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Chapter twenty-seven

Hazel

“Damn, Gage. You did good,” Willow says, whistling as she holds my hand in front of her, admiring my ring.

“Thank you.” Gage smiles over at me. “Hazel seems to like it.”

I can’t help but laugh. “I honestly can’t stop staring at it.”

Astrid grabs my hand from Willow. “With good reason. So are you two going to have a real wedding now?”

“Our last wedding was real,” I reply.

“You know what I mean.” Astrid turns to Gage, who just shrugs.

“If that’s what Hazel wants, then we’ll make it happen.”

“I honestly don’t know. I mean, I love the idea, but I think I’d rather use that money for something else.”

Willow rolls her eyes. “In two months, you two are about to have over ten million dollars. I think you can afford it.”

I slap my hand to my forehead. “I honestly forget about that.”

Astrid laughs. “Damn. What a problem to have.”

My mother comes around the corner from the kitchen. “It’s almost time to eat, everyone.”

“So now that it’s official, I guess this means you won’t be playing on my team next week,” Dallas says, coming up behind us and slapping Gage on the back.

After Gage and I reunited, my brother and I had a long talk, one that Gage joined us for.

He apologized for inserting himself into our relationship, and assured us that he would back off now that things were settled.

I also asked him if he’d be willing to walk me down the aisle if we decided to have a wedding, which made him practically sob.

I still threatened revenge if he went back on his word because, honestly, I’m not sure he’ll be able to keep his nose out of my business—ever. But deep down, I know I’m lucky to have family that cares about my happiness. I wouldn’t be here in this moment if they didn’t.

My family gathers around the table for dinner, taking their usual seats.

Dallas, Willow, and Michael sit together, my nephew growing bigger by the day as well as my niece in Willow’s belly that will be here early next year.

Astrid, Penn, Bentley, and Lilly are next to them.

Parker and Cashlynn are at one end of the table, struggling to keep their hands off of each other.

And then right as I take a seat in my chair, my husband sits down next to me, kissing me on the top of my head as he does.

My husband .

I’ve found my person now.

My mother brings over the casserole dishes and then everyone settles in, dishing out their food and catching up on each other’s lives.

It’s a usual Sunday afternoon dinner in the Sheppard household, except it feels different too.

The past three years have been full of so much change. Losing my dad was one of the most painful moments of my life, but I also feel that through his death, all of us discovered things about ourselves.

Dallas opened himself up to love thanks to our father and was able to find peace in their tumultuous relationship while he grew up.

Penn finally started to live his life for himself and go after the woman he’d always wanted.

Parker let go of his need for perfection and realized that being alone wasn’t the best thing for him.

And I found Gage, but my dad also had his hand in that as well.

“This is really good, Catherine,” Gage says from beside me. “I swear, nothing you make disappoints.”

My mother smiles proudly. “Glad to hear it.”

“Look at this guy trying to be the new favorite son,” Parker says, gesturing to Gage with his fork.

Gage flips him the bird. “I’ll remember that when you want a discount on your tattoo.”

Penn wipes his mouth with his napkin. “Remember, I bought your aunt’s house, okay?”

Dallas clears his throat. “I…”

I point my knife at my oldest brother. “You meddled in my relationship, so don’t even bother trying to kiss my husband’s ass.”

All of the women laugh. “So is this what Gage has to look forward to now that he’s taken over CC Ink?” Willow asks.

Gage nods. “Apparently so.”

“Axel already left you the keys, huh?” Astrid asks, lifting her glass of water to her lips.

“He did. The paperwork for transfer of ownership is being drawn up and Timothy said we can sign in a few weeks. But he was ready.”

I r each over and rub Gage’s shoulder. “A lot has changed in the past few weeks, but in the best way.”

Gage wipes his mouth with his napkin and lifts his glass, holding his gaze on mine. “I know we’ve already started eating, but I’d like to propose a toast.”

Everyone grows silent as they reach for their glasses as well. I stare at my husband, curious with what he’s about to say.

He drifts his gaze to my family. “I just want to thank you, all of you, for welcoming me into your family.” His throat bobs as he swallows.

“As you know, mine is gone. But marrying Hazel has changed so much for me. Not only did I find the most incredible woman who puts up with my shit…” Everyone laughs.

“But through her I was given all of you. The Sheppard family—a group of people that love hard and protect each other no matter what. I’m proud to be a part of you now. ” He raises his glass. “So thank you.”

My mother wipes away her tears. “We’re honored to have you in our family too, Gage.”

“Here, here,” Penn says, smiling at Gage and me from the across the table.

“Well, now I feel like I need to say something,” Dallas chimes in.

I groan. “Do you really?”

“Come on, Hazelnut. You know it’s my duty as the oldest brother.”

“No one gave you that job except for you.”

Willow laughs, rubbing her growing belly. “Oh, Hazel. Just humor him.” She winks at me.

“Fine.”

Dallas raises his beer. “You know, I always knew that when Hazel got married I was going to have a hard time with it. I honestly never thought she’d find a man good enough for her.” My eyes start to water. “But so mehow, Dad knew what she needed.” He turns to Willow. “What I needed too.”

My mother sniffles from the end of the table.

“I think I can speak for everyone here when I say that I miss that man, more than I ever thought was possible. But I know he’s with us every day—watching over us, keeping us safe, and guiding us to where we’re supposed to be. And Gage?”

I turn to look at my husband who looks like he’s barely holding it together. His jaw is clenched so tight that he might crack a tooth, but the look in his eyes is one I’ve been seeing much more from him lately—gratitude.

“Our dad brought you into this family. Your aunt too. You belong here, and I’m proud to call you my brother.”

“Absolutely,” Parker adds.

“To Gage and Hazel!” Dallas cheers as everyone clinks their glasses together.

I lean into my husband and whisper, “You sure you want to be a part of this?”

“Absolutely, Spitfire. You and your family are my people now.”

Gage kisses me and, for a moment, I just take it all in.

My life and journey with love did not pan out the way I thought they would, but I wouldn’t change it for anything since it’s how I ended up here.And I guess what I’ve learned in all of this is that sometimes, somehow, somewhere, and someday , you realize that someone you love could know what’s best for you before you ever figure it out yourself.