Page 66 of Fractured Hope

We shared the food around, and once our plates were full, Mama raised her glass. “To Sebastian! To his recovery, his strength, and his health.”

Everyone responded with “Hear! Hear!” as we clinked glasses and dug in.

Not long later, Yaya asked, “So, Seb, how’s physical therapy going? That boy seems too young to have graduated, let alone be a private contractor with the full ability to help you.” She ended with a click of her tongue.

I noticed color rise across Seb’s cheeks as he ducked his head. That was a weird response from him.

“Yaya,” Seb said with exasperation. “He just looks young. I already told you he’s fully qualified, and you’ve seen how much he’s helped me.”

“I think he pushes you too hard,” she rebutted.

“Yaya,” Seb groaned out. It seemed like this might be an ongoing argument between the two of them.

“That’s enough, Ma.” Kat intervened. “Seb’s happy with him, and he’s been helping, so let’s just enjoy our first family feast in months.”

“All right. All right. But I’m keeping an eye on him.” Yaya always had to have the last word.

We all went back to the feast and the conversations turned to happier things. I loved each and every one of my rambunctious family members and was so blessed with how perfectly Bodhi fit in with us. I hadn’t been looking for anyone, but I couldn’t be more grateful he’d stumbled,literally, into my life.

Even with the dangers we’d all faced, I was so lucky to have him. I watched Bodhi as laughter lit up his face. We were a loud bunch and he complimented us perfectly. I wrapped him up in a side hug and leaned in for a soft kiss. I knew I would be holding him close forever. Now that the danger was behind us, I was excited to see what our future held. I couldn’t wait to embrace it all with this amazing man beside me.

EPILOGUE

BODHI

We all enjoyedthe feast and celebration of having Seb home. I was shocked at how much his physical appearance had changed from the larger-than-life man I’d first met to now. I was still racked with guilt at my part in his injury, but time and time again, each and every Papadakis had reassured me it wasn’t my fault.

Seb had even called me into his hospital room after he heard about another panic attack I’d had when we’d found out the extent of his stroke paralysis. I couldn’t understand how I’d ever been afraid of him. Kindness radiated off the man. He really was a gentle giant and promised me he never blamed me or thought his situation was my fault. He said even if he’d known what was going to happen to him, he would have done it all again to save us. He was such a genuine soul.

At Atticus’s insistence and along with Kay’s help, I was finally seeing a therapist. I’d had a few appointments since Derek was charged. They’d given me coping mechanisms and had really helped me, more than I thought possible. I still found it hard to talk about my life with Derek and all I’d given up, or in his words, had had taken from me, but we were all moving forward.Kay had even helped me look into some online classes to see if I wanted to go back to school. The idea both excited and scared me.

After saying our goodbyes to everyone, Atticus drove us home.Home. That was another thing I was talking to my therapist about. My idea of home. I wasn’t used to good things happening to me and it had been a trying time to settle into my new life with Atticus, without the fear of attack from Derek. It had changed our dynamic a little, but Atticus was always patient with me and had even offered to come to therapy with me when I was ready.

We arrived home, and I was so lost in thought that Atticus had time to open the truck door for me and help me out, ever the gentleman.

“You okay?” he asked as he took my hand in his.

“Yeah, just thinking.”

“About anything in particular?”

“Just all we’ve been through. You and me, Seb, Lyric, and the rest of your family.” We paused at the front door, so I could look into his beautiful green eyes. “I love you, Atticus, and am so thankful for you and your family. I never thought I’d actually find someone I could trust completely, without question, and someone who would take me as I am. Baggage and all.”

Atticus pulled me into his arms and kissed the top of my head. “I’m so thankful you stumbled into my life. I love you, too, and will be here loving you for as long as you’ll have me.”

I stood up on my tippy toes to kiss his cheek. “How does forever sound?” I whispered.

A beaming smile crossed his face. “Forever sounds perfect.”

And with that final statement, we walked into the house, hand in hand.