Page 136 of Try Hard

I tapped the note against her knee. “Shall we check it’s not a declaration of love?”

She laughed lightly. “Sounds good.”

“‘Eve,’” I read in a whisper so only Ophelia could hear me, “‘I’m deeply sorry for my behaviour towards both you and Fia. I’ve seen what you’ve both gone through on social media lately and I don’t want to be just another one of those loud, mean voices. I hope you’ll both be happy together and that you get to enjoy the day. I’ll keep my distance. Sorry again, Sammy.’”

“Not terrible,” Ophelia said with a shrug.

“Yeah. I don’t think we’ll be staying in touch or becoming friends, but I appreciate that she reached out. Hopefully she’ll find happiness.”

“That’s all you want for literally everyone.”

“Incorrect. Anyone still complaining about me being with you is firmly on my shit list.”

“First a murder list, now, a shit list. Rohanna’s going to be scandalised.” She kept her voice light, but I could see the gratitude in her expression, how touched she was to be truly loved, to have someone in her corner.

It still broke my heart that she’d never had that in a relationship before. She’d always deserved so much more than she’d been given.

“She’ll live,” I replied, knowing the joke was what Ophelia needed.

“Now, why don’t you tell me about the interior design of this place until it’s showtime?”

I wrapped one arm around her, pulling her close. “You don’t have to ask me twice… but, how about I trade you?”

“For?”

I grinned widely. “That middle name I still can’t seem to place.”

She laughed as the fingers of her free hand danced across my knee. “Right. That.”

“Mm, yes. You know, just so I’m clear on what name will be said when your wedding day rolls around.”

“I’m sure that’s all it is,” she laughed. “It’s—and remember that I warned you you’d definitely think it was a fairytale name—Guinevere.”

“Ophelia Guinevere Pendrick,” I sighed. “You really are magic.”

“Hm, no. If either of us was written to be the perfect romantic hero, it’s all you.” She kissed me, slow and easy and besotted. “Now, tell me about this room.”

And, so, I did. Our conversation was interspersed with greeting other guests who stopped by to chat until the energy in the room changed, everyone finding their seats, their places, and a string quartet filled the room with music.

We stood together, Ophelia’s fingers laced with mine, and watched Kim walk the aisle. It was a beautiful but a long walk given the many guests. I wasn’t sure I’d have the same patience as Kieran and Kim. When the time came, I was certain I’d want to bolt down the aisle towards Ophelia. How Kim was keeping her steady pace, I had no idea.

“Would you marry me in a place like this?” I whispered into Ophelia’s ear once Kim had passed us.

She bit down on a smile. “Of course, but I’d marry you on a rugby pitch, so I’m not sure that’s saying much.”

My stomach, brain, and chest all felt like they had fireworks exploding in them. “How about our old science classroom?”

“Yes, Archer. And the place is still standing, so that is, technically, an option.”

“That parking lot at Gatwick where I tried to guess your dad’s car?”

“Any place, any time, Eve. You and me.”

I kissed the back of her hand as we watched Kim make it to the front of the room, Kieran stepping up to take her hand. They looked so happy, every bit as happy as I felt with Ophelia. And I knew the moment we stood together in front of an officiant, ready to say our vows, I’d be even happier—the happiest version of the happiest person in the world. Because Ophelia Pendrick made me that.

The service started and Ophelia’s eyes found mine like we were already vowing those things to each other.

More than two decades of loving her, so many more to come, and the profound feeling that she was just as happy about that as I was. Complete and utter bliss.