32. PARIS
VANESSA
While Paris goes to the nearest bar to get us fresh drinks, I walk to the edge of the reception area, where it’s much quieter and I can admire the view without interruptions.
The sun set a while ago, and since we’re far from the city, the stars are shining in the clear midnight-blue sky.
I take a deep breath and let a sense of peace wash over me.
Puck’s wedding is much better than the last one I attended.
For starters, I have no family around to create drama, and I’m not dealing with a recent trauma.
To be fair, it hasn’t been that long since Ryan assaulted me, but I’m in a much better place mentally, thanks to the support I received from my family, friends, and most important, Paris.
He’s been my rock, and the best boyfriend I could have wished for.
Ryan is free right now, waiting for his trial.
I was a mess when he was released from jail, but thanks to a huge campaign on social media spearheaded by Heather, we managed to get the asshole expelled from Rushmore.
It’s going to be a while before the case goes to court, but at least I don’t run the risk of bumping into him at school.
“A penny for your thoughts.” Paris returns to my side, holding two glasses of champagne.
I turn around and take one of the flutes from him. “I was just thinking about life in general and how lucky I am that you’re in mine.”
“No, I’m the lucky one because you gave me a second chance.”
“We were always meant to be together. Fate was just waiting for the right place and time to interfere.”
His brows furrow. “I’d have preferred to come back to you in a way where you didn’t have to suffer.”
“Hey, turn that frown upside down. Everything happens for a reason. If I had to go through Hell to get to you, then it was worth it.”
He sets his glass on the fence separating us from the twelve-foot drop and pulls me against his body. “I promise you’ll never have to go through it again, kitten.”
We both know that’s an impossible promise to keep. The road ahead of us isn’t yet clear of obstacles or monsters. I don’t call him on it, though.
I cup his cheek. “Even if another detour into Hell is in my future, it won’t be as daunting, because I know you’ll be with me. And even if, for whatever reason, you aren’t… in the darkness, I shall remember how your gaze brightened everything.”
Paris stares at me without saying a word. Yes, I quoted the poem I wrote for Cory, because it expresses exactly how I feel right now.
He captures my face between his hands and presses his forehead to mine.
“And I won’t be afraid, for I know you’re with me.” He recites the second verse, choking me up. “I love you, kitten. Always have, and always will.”
I kiss him then, while tears roll down my cheeks. Typical Paris, always making me bawl my eyes out.
He pulls back gently and wipes the moisture from my face. “Don’t cry, kitten.”
I look into those beautiful blue eyes and see the promise of a beautiful life together. “These are good tears, babe. Very good tears.”
Life won’t always be easy, but I know Paris will be there for me, come rain or shine. He was many of my firsts, and he’s now my forever.
** THE END **