Chapter 26 #2
We had sent out the message last night about the press conference, explaining what was going on and why we were doing the press conference.
I had said that they didn’t need to show up if they didn’t want to.
That I would preserve anyone’s anonymity to the best of my ability if that’s what they chose. But they showed up.
Micah leaned against the building across the street. His dark eyes met mine in silent acknowledgement. I recognized the people standing in front of him as other members of his team: Jasper, Wilder, and Finn.
Imani, one of our safe house managers, stood near the third row and gave me a small nod when our eyes met.
Several others were interspersed in the crowd.
All of them gave me some small acknowledgement.
The composure I was trying to keep threatened to slip again.
They had shown up. Shown up for me and the organization we had built.
I dug my nails into my palm harder and stepped back up to the podium as Izzy left. I took a deep breath and blew it out.
“Thank you all for coming. I would like to invite you into this beautiful building, Merrywood’s headquarters, behind me for some light refreshments and to learn more about our organization.”
The reporters called out questions, and Donna moved to the front to field them with Izzy. “Thank you.” I held out my hand for Mercer to take.
“My pleasure.” He shook my hand. “Happy to help. Any progress on the other thing?” he asked carefully, aware we were still in view of the cameras.
“Progressing,” I said honestly. “Hope to have something for you soon.”
“I look forward to working together.” He nodded. “And I would welcome the opportunity to work with you in the future.”
My eyebrows rose slightly. Working with SID in an official capacity would help legitimatize Merrywood and provide the Archers with some additional protections.
“I’m sure we’ll have many opportunities to do so.”
He nodded and exited the stage. He stopped by Dominic, saying something to him I couldn’t hear.
Dominic’s eyes met mine, and he nodded at whatever Mercer was saying.
Before I could move towards the guys, Donna swept me inside, welcoming the crowd with us.
She guided me from group to group, talking to reporters and potential donors alike.
She made it look effortless as she collected business cards and contact information like it was currency.
When she saw I was flagging, she deposited me next to the food and drinks table.
I watched with silent amusement as she continued to work the room.
Izzy was deep in conversation with two women I didn’t recognize.
Their expressions were serious. I vaguely recognized one of them as a financial advisor featured in a previous edition of a popular city magazine.
Reporters mingled in the room, talking to everyone.
I saw a few Archers talking to some reporters, and from the bits of conversation I heard, sharing their stories with the Archers or Merrywood.
It would always be the Archers to me. The name Danny had jokingly suggested had stuck and become part of my identity.
But Merrywood was a new chapter. A chance to help even more people in this city.
I was looking forward to seeing what it brought.
Drake was still out there. The press conference had been a good first step, but we weren’t out of the woods yet.
I had no doubt he was planning his next move.
But I could let myself enjoy this for a moment.
Enjoy what I had built, what we had built from nothing to this.
My guys all found me one by one. Sebastian found me first. My slightly unhinged golden retriever presented me with treats from the refreshment table, eyes flashing warmly when I took a bite of the food.
Adrian and Marcus brushed against me gently as they took up positions behind me.
They always had my back. Adrian, since he first knew my secret, had been my silent protector and advocate.
Marcus, although the road was rocky for us to get here, his devotion felt absolute.
Merrywood wouldn’t have existed without him, and I squeezed his hand slightly as he passed by.
Dominic joined me at my other side, fingers brushing against mine as his steady presence blocked out the rest of the world.
He had been fighting for justice his whole life and had stepped into this fight willingly at my side.
Alexander stopped in front of me, blocking me from the room.
He helped shoulder my burdens and shared the weight of leadership with me in ways the others didn’t.
Each of them was so important to me, and the pressure to tell them how much tumbled past my lips.
“I love you. All of you,” I said quickly, the words spilling out of me. “I know it’s fast, maybe too fast, but I had to tell you. I’ve never…I’ve never had this before and honestly never dreamt I would, but I do. I love you so much it scares me how much.”
The guys closed in around me as Alexander cupped my cheek. “You never have to be scared with us,” he murmured, his voice soft but his words steady. “I love you, and I’ll always be there to catch you.”
“Too fast?” Sebastian asked, nuzzling my temple. “Evie, I’ve been in love with you since the day we met. You’re it for me.”
“Same,” Marcus said.
Alexander let go of my cheek so I could turn to face Marcus. “I know we didn’t have the smoothest start, but I’m all in. All the way. I love you.” He kissed me quickly, all of us aware we were in public, although it sounded like Izzy and Donna were starting to usher people out.
“I loved you before I even met you,” Adrian said. “You saved my mom.” His voice was thick with emotion. “And then I met you in person, and I fell even harder. You’re amazing, and I can’t imagine going through life without you.” He brushed a gentle kiss across my lips, then turned me to Dominic.
Dominic placed his hands on my hips, drawing me closer but still protecting me from the room.
“I’ve been fighting for justice my whole life,” he murmured.
“And then I stumbled across this amazing woman who had built an incredible organization that served the justice that I had fought my whole life for. I have treasured every moment I have gotten to spend with you, and maybe it is fast, but I think when you’ve been in this life like we have for so long, we know that nothing is guaranteed.
We have to seize every moment as it comes, and I’m seizing this one.
I love you, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. ”
Tears rolled down my cheeks, and I was grateful that it sounded like the room had emptied.
“I love you all. So much,” I said again. “Let’s go home.”