. That doesn’t mean that Kieran and I don’t still tango every now and then. We’ve discovered it’s better for everyone if we do that in private, though.
But tonight, everything is going to change.
It’s the KC Foundation’s annual summer ball.
I attend every year, but usually, I’m single and Kieran has a beautiful supermodel on his arm.
Jealousy drips through my veins at the thought of another woman touching my man.
Mine.
And after tonight, everyone is going to know that.
It’s our first public event as a couple.
Tonight, we’re attending together, and we’re announcing our official engagement.
Thoughts of what’s going to be posted, or more so, the comments that are going to follow make me feel nauseous again.
As if they know that I’m on the verge of freaking out, there’s a knock at the door.
Rushing over, I open it and allow Elizabeth, Tate, and Lori to step inside.
“Oh my word, Effie,” Elizabeth gushes. “You look so beautiful.”
“Thanks,” I say awkwardly.
I might be better at accepting compliments from Kieran now, but everyone else is a different story.
“He’s going to lose his mind when he sees you,” Tate adds.
Kieran is currently with Brax and a few of the guys getting photographs taken.
They should be heading our way any moment.
We’re all meeting in the bar before heading to the event.
I run my trembling hand down my Chiefs-red dress. It fits my body like a second skin and is cut low down the front, showing off a healthy bit of cleavage. It’s tight to my knees and then flares out, and the sequins that cover it sparkle in the light. It’s the kind of dress the old me would have refused to wear. But Kieran has made me brave in all kinds of ways. Plus, his reaction to it will be so worth it.
“I hope so,” I whisper out of Elizabeth’s earshot.
Lori chuckles.
“You look nervous, sweetie,” Elizabeth says.
“It’s all going to be okay,” Tate assures me. “Kieran won’t allow it any other way.”
“I know,” I breathe. And I do. But it’s still scary.
Stepping forward, Lori pulls a bottle of champagne from behind her back. “Liquid courage?” she says before glancing around for glasses.
“Here,” Tate says, having found some in the kitchenette of our suite at The Broadway.
In seconds, we all have a glass of bubbles in our hands.
“To Kieran and Effie,” Elizabeth says, and Tate and Lori follow.
My cheeks blaze, but I appreciate their support and friendships in ways I’ll never be able to express.
“I haven’t eaten enough to drink this,” I confess.
“It’ll help with the paparazzi,” Tate says encouragingly.
The benefit of being a no one at previous events has meant I’ve been able to slip in the back.
I usually stand at the windows and watch the commotion as Kieran arrives.
He always eats up the attention and makes the most of every photo opportunity.
My stomach twists.
Tonight, I’m going to be the one beside him attempting to do the same thing.
“Another,” Lori says before emptying what’s left of the bottle into my glass.
It’s another ten minutes before my cell buzzes on the counter with a message from Kieran to let me know that they’re almost here.
“Let’s get this show on the road then,” Tate announces before finishing her glass.
She and Kingston have a sitter for Prince, and she’s planning on making the most of their night together.
Finishing my second glass, I check my reflection and attempt to stuff down my nerves.
It’ll be better when he’s standing beside me.
With my clutch under my arm, I follow the others from our suite and step inside the elevator.
Kingston, Kian, and Neil are in the bar, waiting for us.
The minute we enter, the three of them look up and find their women. I swear, the looks in their eyes is something else.
The amount of love and respect they have for their partners is awe-inspiring.
I’m so lost watching them all that I miss the man walking through the hotel entrance and making a beeline for me.
However, the second he steps up behind me and his warm breath rushes over my skin, my entire body comes alive.
“You look fucking insane, Luck,” he groans in my ear, sending goosebumps skating across my skin.
Spinning around, I stare up at him.
“Wow,” he muses, his eyes holding mine for a beat before dropping lower.
My body heats, my skin tingling wherever his gaze meets.
“You look…”
As he fights to find words, I take a moment to appreciate him.
Kieran can wear anything—or nothing—and look beyond hot. But Kieran in a tux…a low ache starts up between my thighs.
Any thoughts of what the night will hold or the gossip that’s going to follow our announcement have vanished.
The only thing that matters right now is the man standing before me.
“Fuck, Luck,” he groans, dragging his hand down his face. “You look insane. Do we have time to go upstairs and?—”
“No,” a deep voice barks, and when I look over my shoulder, I find both Kieran’s brothers giving him a warning glare.
“As if you can say anything. When I visited your office, you were knee-deep in—” Lori slaps her hand over Kieran’s mouth as Elizabeth’s eyes widen.
“Enough of that, little brother,” Kian teases.
“Are we ready to go?” Kingston asks.
Kieran’s eyes come back to me.
He’s excited about this event. He is about anything the KC Foundation does to raise more funds for our kids. But right now, I can’t help but wonder if he’s secretly planning to ditch it in favor of spending the night in our hotel room.
Fine by me.
“Grab your girl,” Tate instructs. “The cars are waiting.”
Kieran takes my hand, and together we follow the others out.
There are two limos out the front of the building.
One for them, and another for us.
Riding separately seems ridiculous, but seeing as this is our big night, Kieran wanted to make a point.
My stomach tumbles and my steps falter.
“Effie?” he whispers, concern laced through his voice.
Letting my eyes roll up his chest, I find his gaze.
“I’m okay. I’ve got you. I’ll always be okay.”
He sucks in a deep breath at my words before gently tugging me toward the car.
My nerves only get worse as we make our way through the city.
Thoughts about how badly this could go fill my mind.
Everyone is going to hate me.
No one is going to accept it’s real this time.
“Hey,” Kieran says, gently taking my face in his. “The only people’s opinions that matter are mine and yours.”
I suck in a deep breath as his dark green eyes search mine.
“Me and you, yeah?”
I nod, and he raises a brow.
“Me and you,” I force out.
“Everyone is going to love you. And wearing that dress, I’ve no doubt that every man is going to want you.”
His grip on me tightens a fraction as he battles with a little dose of jealousy.
“But I’m yours,” I confirm.
“Fuck yes, you are.”
The car pulls to a stop, and when I glance out of the blacked-out windows, all I can see is people.
“Oh my god.”
“Effie, you are the strongest most incredible woman I know. Get out there, smile for the camera, and let the world know who you belong to.”
His little pep talk helps a little bit, but even if it didn’t, it’s too late. The back door is pulled wide open, the commotion from the crowd gets louder, and my chance of getting out of this diminishes.
Not that I really want to. I want to stand beside Kieran during everything, but my fear is getting the better of me.
“We’ve got this,” Kieran promises me as he climbs out of the back of the car. The screams of the crowd and flashes from the cameras go wild, and my stomach twists painfully.
But then he is right there, standing in the doorway and holding his hand out for me.
“I’ve got you, Effie. Always,” he promises.
And without thinking about it, I slide my palm against his and allow him to pull me from the car.
There’s a moment where the noise level drops. I don’t know if it’s shock or his fans’ hatred of me, but it only lasts a heartbeat.
The screams and shouts come so loud and fast, I don’t stand a chance at hearing what they’re actually saying as my blood rushes past my ears.
Pinned against Kieran’s side, I follow his lead, smiling for the cameras that flash all around us.
My heart drops into my stomach when he releases me, but then, he’s in front of me with my left hand in his.
Oh god, he’s going to do it. The world is going to hate me.
His lips press against my ring finger, and I stare up at him in awe as he holds my hand up for the world to see.
“My girl. My lucky charm, and soon, my wife.”
I can’t tell if he shouts it or whispers it just for me. It doesn’t matter, because when his lips descend on mine, he’s the only person in the world.
“I love you, Effie, and so will they,” he promises between kisses.
Just as our kiss ends, someone in the crowd bellows, “About fucking time,” and both of us burst out laughing.
“See, even they were waiting for us to get our shit together.”
With my hand locked in his, I follow Kieran as he says hello to some fans, signs some autographs, and to my amazement, thanks those standing closest to us for their congratulations and well wishes.
By the time we step inside the building, my heart is so full I’m sure it’s about to burst.
“That’s it; it’s official now. The world knows you’re going to be Mrs. Effie Callahan,” Kieran states as he backs me up into a corner and gazes down at me with heat burning in his eyes.
“I can’t wait,” I breathe.