Epilogue
EAMON
TWO MONTHS LATER
There’s a myth that weddings are for the bride, but I’d go twelve rounds with anyone who says today isn’t about me. Or, more specifically, about the fact that I somehow managed to convince Deirdre Quinn to marry me. And if that isn’t a fucking miracle, I don’t know what is.
The resort we chose is exactly right for our wedding. No crowds, no distractions, just the two of us and our best friends gathered for our private ceremony.
The gardens sweep down toward a ribbon of turquoise water so clear that the bright white sand at the bottom glows up at us.
Everywhere I look, green explodes into wildness—leaves and petals thick in the salty breeze, the awning above us snapping and rippling with every gust of wind and sunbeam.
There are flowers all around, but I only have eyes for Deirdre.
She’s standing at the far end of the aisle, bouquet in one hand, the other curled tightly around Nathan’s arm.
Holy shit. She’s a goddess, all wild curls and attitude, her caramel hair tumbling over her bare shoulders. Roni goes first, walking slowly and carefully down the sandy pathway, then Dee and Nathan follow.
Dee’s dress is white, simple, and curve-hugging, revealing just a tiny hint of shimmer when she moves. Her hair is wild and windblown, caramel curls everywhere, and bold, silver jewelry adorns her throat. When her eyes lock on mine, she grins, all attitude and promise.
Nathan smirks as they reach me. “You deserve this, Eamon.”
“I don’t deserve her, but I’m going to make sure she never realizes that.”
Nathan snorts. “Join the club, buddy.” Then he claps me on the back, hard enough to rattle my teeth. “We’re lucky bastards, so let’s not question it.”
The ceremony itself passes in a flash. The officiant says some words about love and partnership and adventure, but I only have ears for Dee.
Her vows are short and sharp, just like her, and she delivers them with a straight face.
“I promise to call you on your bullshit, to keep you in line, and to love you even when you’re impossible.
Which is always. You’re my person, Eamon. Full stop.”
I can’t top that, so I just tell her the truth.
“I promise to be yours, to protect you, and to never let you go. You’re everything, Sunshine. Everything.”
The rings are simple. She slips mine on with shaking hands, and when I put hers on, I feel like I’m able to breathe fully for the first time in my life.
“You may kiss your bride,” the officiant says, but my lips are already covering hers. She grabs the back of my neck, and my mind shuts the fuck down.
When we finally break apart, Dee beams up at me, and I swear, she’s brighter than the sun.
Fuck me, I’m the luckiest bastard on the planet.
I can’t even take my eyes off of her. Not for a second.
She’s all wild hair, golden skin, and a smile so bright it could get a guy drunk.
I grip her waist, can’t help myself, and tug her right up against me.
For a second, I forget the rest of the world even exists.
It’s just us. My hands in her hair, her mouth on mine, and the taste of her tongue, sweet and sharp, as she kisses me like she owns me.
She does.
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