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“What about Milo?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t seen him in months,” he answers without blinking.
“Did you get a divorce so you could be with him?” I tilt my head toward Derek.
“Can you please stop guessing? Please let me explain,” he says with a gentle voice.
I nod.
He takes my hand and walks me to one of the barstools to sit.
“It’s been brought to my attention that you believe Milo is my son.” He looks at me. “And I’m guessing that’s why you ran away from the house when you were supposed to stay and wait for us.”
“You have a kid,” I mumble.
He shakes his head. “Nope. I don’t. You assumed, because years ago I was stupid, and I said I had a wife and a kid.”
“You did,” I confirm.
“It was truly stupid of me to say that when in reality all I wanted was you and Derek. The problem back then was that I couldn’t deal with my feelings toward the both of you. When I offered you a physical relationship, that was because that’s all I could handle, and then you rejected my proposition. So, it was easier for me to just push you away than to face it.”
He takes my hands. “Listen, on the outside I know you see him but I’m not him. I can’t promise to be your Archer. I can’t promise to remember everything that I watched and read over the past few days that made up your history. I can’t promise that it won’t be overwhelming at times. But I can promise that my heart beats for you. I’m here for you. I’m here asking you to get to know me. To give me another chance. To love me.”
I shake my head because this is what I wanted, but it’s impossible, isn’t it?
“Piper, please hear us out.” Derek walks closer. “I know you’re hurting and you’re just starting to heal. I was hurt too, butIneedyouto heal. You know I love you, but I felt I couldn’t compete with a ghost. I know this isn’t the future you envisioned but search your soul and reimagine the possibility—a new adventure to embark on together. We’re done running. We love you, and for this—us—to work, we need you.”
“I don’t think my heart will survive if this doesn’t work,” I say, my voice breaking on the words.
“You’ve seen the possibilities,” Finn’s voice is gentle. He takes both of my hands and places one on each of their chests. “Can you feel it? It has three heartbeats. Ours and yours, as one. You can’t just ignore that. We don’t need to place our hands on your heart to know that ours beat in sync. Our rhythm together is the musical score—you’re the melody that completes us.”
“But what if it doesn’t work?” I question, trying to fight the urge to say yes and give in to this chance.
One moment he smiles. In the next, he pulls me to him. My body presses against his big, powerful one. He tangles his fingers in my hair and gazes deeply into my eyes. “But what if it does?” he challenges, and then his lips press against mine.
He tastes familiar. I know this mouth, but it’s different from the one I kissed for the first time when I was fifteen. I should pull away, but when his tongue parts my lips, I surrender to him.
I let him take me as my arms slide around him, and I’m taken to a different galaxy with him. The world fades, but I feel Derek with us. I release one hand and search for Derek, who takes it immediately. I push myself away and look at him. “Why?” I ask. “Are we worth the risk? Aren’t you afraid that this will end like it has for you in the past?”
He stares at me knowingly.
“Why now?”
“Because I know this is love. Not infatuation. I love you both,” Derek answers and takes me into his arms. This kiss is freeing and distinct from the ones we’ve shared. I’m no longer waiting for a ghost and shielding my heart. As though having Finn bear witness to this experience, it’s allowing me to wholeheartedly embrace the chance at a future with them. He consumes me and I sink into him.
Finn’s arms snake around my waist and he kisses the back of my neck. “I’ll take this as a yes that you want to try,” he mumbles.
“Maybe. You might change your minds, you haven’t heard about my plans for the future. What if they don’t align with yours?” I rest my head on Derek’s chest and smile when Finn brushes his lips against his.
I can see they’ve finally gotten together and knowing that they’ve acknowledged their love for each other fills me with hope.
ChapterFifty-Nine
Piper
My parents areready to cover our shifts, but I can’t shake off the feeling of guilt. They’re always there for me, and I can’t help but think that I don’t deserve such amazing parents.
As we drive toward the rental, I feel a sense of dread wash over me. I know that Derek and Finn have feelings for each other, but I never expected them to act on it after all these years.
