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Epilogue
Shay
One week. Seven days. 168 hours. That’s how much time has passed since I’ve been free. I’ve spent the last seven days working on my personal training, my mental health, and my relationship with Clay. We’re meant to be together. Nothing but death will ever separate us again.
I’m walking across the compound parking lot with my walking sticks. Chris is right by my side. He’s been distracted lately, but he assured me that all is well with him. I won’t let it lie; he knows he can talk to me whenever he wants to.
“Lots of cars are here today,” I say.
“Clients,” Chris says quickly.
I nod, making sure I’m walking straight, because the least bit of uneven ground is making me unsteady.
“You want a coffee?” I ask.
“Sure.”
“Then you can tell me what has got you talking in one-word answers.”
Chris rolls his eyes and smiles. “We’ll see.”
Chris opens the house door and I walk in steadier than I have in what feels like forever. My next goal is to get rid of these damn sticks.
“Surprise.” The room erupts into cheers and laughter.
“What is this?” I look around my family, Clay’s family, Shawland Security, and even Josh’s mum and dad.
Arms circle around my waist and Chris elbow bumps me and walks forward toward the gathering of people.
“What are you up to, Clay Shawland?”
Clay turns me in his arms and places hands on my cheeks. “I’ve never loved another person as much as I love you. Finding out you were missing the first time crucified me, but the second time very nearly killed me. I can’t live without you, Short stuff. I don’t want to live another day without you by my side. I want to spend the rest of my life loving you, making memories, spending all the time we have together. I love you. I always have. I always will. Nothing will ever tear you away from me again. Shay, will you be my wife?”
Tears roll down my cheeks. Clay has never been the type to divulge his feelings, but since I’ve been back, he’s never let one moment go by without telling me how he feels, and I love him for that.
“What do you say, Short stuff?”
“Yes. Absolutely.” I’m lifted into his arms and thrown around in circles. The room erupts into cheers and wolf whistles.
“Disappointed, bro. You should have been down on one knee,” Caleb jokes.
Clay drops to one knee, takes out the box from his pocket and places a beautiful diamond on my finger. “I’ve never been the type to do things in the right order, but I’ll spend the rest of my life loving you.”
He stands up to his full height, kisses me softly, and rests his head against mine.
“I love you, Clay.”
“I love you too, babe.”
“You two make a stunning couple, but I can’t wait to see your beautiful babies.” Josh’s mom embraces me and Clay together.
“How is Josh? He still won’t see me.”
It kills me that Josh is pushing us away, but I’m happy he’s getting the help he needs in the hospital.
“He’s got a long road ahead of him, sweetheart. He’s only seen us once since he woke up. Don’t think it’s anything against you. He cares deeply about you.”
I squeeze her hand gently. “In the meantime, don’t forget where we are. I want to keep in touch with you.”
