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Draven threads his hand under my mass of curls, cups the back of my neck and drops his forehead to mine. "You win, Beauty. Always." He places a tender kiss on my lips, but I sense a shift, as though he's holding something back.
"What's on your mind?" Although I'm dying to run inside and share the news with Gretchen, there's no reason he should hold anything back. "You can tell me anything. You know that."
Draven blows out a breath while he gathers his thoughts. I love his sensitivity, and I have a feeling I know what's on his mind.
"Is this about my dad?"
Draven nods and makes a sound low in his throat.
"You are the sweetest man in the world, you know that?"
"I don't want you to have any regrets," he says, his voice soft.
"I don't have a single regret."
I wondered how long it would be before my dad came around begging for our forgiveness, but it didn't happen. At first, I was sad, but there's always a silver lining. As a result of being forced to stand up to him and defend my beliefs, I discovered new strength within myself, and I am grateful for that.
The moment my father insulted the love of my life without even trying to understand us, he forfeited his right to an opinion. Being loved and accepted by Draven healed my heart and helped me make peace with the past. Draven makes me so happy that the past is no longer important. I have a new home with people who care for me, my found family. I never knew I could be this happy. But Draven and Gretchen give me everything I need. The only thing that matters is the future we are working toward. The future we are building together.
Our family.
Epilogue One
Dahlia
FourYearsLater
Gretchen pokes her head over the edge of the colorful rope hammock, greeting me with a warm smile and a wave. “Hi, sweetie. How was work?”
“We were short-staffed at the clinic, so it was super busy, but nothing out of the ordinary happened, so overall, I’d say it was good.” I roll my shoulders and rub the back of my neck, working out the kinks as we speak.
“Staying busy makes the day fly.” She tips her head to one side and winks. She’s incredibly sweet.
“Did you have a good day?”
“We had a good day too.” She smiles warmly, her eyes sparkling with joy. “I do my best, but I’m not as young as I used to be,” she says, pressing her fingertips to her forehead. “The little ones have so much energy.”
I can tell by her bright smile how much she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. I'm so grateful she enjoys taking care of them. Since I don't want to miss watching them grow and change, I only work outside the home two days per week.
“I’ll head inside and get dinner started while you get some rest.” I am dying to see Draven, but Gretchen lifts her hand and calls out my name, and I remain rooted in place.
“Dahlia.” She pushes the sunglasses onto the top of her head, her eyes full of concern. “Another letter arrived today, and it’s addressed to you.”
Clutching my purse tighter, I take a deep breath and square my shoulders. “Are you going to read it, or would you like me to store it with the others?”
“Ah, I’d like to read it.”
“I left it on top of the pile of mail on the dining table.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.” There’s so much I want to say, but I hesitate, unsure where to start. Gretchen slides her glasses back down over her eyes. “Um, is Draven–”
“He’s in his office.”
“Is he still rehearsing his speech?”
Shaking her head, she can’t hide the proud smile on her face. “He hasn’t stopped all day. You know what he’s like. Such a perfectionist.”
“He’s nervous about the awards night, isn’t he?”
