But we’ll face it together. As partners. As family.
For real this time.
EPILOGUE
LOCHLAN
SIX MONTHS LATER
Our actual weddingand reception in Santorini is small. Just family and a few close friends. But everything about it feels perfect.
The sun dips low on the horizon, glittering atop the rippling waves down below. A warm breeze whispers through my white linen suit. My brothers stand beside me, all of them, together for the first time in years without any bullshit hanging over us.
The only one missing is Reaper. One of my security consultants is watching him while we’re away. I know he’s bummed that we’re gone since he’s been glued to Adriana’s side ever since she agreed to marry me and moved back into the penthouse. But he’ll be excited to see us when we’re back, and to be part of the family we built on the most unlikely of circumstances.
The organ music starts.
Luna comes down the aisle first. She’s stunning, even as she shoots me a warning look that sayshurt my sister again and I’ll gut you. Fair enough. I give her a small nod.
Then, in a flash of white, Adriana appears at the end of the aisle looking more gorgeous than I’ve ever seen her. Her dressclings to every curve, her dark hair loosely curled around her shoulders.
She’s on her father’s arm. Francesco, standing straight and proud to move without a cane, walking his daughter down the aisle like he didn’t spend months recuperating. The stubborn bastard worked with a physical therapist to be ready for this moment.
But I barely register him. Because she’s all I can see.
Her dark eyes lock on me as she slowly makes her way down the aisle.
She’s smiling, so stunning that it takes my breath.
Francesco reaches me and places her hand in mine.
“Take care of her,” he says in a low voice.
“With my life.”
He nods, steps back, and sits next to his wife.
And then it’s just the two of us.
I don’t hear most of what the priest says because I’m so taken by my bride that all sound fizzles into white noise. I can’t take my eyes off of her… the way the light catches her face, the way the flecks of gold in her eyes glimmer, the smile on her face that tells me everything I need to know… that she is mine. Truly mine forever.
“Lochlan,” the priest says, jolting me from my thoughts.
Right. Time for the vows.
I clear my throat. “I had a whole speech prepared. I practiced it in the mirror over and over so I’d have it memorized.” That gets a few laughs. “But standing here, looking at you... I forgot all of it.”
Adriana giggles softly.
“So here’s what I know,” I say. “I know that I was originally supposed to marry you for business. For an alliance. For survival. And somewhere along the way, I fell so completely in love with you that I can’t remember what my life looked like before you were in it.”
Her eyes are wet with tears. At this point, so are mine.
“I know that I hurt you and almost lost you. I also know I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure that never happens again.” I squeeze her hand. “You’re it for me, Adriana. You’ve always been it. And I will spend every day proving I’m worthy of this second chance.”
She blinks fast. A tear slips down her cheek.
“Adriana,” the priest says.
