There is No Try (Needing to Score #2)

Epilogue — Bridget

SIX MONTHS LATER

My move to Brisbane was impulsive. The only research I did was of schools for Gav. Everything else, I figured I would rely on Lucas. So much is different here, it’s taken time for Gavin and me to adjust.

Lucas’ injury was unfortunately career ending. He wasn’t able to be a proper hooker, struggling during scrum, and his ankle still causes him pain. The stubborn arse refuses to play any other position. Thankfully, he was able to finish out the season, but they released him from his contract after his last match. He had dreams of playing in the Olympics, if only to fuck with my brother who played in the World Cup. It breaks my heart he won’t have his chance.

Luc has been offered various coaching positions and hasn’t accepted one yet. We’re still deciding if we are moving back to Cork or staying here in Australia. Gavin loves it here, and there’s no harm in staying for a few more years until he’s off to university.

Our wedding took longer to plan than I expected, but I was able to hire an incredible coordinator, Sage Winters, who is based in the United States. She flew across the Pacific three times before our big day to ensure everything was perfect. It took six months to properly plan, but everyone we love is here to celebrate with us today.

Gavin is getting dressed with Luc and Ronan. Choosing my bridesmaids proved to be difficult, and I’m only having Nora and Gav standing up with me. I don’t have many close girlfriends, especially ones who would fly across the world to see me. I also didn’t have a chance to connect with the girlfriends or wives of his rugby mates here in Brisbane, and kept to myself in the member suite for the matches most of the time.

All of the people we love are in attendance; even my brother, Jeremy, is here. Luc’s friends, Will and Russ, brought their girlfriends, and I should really try to get to know them better. While the boys have always been great at staying in touch outside of therapy, the time difference makes it difficult for me to reach out. This year, I vow to do better.

Once I’m dressed, Sage gives me a rundown of the ceremony, but I’m only half-listening, twisting my ring around my finger. She places her hand over mine to cease my fidgeting. “It’s normal to be nervous. You’ve been married all this time, but wedding jitters are to be expected. Take a few deep breaths with me.” I do, and Nora takes my hand to join us with exaggerated breaths. She isn’t mocking me, but it’s funny all the same. “Okay, are we ready?”

I nod and we leave the bridal suite. The ceremony is on a private beach Lucas paid entirely too much for us to reserve. I take Ronan’s arm and he leads me to the rows of chairs where our family is waiting.

“He’s a good man, Bridge, but if he ever does anything to hurt you or Gavin, I will absolutely end him,” my brother teases, nudging my shoulder.

The moment Lucas comes into view, time stops and my heart leaps out of my chest. He’s entirely too handsome, filling out his tuxedo perfectly. I can’t help admiring his strong shoulders and muscular thighs. With all eyes on me, I keep my gaze focused on him until I’m down the small, sandy aisle. I only make it a few steps before he’s rushing to me. He doesn’t stop until he’s cupping my cheeks and kissing me.

“For fuck’s sake, Robinson, you couldn’t handle two more minutes?” Ronan groans with no malice behind it, and finishes strutting down the aisle.

Our friends laugh, and even find myself chuckling against his lips. “Luc, I think you’re supposed to wait until we say ‘I do.’”

“I don’t care.” He takes my hand and leads me the rest of the way to the officiant. While they begin the ceremony, Luc whispers, “You are my chosen one.” I can’t tell if it’s a quote or not, but it feels honest all the same. I can’t help my smile and stifle a small laugh as he squeezes my hand tighter. It may have taken us a long time to get here, but the love we share is once in a lifetime, worth every obstacle we’ve overcome. “I love you, pup.”

“I know,” I whisper back, and he interrupts the ceremony to kiss me.

In this life and the next, he’ll be mine, and I can’t wait to spend forever with him.