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“It has been a pretty damn good day.”
Her smile grew brighter, and she gripped his shirt, dragging him back down for another kiss.
Epilogue
Asmile builton Vivienne’s face as she looked around the table. She and Iron had joined Bill and Lilly and Milo and Ezra for Thanksgiving.
Shortly after Scott had tried to abduct her, Milo and Ezra visited them in Virginia Beach and stayed with them for two days. Watching Iron and his brother reconnect was just as nice as getting to know Ezra and all the things they had in common. He was also thrust into modeling at a young age and struggled to leave their careers. He, too, was estranged from his parents, because they didn’t accept his lifestyle or the man he loved. The two of them had become fast friends and frequently talked on the phone or texted. As much as she loved the friends she met through Hannah, it was nice to know she could form strong bonds on her own as well. Added to that, Red and Sully had returned to the country with Thalia.
Their first stop had been Virginia Beach. They both cried as Thalia told her story about how she came to be employed with Vivienne’s family. Both women planned to testify against the Day patriarchs at their upcoming trial. When it was time for Red to return to his base in California, though, Thalia had decided to go with him. As much as she’d hoped Thalia would stay close, she understood her connection with Red, and they still video chatted every day. She was thankful Thalia had Red’s friendship and loyalty. Her bond with Hannah and Collin was growing strong, and she’d started volunteering so often in Collin’s classroom that they offered her a paid position as a teaching assistant. She never imagined a job could give her so much joy and satisfaction.
Lilly’s laughter rang around the table as she responded to something Iron had said before she passed him the butternut squash. Vivienne had eaten every delicious food on the Holt’s table from turkey to mashed potatoes and glazed carrots. She was full, content, and so happy with the life she was developing for herself. She linked her hand with Iron’s on the table and he angled his chin toward her, a full-fledged smile transforming his face. The wind rushed out of her. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever get used to all the beauty that was Iron’s unrestrained grin. Her pulse ticked up as he leaned in and kissed her forehead.
“I love you, Vee.” Those words, paired with the expression of joy and gratitude on his face made her heart expand.
“I love you too.” She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
Suddenly he pushed his chair back, rose, and cleared his throat. “I have something to say.” The room instantly went silent. “I haven’t been the best son or brother. You didn’t deserve the way that I cut you out of my life. The physical and emotional pain I was facing seemed so bleak, I didn’t want the people I love most in the world to experience it right along with me.
“Then I met someone pretty smart.” Iron turned to Vee and smiled. “Who told me I was punishing you as much as myself. She reminded me I had a family who loved me. I know words can’t fix everything, but I’m sorry for every minute of anguish I caused. Thank you for giving me a second chance. Thank you for always being there for me when I needed it most.”
Vivienne’s heart started racing when Iron turned to her and kneeled at the side of her chair. “Vee, your compassion helped piece together what was broken. Only you, the woman I love and adore, could do that. You brought light back into my life. A sense of peace and happiness I never thought I’d find again. I never want to let you go. I want you to be my partner, my best friend, and my wife, always.” Iron removed a box from his pocket and opened it to reveal the glimmering ring. “Vee, marry me?”
“I haven’t had the opportunity to make many decisions in my life, but I know this will be one of the easiest and best choices I ever make.” She placed her hand against Iron’s face. “You’ve given me your honesty, encouragement, and love. Made me recognize the strength and goodness my life had been missing.”
Taking back her independence had brought many beautiful things into her life, but the man on one knee before her, who had faced unimaginable physical and emotional pain yet still dedicated himself to others, was the person she wanted in her life. A decision she would make over and over again.
A smile lifted the corner of Iron’s lips. “Is that a yes?” His brows raised in question.
“Yes.” She smiled, framing Iron’s face with her hands and kissed him soundly while the rest of the table cheered them on. She closed her eyes, absorbing the joy, the family, and the love surrounding her.
The End