EPILOGUE
SHAY
FOUR YEARS LATER
S weat drips down my face as the familiar sting of adrenaline pulses through my veins…
Four years ago, I didn’t know where I’d end up. Hell, I wasn’t even sure I’d be alive to see this day, but thanks to Dad, here I am. I’ve finally made it—I went pro.
After everything that happened with Blake, the wreckage it left, I somehow found a way to turn it all around.
I fought and clawed my way out of the darkness, but I didn’t do it alone.
Blair never let me give up. Not even when the guilt from what happened gnawed at me. She held on tight and never let go.
We’re stronger now. The love I feel for her is something I never even knew existed.
Four years later, we’ve built something unbreakable.
Even my dad and Sylvia came around. It wasn’t the easiest, but after everything we went through, they finally understood.
They accepted us for what we are. They see Blair has my heart, and I have hers.
The locker room door opens, and the sounds from the arena flood in. I turn to see who’s come in, and the moment I see her, my breath catches.
Her eyes lock onto mine instantly, and a smile tugs at her lips. Without a word, she closes the distance between us and brings her hands up to rest on my chest.
“Good luck out there.” She seals her words with a kiss.
Even now, over a thousand days later, her kiss still causes heat to dance across my entire body.
“You know,” I start. “You’re kind of like my lucky charm. Every time you’re near me, I feel completely invincible.”
Her smile widens, but I’m not done.
“I never want to lose that, so if I win tonight, you have to promise me something.”
She raises a brow. “Promise you something?”
I nod, the words coming out before I can stop them. “You gotta let me put a ring on your finger. You have to marry me.”
Her eyes widen for a split second, then soften. “Are you sure?”
“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”
She smiles again, pulling my face to hers so my lips are hovering above hers. “Then I promise. But only if you win.”
“I’ll win. For you. Always .”
Her lips press into mine one last time before the boom of the announcer spills over the speakers. I let my hold on her fall, then grab her hand and lead her out of the locker room. We walk down the hall together, this place much bigger than the gym in Saint Bipal.
When we make it to the ring, she turns and takes a seat in the front row next to Austin and Hannah as I fold myself between the ropes and slide into the ring.
“Ladies and gentlemen!” the announcer starts. “We have a fight tonight you won’t forget!”
I bounce lightly on my feet, jabbing into the air, and start getting my muscles pumping.
“In the right corner, standing tall at six foot two, weighing 215 pounds, Shay Cornell!”
I bounce to the center of the ring as the applause starts, then hold up my left hand. Locking eyes with Blair, I point to my ring finger, then wink.
After tonight, she’s mine forever. I’ll make sure of it.
THE END.