Page 88 of The Fallen
“We’ve not had a chance to catch up, Neve. But I’m so glad you went with the dress. You look stunning.” My cheeks heat at her comment, especially next to her. She was insistent that I try a far sexier dress than I’d ever usually wear. Noah has certainly helped me find my inner confidence.
“Yes, thank you for turning my sister into a temptress,” Landon scolds, but I can hear he’s not serious.
“Oh, don’t be such a spoilsport,” Willow says as she wraps her arm around him, and that’s when I see it.
“Is that ...?” I reach for her hand to examine the rock on her finger.
She wiggles her fingers, and the diamond nearly blinds me. “Wow. Congratulations.” My heart expands with genuine happiness for them. Willow has been so good for Landon. She’s grounded him and kept him in check. They couldn’t be a more perfect match, despite what initial appearances would have you believe.
“Have you told anyone?”
“No. This is Seffi’s day,” Landon states. “We’ll announce it when we’re ready.”
He looks at Willow, and for a moment, I see the love between them. With Blake and even Scott, it’s evident that the sun rises and sets with Ivy and Seffi. Landon keeps his emotions closer to his chest. Like Noah in some ways. But there’s no doubt that he’d do anything for the woman standing next to him.
Emotion chokes in my throat, and I suddenly can’t get enough of staring at my shoes.
“We’ll see you soon.” Landon heads back into the main hall, but Willow gives me a cheeky smile and waves to me, putting her finger up to her lips in a shhh sign. My smile combats the mist of tears, and I dab under my eyes before I get too emotional.
“Another wedding?” Noah asks as we head out of the Château and around the side to where he parked our car.
“Relax. I’m not expecting a proposal, Noah. I love the life we’ve started.”
It took a little while for me and Noah to find a balance in our relationship. It helps that I work for myself now, with contracts with several multinationals doing what I’ve always done. Just on my own schedule for once.
His door slams as he slides in beside me, and he waits for a minute before starting the car. “I would, you know. With you. Not like this, but in case you were wondering. You as my wife is something I want, princess.”
“Marriage?” I squeak. I remember how shocked I was when he first told me he loved me. I’ve only heard those words one other time.
“One day. Family’s the only important thing to me. You’re my family. You and Stefan.”
“You’d be related to my brother.” Noah still works for Landon. The extent of what he does, I don’t ask. It’s an unwritten rule between us, and I have to trust Noah wouldn’t do something too stupid. Or that Landon wouldn’t ask.
“Acceptable.”
“How romantic of you,” I tease.
We drive down to the exit and into the night, heading for home and a future that’s, hopefully, not plagued with fear and worries. We’re all complete now - held together by love and respect, rather than obligation to family. Our own choices have been made, some controversial, some what we’d never have ever imagined for one another, but regardless of all of the struggles, we’re happy. No more secrets or lies. Each one of us has a path to follow.
We’re living our lives with love guiding us.
What more could we want?
THE END