Page 97 of Miss Treated

The sound of the doorbell had us stepping out of the room. Leo was already marching toward the door in protective mode. “Let me get it.”

Chapter Fifty-One

Kelsey

It was easy to accept Gerard’s apology as there was nothing but sincerity in his words. Watching Dominic and his dad make amends was touching. It was a great example of healthy family dynamics.

At the sound of the doorbell, I instantly tensed. Perhaps it would take a while before I didn’t cringe at the appearance of unexpected company, given the events of this morning. I still couldn’t believe how everything had happened.

We stepped out into the hall to see Sophia walk through the door. Only this wasn’t the Sophia I was used to seeing. Gone was the polish and edge from the office. In its place was a humble rendition of the woman I’d known. Her eyes were sad as she regarded her family.

Anna stepped in. “Why don’t we have a talk?” She ushered her sister into the guest room we’d just occupied, and Gerard followed them in. They were in there for a good thirty minutes before walking out.

Sophia came out first. After giving a soft smile to her daughter, who sat on the couch with Lady on her lap, she turned to find me. “I expressed my regret to Anna and Gerard, but I owe you an apology too, Kelsey. I was out of line yesterday. I have no excuse for my behavior. I only hope in time you might come to forgive me.”

Although Nic’s entire family was watching, and some of this could be for show, I hoped her remorse was authentic. “Thank you for your apology. It means a lot. I hope we can start over?”

She swallowed hard. “I would like that. I’d like to start over with everyone.” There were tears, and hugs, and more tears, but in all, this was a family who would forgive and learn how to get past it.

I accompanied my brother out to his car later to say goodbye. “Thank you for coming today. It meant a lot to have you here.”

“It’s clear how much you mean to Dominic and his family.”

“So no lecture on falling for my coworker?”

He chuckled. “It would be quite hypocritical to do so given I fell head over heels for my assistant. It’s good to see you happy.”

It was funny how I’d spent the last few months trying to convince others I’d be okay, but now—well, now I actually believed it myself. “I am happy. Thank you for all you did to get me here.” It was my brother who had fetched my things from Joel after the breakup, who’d gotten me into treatment, and who’d championed me all through the aftermath of the breakup.

He fought emotion as he hugged me tightly. “It’s what you do for people you love. Look forward to seeing you later this week.”

Later that night in Dominic’s arms, sated and entwined with his naked body, I realized I’d never felt so content or loved.

“At the risk of this question getting old, how are you doing?” he asked.

I smiled against his neck. “It feels weird to say, given what’s happened during the last forty-eight hours, but I’m happy.” I popped up on his chest. “I’m happy with you.”

He grinned. “I’m happy with you too. We’re a team. No matter what happens in the future, so long as I have you, nothing else matters.”

Funny. He’d taken the words right out of my mouth. I kissed him deeply. “Same. So after an embezzlement bombshell, a breakup, an attempted kidnapping, a makeup, and an apology from your aunt, what do you think comes next?”

He squeezed me tight. “We live happily ever after, of course.”

I grinned. “Of course.”

Ask a serious question. Get an incredible response.

Epilogue

Dominic

Glamping was my jam. Kelsey and I had done so a few times over the last year we’d been dating. It was the perfect way to get away from the daily grind. I strung the white lights like a web over the queen-sized bed in the middle of the large yurt, looking forward to her meeting me here and excited about the surprise I had planned.

“I thought the best man duties were supposed to concern the wedding, not the proposal,” Leo grumbled. He was untangling one of the strings while Gabe plugged in the other side.

“Keep complaining, and you’ll make it easy for me to choose which of you will be my best man,” I teased, knowing full well they’d both be my best men. But I’d use any excuse to pit them against one another.

“Maybe pick the one who is your boss,” Leo snapped back.