Epilogue
Epilogue
brYNLEE
Four months later.
“ I 've always known this day would come. I'd get to watch Bryn walk down the aisle, say I do, and kiss the love of her life.” Tears stream down my face. “What I didn’t know ten years ago, five years ago, hell, even six months ago, was how important Bryn would become in my life. Why she’s the rock, and I’m the hard place.”
I try to open my mouth and tell Chelsea to stop, but she keeps going. “I’m the screwup in the family. I failed her, not the other way around. Bryn, Logan, Hunter, they saved me, and that’s why today is twice as special. Not only are Logan and Brynlee vowing their life together, but they’ve given me back their trust in a way I don’t think anybody else ever could or would.” I’m crying so hard I’m shaking as I listen to my maid of honor, my big sister, my best friend, tell the world she isn’t perfect, but she’s striving for more. “To Bryn and Logan, may you have all the happiness, a bunch of babies, and every drop of love you both deserve!”
I can’t hold back anymore as I rush to her side. “I love you, Chels.”
“Love you back, Bryn. Thank you for giving me a second chance.”
I almost wasn’t strong enough to go through with Logan’s threats four months ago. But the best decision we ever made was forcing Chels into rehab with the promise that we would take Hunter away from her if she didn’t go.
Logan was right, though, she fought it every step of the way until about a month into her three-month program when she saw Hunter for the first time. He was miserable, terrified, and had no desire to see her at first. When Chelsea noticed us sitting at a table waiting for her in the reception room of the facility, the tears on her son's face, and me trying to reassure him, she broke down. Dropped to her knees and cried until her throat was so tight, she could barely breathe.
Fear of losing someone you love is a great motivator. And she has thanked us every day since then. Hunter will continue to live with us until she meets her "one-year" sober anniversary—a choice she made on her own. Acknowledging that the possibility of relapse is always present, my sister wanted to be as strong as she could be to take care of him the way he deserves.
That decision was the first of many that earned her our trust. Conceding to one’s faults is a redeeming quality. Since then, she has found a stable job as a secretary to Logan’s lawyer. He’s also a believer in second chances.
“Mind if I steal my wife from you?” Logan kisses the side of my neck as he plasters his front to my back, wrapping his arms around my belly.
“She’s all yours, Lo.” Pulling me to the dance floor, Logan holds me as tight as my baby bump will allow as he holds onto my hips to sway us.
“Mrs. Brynlee Dawson are the three most beautiful words I’ve ever heard.”
“They do sound wonderful together,” I murmur as I lean my head against his heart, listening to the steady beat. One song turns into two, and two to three, and soon, it’s been eight songs, and my feet are killing me.
I’m about to ask to sit down when we’re interrupted. “May I?” Logan hands me off without question.
“I’m so proud of you, Brynlee. Even when I didn’t show it, made the wrong decisions, and pushed you further away when I should have been pulling you closer, you have made me a very proud father with your strength and choices.”
“Thank you, Daddy. I’m so happy we were able to mend our family. Today wouldn’t have been the same without you and Chelsea here. I’m proud of you both for putting family first.”
“It’s all because of you, sweetheart.” Kissing my forehead, he hands me off again, this time to two of my favorite younger men.
“Well, boys, is this what you envisioned all those months ago?” I raise a brow at Carter and Hunter when they share a look and grin.
Leaning forward, I kiss them both on the cheek. “I love you guys. Thank you,” I say before walking over to Logan, where he’s waiting with a refreshing glass of water and a chair with a stool for my feet.
“You are a good man, Logan Dawson.” Cupping his cheek with my hand, I kiss his lips before my body forces me to sit.
As I stare around the room, family and friends dancing, laughing, and having fun, I couldn’t be more grateful for all the hardships I had to wade through to get here. Even when my father was a stubborn ass, he came through when it counted and told us to marry whenever we wanted.
My birthday passed a week ago, and my trust fund was split four ways. Between Carter, Hunter, the baby I’m carrying now, and a future child. Chelsea lives in my old condo, and Dad and Logan give her a monthly allowance beyond what she makes so she’s able to not only pay all of her bills but save her money for hers and Hunter's futures as well.
Four months ago, I was a petrified woman being forced into a corner, now, I’m overwhelmed with happiness, and our futures are remarkably bright.
I couldn’t be more grateful for how things turned out, and I look forward to whatever is yet to come.
The End!