Page 48

The ocean breeze ruffles the hem of my dress. The waves lap at the shore, a steady rhythm against the golden sand.

Walking down the wedding aisle as I stand out of sight from the guests is Allie, Talia, and Jessica, all dressed in beautiful pastel blue. All here as my bridesmaids to celebrate my marriage. The thought of my wedding day actually happening makes me teary eyed.

I look through the gauzy drapes and watch Talia’s proud and sassy head turn to the side, a smirk turning up her lips. The recipient of such a gaze? Kingston. I guess love—and lust—really is in the air today.

My eyes sweep the crowd again, landing on dear Olivia traipsing down the aisle and dropping flower petals in her sweet little way. My heart swells.

And standing at the edge of it all—

Is Grant, waiting for me.

My heart pounds, but not with nerves. Just awe. Even after everything—after the push and pull, the fights, the fear—he’s here.

He’s mine.

And I’m his.

Jake adjusts my veil. “Still time to change your mind,” he mutters.

I snort. “Not a chance.”

He grumbles something about old men and bad decisions, but when I look at him— His eyes are soft. Proud.

And yeah, he still thinks Grant is too damn old for me. But he also knows I’ve never been happier. My breath catches when Grant locks eyes with me.

Dark. Intense.

Like he’s seeing me for the first time all over again. Like he still can’t believe I’m real.

And God, the feeling is mutual. I take my first step forward.

Toward him.

Toward forever.

Truth is, it was never a choice.

It’s always been him.

I reach him.

Grant’s hand is warm, steady as he takes mine.

Like he’s always been meant to hold it. Like he always will.

His thumb sweeps over my knuckles. A small, intimate touch. But one that says everything.

“You ready for this, Flight?” he murmurs.

I grin. “You asking if I’m going to run?”

Grant’s lips twitch. “I know better by now.”

My heart stumbles. He’s right. I’m not running. Not from him. Not from this.

The officiant starts speaking.

But I barely hear it and all I can focus on is him.

The man who skated into my life and rewrote the play. Who changed everything. Who made me believe in something bigger than freedom. Because this? This is freedom.

Loving him.

Choosing him.

Every damn day.

When it’s time for vows, Grant’s voice is rough. Certain. Like this is the easiest thing he’s ever said.

“I love you, Flight. Now and always.”

I swallow hard.

Because, yeah.

Same.

Exactly the same.

The kiss is soft. Deep. But full of everything we’ve been through.

Every fight.

Every touch.

Every moment that led us here.

And when we finally pull apart, Grant murmurs against my lips—

“No takebacks, Flight.”

My smile is unstoppable. “Never.”

THE END