I never believed in the fortunes I’ve given, even if a lot of them did come true. I’ve always chalked it up to being able to read people and pull small pieces of information out of them.
If people are looking for love with an open heart, they are likely to find it. You can give a reading that helps to guide the person down the path they are already on, but they’re already on the path. I just nudge them to keep going or sometimes to turn back around. I’ve often felt like more of a counselor than anything.
I’ve been saying over and over that I came to Craven Cove for my daughter and to give her some stability, but what if the reality is I was doing it for myself too? I had Rory Crew in mind the whole time, but maybe I was unwilling to admit it out of fear. Now I’m giving myself a reading.
“To a degree I believe in fate. Fate gave me Apollo, and I also think fate pulled Shy toward us for a reason. With you, though, I wasn't waiting on fate to do its thing after I saw you.”
No he wasn't. He made it clear from the start he was coming for me.
“I need that. I might get all pissy when you push, but I need it.”
“I know. I’ll always fight for you, for us.”
“For all of us,” I agree.
When it comes to this family, Rory does whatever it takes. Shy is Apollo’s half-brother, and without a thought Rory is ready to bring him into our little family. To welcome him in so that Apollo can have a chance to be close to his half-brother if he chooses to.
“I will do whatever I have to for this family. And with that said, as much as I love our kids, it’s our time now. My first thought is going to be how something will affect you, but in that I know you’ll be thinking about our children. You’re a damn good mom, Anna.”
He always has such faith in me, even with my background.
”I did my best. I know not everything I did was right but—” My eyes sting with tears.
“Don’t. I’m not going to listen to that bullshit. You never hurt anyone, at least anyone that didn’t have it coming. All that is in the past, and how you protected you and our daughter is all that matters.”
“Rory.” There is no holding back the stupid tears because he is killing me.
“You’re a good mom, but I’d love it if you’d be my wife too.” He reaches into his pocket and takes out a ring. “I’ve been trying to find the right time, but I can’t wait anymore.”
“Don’t wait.” I lift my hand for him to put the ring on. “Rory! I’m going to hurt someone with this thing,” I laugh as he settles it onto my finger. “Of course I’ll marry you.”
“I wasn't really giving you a choice.” His smirk is unbelievably sexy.
“Don’t even think about taking me to the courthouse,” I tease. “As crazy as it sounds, I want to do this right. I want a wedding.” I never thought I’d say that in my life, but I want to celebrate this moment and I want my daughter and Apollo there.
“I want that too,” he agrees.
“Then you’re going to show me the world.”
He nods and tightens his hold on me. “I’ll show you anything as long as I’m by your side.”
“Good, because that’s right where I want you.”
Epilogue
Rory
A little while later…
“Think of this as a trial run,” I tell Apollo as he looks out the window to find Celeste.
“I’m counting down the days.” He looks back and smiles at me, and I can see the genuine love in his eyes.
“I’m so damn proud of you,” I tell him as I walk over and hug him close.
“Oh, Dad, you’re not going to get all sappy on me, are you?” he teases and hugs me back.
“Yes. It’s my wedding day, and I get to do whatever I want.”
“How is this different from any other day?”
When I pull back to look at him, he’s smiling. “Well, to be fair, it’s your mom's day, and she’s allowing me to participate when necessary.”
“You love it.” He squeezes my shoulder, and I nod.
“I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
There’s a knock on the door, and when I turn around, I see Shy entering the room wearing his matching tuxedo.
“Hey guys,” he says softly.
Our relationship is going slowly, but when I asked him to be a part of my wedding, he didn’t hesitate. He’s a good kid, and all he really needed was someone he could count on.
“You look almost as good as me,” Apollo teases as he goes over to the mirror and brushes back his hair.
“You wish.” Shy smirks as he leans against the wall and watches.
“According to the schedule, we’re right on time.” I flip through the next page and nod. “Looks like you two need to be at the front of the garden to greet guests, and I’m going to find my almost-wife for a sneaky squeeze.”
“TMI,” Apollo groans as he pats Shy on the shoulder. “Let’s get out of here before he makes us watch.”
“I’m right behind you,” Shy says, but just when he’s about to leave, I call his name. He turns around, and I smile as I walk over to where he’s at.
“It means so much to me that you’re a part of this today,” I say, and before he can protest, I pull him into a hug just the same as I did with Apollo. “Thank you.”
He’s silent for a beat, and then I feel him pat my back as he nods. “Thank you for asking me.”
When I let him go, Apollo is there watching the two of us. “I’m glad you’re here too,” he says and offers his fist out for a bump.
Shy does the same, and they walk out talking in low voices about something I can’t hear. I wouldn’t say they’re close yet, but they’re working on it. Like most things, time heals all wounds.
Once they’re gone, I sneak out into the hallway and tiptoe down the hall. When I get to the door that’s decorated in pink and white, I knock softly.
“Rory, that better not be you,” Anna says, and I smile to myself.
“I’ll close my eyes,” I promise, but we both know it’s bullshit.
“Liar.”
Without waiting for her to say okay, I open the door and then lock it quickly behind me. Instead of turning around, I face the door, trying my best to not look at her. “You didn’t actually think I could go all this time without seeing you?”
“It’s only been three hours!” I hear her stomp her foot, but I’m still facing the door.
“I need a kiss.”
“You’ll get your kiss at the altar,” she sasses.
“Now who's the liar?” The energy changes in the room, and suddenly it feels like electricity is rolling between us.
Slowly I turn around, giving her plenty of time to tell me to stop. We both knew this would happen, so there’s no use in fighting it.
I stand there for a moment, taking in my beautiful bride before I close the distance between us in two long strides.
“Anna,” I groan, pulling her body against me and leaning down to kiss her.