“I can. These are the things that matter the most, E,” he says, placing some folded up notes and cards atop the others I am separating from the photos. “I kept all of mine, too.”
“You did?”
“Yeah.” He offers me a half smile, “Everything you ever drew, wrote, colored, and made… everything you gave me from the day we met. I have it all. Right down to the handmade wrapping paper.”
“I didn’t know. I thought-“
“I get it, Princess. I didn’t expect you to do the same after everything that happened.” He runs a hand through his hair, shifting on the mattress. “I just… I don’t know… I wanted you to-“
“I did, too, Cos. Through everything, I loved you both. Separate but together. Even when you… yeah. I still kept it all. You were always part of me even when you weren’t.”
“Yeah?” He takes my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“Of course.” I smile softly, lifting up the next photo from Joshua’s collection. “For a couple of broken kids, we formed an awesome little family, Cos.” I show him the image of our group standing by the pool in our swimsuits, me sandwiched between him and Joshua. “As bad as things got, we still had some great times.”
Draping an arm around my shoulders, he pulls me closer to rest my head on his shoulder. “We got lucky.”
“Most of the rest of the time, we fought for it.” I sigh. “You think it will ever get easier? We aren’t finished fighting. Abel needs us.”
“I know.” He kisses my head. “But we’ll get through it. Let’s just enjoy the peace we have right now and leave the worry for tomorrow. Okay?”
“I like that plan, Cos. Remember this?” I ask, holding up another.
Photo after photo, year after year, and memory after memory, we spend the night in laughter and tears, remembering Joshua, keeping our past alive, and allowing the rest of the world to fade away. Together.
Tomorrow, we can worry, but tonight, nothing exists outside of this hospital room where the love between a fallen knight and his broken princess is finally worthy of a happy ending.
Epilogue
I smile at my reflection, turning from side to side, watching my dress swoosh around my feet. I breathe deeply, taking a moment to appreciate the silence before Jaxx comes to collect me.
Reaching for my shoes, I gasp when I see the Fendi box where my Manolo Blaniks should be. I rip off the lid, muffling a sob when I see the glitter covered pink heels and note inside. Taking a deep breath, I peel open the envelope and wipe away a tear as I begin to read.
‘Poppet,
I’m not a good man. I’m not even an okay man. Truth be told, I’m a monster. I have done horrible things. My soul is tainted, and my whole life, I wanted nothing but revenge. That is until you. The day we found you in that basement, my life changed. I fought it, pushing myself to do horrible things. I tried not to fall for your sweet little smile, but I failed. The problem is it’s not the only thing I failed at. I failed to keep you safe. I failed to put you first. I failed as a father. The men I employed did what I refused to do every day. Maybe that made me feel better about my actions. Maybe it was an excuse. Either way, it was wrong. Know this, Poppet. I do love you. My black heart is capable of love- imagine that. I want to be there, walking you down the aisle, but I know I don’t deserve that honor. I’m not better. I haven’t turned my life around. I am still the monster I was before. Only difference is that I am actually thinking of you first this time. I love you, Poppet, and I hope these shoes help you to believe that. I know how much you loved your first pair when you were nothing more than a tiny doll asking me to brush her hair. I will be watching. Be happy, Poppet. Go sparkle.
Love Remembers,
Daddy
“Oh Daddy,” I sob, clutching the letter to my chest.
“Ready, Munchkin? Costin is getting antsy; not sure he’s going to wait much longer for his bride.” Jaxx walks in. “Are you okay? What is it?”
I hand him the letter.
“He does love me.” I smile through my tears.
“He does. You forgive him?”
“Not yet, Jaxx, but this tells me that one day I might be able to.” I lean over, sliding my feet into the heels, and turn to the mirror, touching up my makeup.
“You look stunning, Munchkin.” Jaxx spins me into his chest, laughing, but goes silent when my body connects with his, and I place a hand on his chest.
“Jaxx?”
“I love you so much, Munchkin.” He smiles sadly then steps back. “Let’s get you to your fiancée, shall we?”
“Wait, Jaxx. I’m sorry.”
“No, Munchkin. Please, don’t be sorry. I don’t regret one second of my time with you.” He repeats my words to him, and I lean in, kissing his cheek.
“Me neither, Jaxx. You’ll always be my person.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” I hug him. “Forever and ever.”
“Come on you two. Time’s a wasting.” Abel pushes into the room, leaning slightly on a cane. He’s healing more every day, but not nearly fast enough for his liking. He is ready to find his daughter, and I don’t blame him. Thankfully, Jaxx needed something to occupy his time. It won’t be long now.
“Coming, big guy. You two ready?” I take each of their arms, walking from the room and to the beginning of the aisle. “Oh my,” I sob out, spotting Costin in his tux, staring back at me.
“First step, Darlin’. Let’s start your happy ever after. What do ya say?”
“Yesss!” I breathe out and place my glittery Fendi heel onto the pink carpet, taking my first step toward my Knight.
Costin
She comes into view, and everything stops. I can’t breathe. I can’t think. I can’t… wait. Fuck this. I storm down the aisle, meeting her halfway, and kiss her. “Mine.”
“Costin?” She gasps, looking up at me, smiling.
“You said no more waiting.” I lean over, sweeping her up into my arms, and carry her to the altar.
“Put me down.” She giggles.
“Never.” I laugh, kissing her forehead, cheek, nose, and finally her lips.
“Oh, so you’re just gonna hold me?”
“Always.” I smile at her.
“Always.” She nods. “I really like the sound of that.”
“Me too, Princess. Me too.”
The End… for now.
Keep reading for the prologue to
Severed Bonds
Prologue
6 Months from Now…
My heart races, and I stumble, coming to a locked door at the bottom of the steps. A dead end. I can hear them coming my way… feet pounding on the stairs, shouts echoing down the stairwell. Nowhere to run…Too many to fight… I need to hide.
I crouch in the darkened corner, trembling. Push it away. You can do it. Calm down. Breathe… focus… count… what’s true?