“I know,” I sob, watching as Keven strides toward us, escorting Dan in handcuffs. Agent Cunningham—Sinead—has a hold of Dan’s other arm, and they are both steadfastly hauling him forward as he tries to wriggle free. “It’s just … it’s over. It’s finally over.”
Ky nods, smiling. “I knew Keven would deliver. He never lets us down.”
“No, he doesn’t,” Kade says, standing beside us with Eva nestled in his arms.
We reach for each other at the same time, linking hands, and I know, in this moment, that our experience today has bonded us forever. We look at one another, both conveying so much with our eyes, and we subtly nod in agreement. The guys don’t need to know the shit that went on back there. It will be our secret to keep.
A round of applause breaks out as Keven and Sinead bring Dan forward, handing him over to the local FBI for processing. Dan pins me with a chilling look, opening his mouth to say something, when Keven steps in front of him, blocking his view of me. “You don’t get to look at her or speak to her ever again.”
“You’re welcome to the cunt,” he says. “But enjoy her, because you won’t have long.” Kev roughly shoves him into the back of an SUV as all the tiny hairs lift on the back of my neck, and a shudder works its way through me.
“C’mere, baby.” Keven slides me into his arms, nodding his thanks to Brad. The family disperses, giving us some alone time. He presses his forehead to mine. “The plane journey seemed to take hours, and I never thought we’d get here. I was terrified, baby. If anything had happened to you …”
“I’m okay, and I knew you would come.” I offer him a soft smile. “I knew you were tracking me and that you’d get here as soon as you could.”
“I was so scared I wouldn’t reach you in time. I never want to go through that again.” Keven caresses my cheek while examining my face. “Did he hurt you?”
I shake my head. “No. He tried to intimidate me, and I was scared, but he didn’t hurt me.”
“You’d tell me if he … if any of them did anything to you, right?”
I nod. “He didn’t hurt me because he was planning on using me for leverage with you. He thought you’d agree to be his FBI bitch if he handed me back.”
Kev blinks repeatedly. “He’s one crazy motherfucker. I was so fucking tempted to put a bullet through his skull when he ran off, but I meant what I said before. He deserves to be punished for his crimes. Death would be too easy.”
“There was a girl,” I say, and I proceed to tell him what went down. He takes me with him, and we talk to the local FBI guy in charge. He confirms they found ten other girls locked up in one of the back rooms, and then he takes details from me and Eva in relation to the men who left with that poor, terrorized girl.
All I want to do is go home, take a shower, clean up, and snuggle in bed with my man, but there are procedures to follow first, like formal statements and medical examinations. It’s past midnight when we are finally in the air on our way back to Boston. I insisted we let Kade and Eva take the only bedroom on board, so Kev and I are lying facing one another in the main cabin with our chairs reclined fully and comfy blankets thrown over us. Brad is snoring his head off across the way, and Kyler is in the cockpit, keeping his dad company.
“Thank you for coming to get me,” I whisper, lifting my hand and running it across the stubble on his face.
“I will always come for you, Cheryl. Always.” He kisses me softly. “You never have to doubt that.”
“I don’t, Kev. I have zero doubts where we’re concerned. No one has ever loved me the way you do.”
His kiss is more insistent this time. “And no one else ever will,” he whispers over my mouth. “Because it’s you and me forever. There’s nothing standing in our way now.”
“I like the sound of that,” I whisper back with tears gleaning in my eyes.
“Me too.” He pulls my head into his warm chest. “Now sleep, honey. And when you wake up, I’ll be right here. Like I plan to be every single day. With my arms wrapped around you. Hugging you close because you are my heart, my life, my whole world.”
Epilogue
August
Cheryl
“You may now kiss the bride,” the celebrant says, amid whoops and hollers from the small assembled crowd. Kyler and Faye rented the entire castle and the grounds for the weekend so they could have a completely private wedding without any unwelcome media intrusion. Guests were limited to family and close friends, and apart from immediate family, no one knew the details of the venue until they rocked up to the Kennedy house in Wellesley to be transported here. I didn’t think such a place existed in Massachusetts, but Faye said they found several similar venues in the state before settling on the Brookline venue.
It’s worked like a dream and, so far, the day has gone without a hitch.
I dab at my eyes as Kyler lifts Faye’s veil and tenderly cups her face before drawing her into him for a very long, very slow, extremely passionate kiss. Faye throws her arms around his neck, clinging to him like he’s her life support, and my heart swells in my chest. I just love seeing people in love, and I’ve always adored weddings.
Faye looks absolutely stunning in a couture Alex Kennedy dress. The lace bodice is fitted to her beautiful curves, and the chenille skirt flows in delicate layers to the ground. It’s dreamily romantic and like something I’d pick for myself. Her hair is styled in an elegant bun with a few wispy strands framing her face. Tiny little diamonds glisten in the hairpiece she wears.
“They make such a beautiful couple,” Eva whispers at my side. Our men stand proudly in the row across from us, all dashing in their black Armani tuxedos.
I was delighted when Faye asked me to be a part of the bridal party along with Eva, her half-sister Whitney, her best friend Rachel, and the other Kennedy girlfriends. Keanu was the only brother without an official date, so he’s escorting Faye’s other Irish friend Jill. Alex designed all our gowns too, allowing us to choose our own personal design, so even though all the dresses are in the same blush pink material, each looks unique. I opted for a classic, strapless, fitted gown with a fishtail, and it’s the most gorgeous dress I’ve ever worn. “They are going to make such beautiful babies,” I whisper back to Eva, noticing her hand automatically moving to her flat stomach. My eyes pop wide as I stare at her, and her entire face lights up.
“Don’t tell anyone,” she whispers. “We don’t want to take away from Faye and Kyler’s day.”
I can’t resist giving her a quick hug. “Oh my God. I’m so happy for you both. When are you due?”
“March fifth. I’m so excited.” Kade looks over at that exact moment, beaming at his wife, and I give him a subtle thumbs-up.
“Does Kev know?” I whisper as the celebrant draws the ceremony to a close.
“Kade’s going to tell him today. But we’re only telling you two. We’ll tell the rest of the family next week.”
Warm arms wrap around my waist from behind, and I almost spill my champagne down the front of my dress. “You look fucking ravishing,” Kev says, nipping at my ear. “And I can’t wait to devour you later.” My core floods with warmth at his words. It’s almost embarrassing how horny I am for my man. The last couple months have been utterly blissful, and I never thought I could feel this much happiness.
Dan’s trial concluded this week, and he was put away for life. The last vestiges of stress lifted from my shoulders at the news that his father had a massive stroke the same day, and he’s not expected to pull through, so it looks like we’re completely in the clear. I’m most definitely in the mood for celebrating tonight, and I have a few ideas in mind. “We could always take a secret bathroom rendezvous like we did at Kade and Eva’s wedding?” I suggest, sending him a seductive smile.
Very discreetly, he nudges his hips against my ass, and I feel his growing erection. “Now look what you’ve done to me. Naughty girl.” His lips suct
ion on my neck, and delicious tremors slick over my skin.
“You know I’ll look after you. All you have to do is ask.”
He spins me around in his arms, holding me tight to his chest, and his eyes glisten with so much emotion, taking my breath away. “If I asked you to elope with me tonight, what would you say?”
“I’d say yes.” I circle my arms around his neck. “A million times yes.” I peck his lips. “But we’re not bailing on your brother’s wedding. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” I turn us around to look at the beautiful room. Circular tables dressed in crisp white linens cover the hardwood flooring. Tall bouquets of white and pink roses make up each centerpiece. The room has a succession of double glass doors that open out onto a beautiful terrace overlooking the magnificent gardens. Light streams through the glass illuminating the room. Guests mingle between the inside and outside space, and waiters float around the room offering champagne and canapes.
“Is this something you’d like?” he inquires, probing my eyes with intensity.
“I’ll be happy with any kind of wedding if it’s you I’m marrying.”
“I’ll take that as a yes then,” he teases, capturing my lips in a steamy kiss.
“We have plenty of time to decide, and I’d prefer to get married when we have enough time to focus on our future.” Right now, we’re both crazy busy with work. Kev is working a new case and he’s been given elevated responsibilities. SSA Clement also confirmed he’s completely off the hook in relation to any of his past illegal endeavors, so he can breathe easy now that’s not hanging over his head.
I’m working more hours at the studio, but I’m also in the process of setting up my own freelance photography business. Eva and Kade are helping me pull a website together, and in return, I’m taking photos for their new online business, so it’s a win-win.
I’ve also set up a part-time studio at the residential home with the owner’s backing. I thought it would be good for the community to see firsthand the good work done in the home, and it’s a fantastic learning experience for my students, so once a week, the little makeshift studio is open to members of the Walpole area. They can book in for a session, and all we ask in return is that they make a small donation to help with the running costs. So far, we’ve done mainly family portraits and a few new baby sessions, but word of mouth is growing, and I’m expecting it to get busier and the requests to become more varied.
Kev offered me the money to lease my own studio, but I declined. I want to do this myself. With my own money, and I’m happy to build it up bit by bit. I’m still learning, and I’d rather stay with Sara Lewis until I feel I’ve learned everything I can and I’m ready to go it alone. Then, once I’ve established a solid business, Kev and I can focus on getting married and having kids. We’re both still young enough to achieve it all. And I do want it all—I want the man, and the career, and the family.
“Does that mean you wouldn’t be opposed to a long engagement?” he asks, leading me toward our table as the manager summons everyone for dinner.
“Not at all.” He pulls out my chair for me, and I peck him briefly on the lips before sitting down. “I don’t care what we do once we do it together.”
“I want my ring on your finger,” he whispers in my ear while his hand slides low on my exposed back. “I want everyone to know you’re mine.”
I fling my arms around his neck, beaming at him. “Have you any idea how much I love you?”
“About as much as I love you, so that’s a fucking lot.” He kisses me sweetly. “I’m hereby putting you on notice. You can expect a proposal sooner rather than later.”
“You could just ask me right now, and I would say yes. I don’t need any extravagant gestures. I’ve only ever needed you.”
He kisses me again. “I know that, honey, and it’s one of the reasons I love you so much, but I’m not proposing to you at my brother’s wedding. Imagine the horror of explaining that one to our kids.” I giggle, rubbing my fingers along the back of his neck. “And I want it to be special and a memory we’ll always cherish.”
“Every moment with you is a memory to cherish,” I say, tears welling in my eyes.
He pulls me into his arms, pressing a fierce kiss to my head. “I wholeheartedly agree. I’m so glad you came back into my life, Cheryl, and I never take what we have for granted. I’m so lucky you decided to give me a second chance, because I never imagined I’d feel this happy in my life. You make my life complete in every conceivable way.”
I can’t hold my tears at bay anymore, and it’s true what they say, weddings bring out the romantic in everyone. I ease back, peering into his eyes and cupping his handsome face. “Forgiving you was the easiest decision of my life because loving you is effortless and timeless. As long as I live, I will love you so completely because you mean everything to me, Keven.”
He links our fingers together before raising them to his lips, planting a soft skin on the back of my hand. “It’s you and me forever, Cheryl.”
“Forever,” I whisper, leaning in to kiss his lips.
Keanu
“Dude, check out the ass on the blonde,” Kent says, elbowing me in the ribs and yanking my head up from the table.
The dark room spins, and my vision is blurry as I attempt to focus in the direction of his pointed finger. The club isn’t crowded tonight, but it’s still pretty busy for a Monday night. We only got home from Brookline this morning, and it was Kent’s idea to head to Torment, talking shit about curing our post-wedding hangovers by drinking our body weight in beer. Hence why I’m now seeing triple of his face. Torment is notorious for turning a blind eye to fake IDs and underage drinking, so it’s our usual go-to spot when we want to get trashed.
“And those legs.” He whistles, adjusting the front of his jeans. “I’m already hard thinking about those legs wrapped around my neck.”
The fact he just spent the weekend with Whitney’s legs wrapped around his neck seems to already have been forgotten. “You’ve got a problem,” I slur.
“The only problem I have right now is you. Seriously, bruh. You’re a fucking mess.”
“She broke me,” I mumble, always too talkative when I’m smashed. “I am a fucking mess.”
He clamps his hand on my back. “She only broke you if you let her. Screw Selena. She fucking led you on for years and then tossed you aside like garbage. No one does that to a Kennedy.”
I rub at my pounding temples, wondering why I thought it was a good idea to unburden myself to Kent. It’s not that I don’t trust my brother to keep my confidence, because I do. Despite what my older brothers think about him, Kent knows how to keep a secret. While he’s loyal, and he’s gone out of his way to cheer me up, he’s not exactly an advocate for relationships. I doubt Kent even knows how many girls he’s hunched, but it’s a lot. He meant well, but he gave me the worst advice when Selena and I first broke up, and I regret throwing my virginity away on the first girl that came along.
I’d been saving it for Selena. Patiently waiting until she was ready. But then she broke up with me. And I’m so fucking angry. With her. And with me. Because I can’t get her out of my head, and it’s killing me inside.
I should’ve asked Keaton for his advice. He’s been in a relationship with Melissa almost as long as Selena and I were together, if that’s what it was, because now I wonder what the label really was.
Were we ever truly boyfriend and girlfriend, or was I just a crutch for her to lean on?
“C’mon.” Kent yanks me off the stool, and I almost face-plant the ground. “You’re on wingman duty.”
He keeps hold of my elbow, stalking toward the girl at the top end of the bar. She has her back to us, and all I can see is long, long legs and long, long almost-white blonde hair resting above a peachy ass. Damn. Kent sure knows how to spot them. She’s got that thin, angular model shape, and she’s tall too. If she we
re a brunette, she’d be a mirror for my ex, and I hate that my mind automatically goes there. Why won’t my stupid brain just get with the program?
As we draw nearer, I notice the girl is already talking to a guy, and I fist my hand in Kent’s shirt, pulling him back. “She’s with someone.”
He arches a brow, or at least I think he does. Can’t properly tell because my vision is still a little wonky. “And your point is?”
“You can’t hit on someone’s girlfriend, right in front of them.”
He smirks. “Says fucking who?”
I roll my eyes. “No wonder you have such a shitty rep.”
“I’ve earned my rep, and I’m not ashamed to admit that.” He glances over his shoulder at the girl. “And that nerdy freak isn’t any competition.” He yanks me forward by my shirt. “Watch and learn, bro.”
If I wasn’t so smashed, I’d leave him to his own chaos, but I’m too fucking drunk to fend for myself, so I trail after him, watching as he struts up to the girl and confidently taps her on the shoulder. “Hey, baby girl. Is it hot in here, or is it just you?” he says, and I slam my palm into my forehead, groaning. Kent has the worst pickup lines. And the awful thing is, he has a never-ending list of them. I’m getting ready to apologize for him when she turns around, and my world tilts sideways.
“Fuck. Me.” Kent steps back, his eyes blinking profusely as if he can’t believe what he’s seeing.
Neither can I.
“Selena?” I don’t know if it’s my alcoholic-influenced eyes playing tricks on me or if she’s really here, because that would be so out of character for her.
“Keanu.” Her soft voice tears a new strip off my heart.
“What the fuck did you do to your hair?” Kent asks.
She ignores him, looking up at the tall, nerdy geek by her side, and I’m betting she’s giving him those vulnerable girl eyes, begging him to extricate her from this situation.
My blood boils, and my hands ball into fists at my side.
Forgiving Keven: A Stand-Alone Second Chance Romance Page 23
