Page 219 of True Blue

“I had thirty years with her,” he says, shrugging before winking at me. “Picked up a few things along the way.”

I can’t help but smile when I picture Teddy and Ellie through all the stages of his life. How she and Pop were the only positive guiding forces he had.

“I really miss her,” I say, my voice quiet.

Teddy’s arm tightens around my shoulders.

“Me too,” he whispers. “Do you want to visit her grave before we head to the airport tomorrow?”

I consider it as we keep walking. The last time I was there was the funeral, and for a second, I imagine bringing flowers to hers and Pop’s gravestones. Saying thank you and goodbye again.

Then I hear it.

And my head whips around to find the source of the very familiar laugh—completely carefree, unrestrained with the volume because joy should never be smothered.

Then, following it, a deep, throaty chuckle. I’ve never heard that laugh before, not in life, but somehow my chest warms like I already know who it belongs to.

Beside me, Teddy has gone still, his brow furrowing as he looks around too.

“I thought⁠—”

“Did you⁠—”

Teddy and I both stop when we realize we’re talking over each other and smile. He steps closer to me, pulling me back into his arms.

“No, I don’t need to,” I smile, shaking my head. “She’s not there anyway.”

“She’s here,” Teddy says, dipping his finger under the collar of my sweater and pulling out the chain that holds Pop’s ring.

I beam, doing the same to him and pulling his Nana’s ring out. “And here.”

“Always,” Teddy kisses my forehead. He wraps his arm around my shoulders and guides us back to the hotel. He pats the ring against his chest. “You know… this ring will look nice on your pretty finger one day.”

My heart stutters, and then my stomach flips in the best way.

I look up at him and smile. “Ditto.”

“Come on, honey, let me feed you,” Teddy grins ferally and leans closer to me, his voice dropping to a rumble. “And then I’ll eat.”

Giggling, I start pulling him with urgency back toward the hotel.

I’ve been pretty good at knowing when to leave. But I think I am even better at knowing when to stay.

I’m going to stay with my Teddy.

For the rest of our lives.

And ever after.

EPILOGUE

ONE YEAR LATER

“Please,” I beg, my voice grinding itself out of my throat. “Please, honey, please, please⁠—”

“Not yet,” Indie orders, her voice firm and unyielding.

A whine escapes my mouth as she rolls her hips, slow and steady and consistent in rhythm. Torture, this is torture, and there is a wide smile on my face as I gaze at the woman I love on top of me. She catches my look and smiles mid-moan, leaning back to rest her hands on my thighs, pressing her gorgeous breasts out.