Epilogue 2
Emma
It’s another one off that damned checklist. How that man keeps rewriting it I will never know.
You know the one, ladies. Where the man you love looks at you like you are the world.
That without you, they don’t exist. It’s the photograph I stared at for ages all those months ago.
Where Jude Greystone looked into the eyes of an unknown woman.
It triggered my determination to have that.
To experience it. To be the woman on the receiving end of it.
Well, I know that woman now. That woman is me. And he is not looking, he is staring. His eyes have an intensity about them, they sparkle. That photograph did not capture that. That little glint of sapphire blue and green that is only there for me. And my sons.
He has made me levitate on numerous occasions since we met, and today is no exception.
I float ethereally down the aisle, my sons the only things anchoring me to the ground.
The suit, however glorious, is just window dressing.
It’s the man inside that lights my world.
And to think I almost threw it all away.
I must make a panicked noise in my throat as I contemplate my crazy behaviour and dash to Ireland. Ollie, who looks so handsome in his suit, clutches my hand tighter.
“It’s all good, Mum. We’re here. Jude’s here. You look beautiful.” He smiles at me, so handsome at eighteen, I could burst with happiness.
I see Jude’s body move, but his eyes don’t leave mine. They’re full of promise, and promises. My heart rate notches up with every step he takes towards us.
“You look stunning, Lincoln.” The nickname he always calls me when he’s flirting flicks from his lips, and my insides melt.
He bends forwards and I’m hit with his scent—bergamot, sandalwood, and spice.
Oh the spice. His manly musk more potent than the fragrance.
He knows how gorgeous he is, and I can see he’s loving the effect he’s having on me, the sapphire twinkle flashing at me.
“I look at least fifteen,” Nathan states, preening like a peacock. He’s eight. “And James said I look the best.” He stands tall against his brothers, daring them to contradict him.
“You all look amazing.” I feel the hand on my hip, it’s like he’s blazing a trail over me. I love that he has this effect on me. “Let’s get you settled with the family.”
He places his hand on my back to usher me to the front pews. The boys all clamber in front of me.
“Emma.” He holds my hand, and gently pulls me towards him. His eyes close as he breathes me in. “My love.”
I can’t get any words out. I’m dazzled by him. I realise I have been since the first day I met him. I was just afraid. Afraid of him, but more afraid of myself. But I know that here, today, I am not afraid anymore.
“I’m here. We’re here. For you. For us all. I love you, Jude Greystone. Builder.” I smirk, and the boys chuckle at the reference to the list of jobs they only allowed in the house.
“Thank fuck I’m on that list. I better be at the top of it.” He grins as he kisses me. “In fact, there better be a list of one,” he states cockily, pointing to himself. I smile at his gorgeous face, lit up with love and joy.
“Jude Greystone.” I pull him towards me now, and hold his face in my hands. “Builder and company owner.” He smirks back at me and nods at the boys, winking at them. “You make the top of my list every time.”
Emma Lincoln’s Top Ten- the Divine Checklist
Looking at me from the altar of the church
Playing with my hands
Holding my face when he kisses me
Trapping me with both of his arms in the kitchen
Dancing, being held—that bloody picture
Walking on a beach at sunset
Standing with his hands in his pockets, waiting for me
Spatula
Cooking for me
Bare feet