Page 127 of The Addendum

I turned to face Luc, my future. He met my eyes with a gaze so filled will love and warmth, my heart almost exploded with the emotions I was feeling.

He leaned close and whispered to me. “Marry me now, love. I can’t wait another moment longer.”

I smiled. “Yes.”

* * *

The reception was in full swing. Pictures had been taken, dinner had been eaten, and dancing had commenced. I had been to many events, overseen hundreds. Not a single one held a candle to my wedding. This family knew how to party, and they loved to do so. I danced so much my feet hurt, and I had no choice but to take off my shoes. Luc watched me unbuckle them with a sad look on his face until I kissed him, promising to put them back on before we left.

“When is that going to be?” he asked, his voice raspy and sexy.

“Not for a while,” I admitted. “I’m having too much fun.”

He smiled. “I know. I love seeing you like this—happy, relaxed, and enjoying yourself.” He kissed me. “Enjoying being part of a family. A great one.”

“We both belong to them now.”

“I know. It’s awesome.”

I watched my sisters on the dance floor with their husbands. I had great relationships with all of them. Heather and I were friends who loved coffee and shopping trips. I enjoyed her artistic side and watching her create beautiful worlds around her. Penny was my go-to for gossip and laughs. She told the best stories, and I loved her funny side. Gracie and I were surprisingly the closest. We had bonded the day Kylie had almost choked, and our relationship was built on deep affection. I sought her out for advice, and she was a constant source of strength for me. We shared so many moments of friendship, I could no longer recall not having her in my life. We were truly sisters of the heart. I was blessed to have them all.

Gavin and Matthew were two of my favorite people on the planet. Gavin was calm and supportive, and I enjoyed our conversations. Matthew was a quiet pool of reflection—focused on his career and intense. Yet under the serious countenance, he was droll and funny. Caring and loving. We talked every week and were incredibly tight. It seemed right somehow that I ended up bonding the strongest with the eldest and youngest of Richard and Katy’s children.

My dad, Bentley, Aiden, and Maddox approached the microphone, waiting until the music stopped. Dad picked up the microphone, caught my eye, and winked.

“What is he up to?” I asked Luc. “He already made his speech.”

It had made me cry, even if he had kept it short the way he promised.

Luc tucked me to his side. “He has a surprise.”

“You know about this?”

“Maybe,” he teased. “Just listen.”

“So,” Dad began. “You all know who I am.”

There was a loud chorus of yeses and some cheers, which made him grin. “I’m Ashley’s father. I’m also father to Gracie, Heather, and Penny.”

He stopped, waiting, not disappointed when Gavin yelled out, “Hey!”

Dad chuckled. “And of course, Gavin and Matthew—my sons. But tonight, we’re celebrating Ashley and Luc.” He became serious. “I didn’t get to know Ashley growing up, but I’ve had the privilege of getting to know her these past months. Of learning who my daughter is and what an incredible woman she has grown up to be.” His gaze found mine once again, and he smiled. “I couldn’t make your dreams come true as a child, sweetheart, but I can make sure at least a few of them happen now.”

I frowned. What was he saying? He’d given me the gift of this wonderful wedding. I’d given up the fight and allowed him to pay off my student loans. I’d even accepted the new car he bought me. What else was he talking about?

Luc’s arm tightened around my waist.

“My friends, my family standing here beside me tonight, once saw a piece of land they fell in love with. The piece of land grew and changed until it became home for many of us here in this room. A place to find love and family. Friendship. A place where you’re always safe and welcome.”

My heart started to beat a little faster. Dad walked toward us, something shiny in his hand. He stopped in front of me.

“Thanks to the same friends, it is my greatest delight to gift to you and Luc the keys to your own house here in Port Albany, Ashley.”

I looked at the keys he pressed into my palm. “A house?” I squeaked. “For us?”

“It’s from all of us parents and grandparents.” He turned off the microphone and crouched down. “I couldn’t do that for you as a child, but I thought maybe you’d accept it now. Luc said you’d love it.”

I looked between the two men I loved the most. “I get to live in the BAM compound? For real?”