by Rowe, Ruby
Getting out of the reclining chair, she walks over and clutches my hand.
“I hope you realize your strength.”
“Yeah, and I’m wondering where it came from.”
“Sasha, what you did yesterday was reckless, but I’ll forever be indebted to you for saving our lives.”
I shake my head. “You kept me alive for years, so I was more than willing to repay you. My way was just faster and lazier.” Camilla snickers, and I begin to laugh, but the pain radiating from my chest stops me. “Ugh, this sucks. Where is Liam? Is he OK?”
“Yes, he’s home with Ellis. I came back about an hour ago, but you weren’t alone last night.”
“Who was here?”
“Greyson. He stayed so I could be with Liam. He ran home to shower when I got here, but he’s coming right back.”
Turning my head, I look out the window.
“I vaguely recall him being in the ambulance with me. I screwed up his party.”
“He left there before you were shot, and even if he’d left for this reason, it wouldn’t be your fault.”
I look back at her. “Was he coming to see me?”
“Yes.”
“What does that mean?”
“I think you need to wait to talk to him about it.”
I frown. “Seeing him will only make getting over him that much harder. I do believe he misses the fun we were having, but I think deep down he wants someone like Whitney. Well, maybe he doesn’t want a bitch like her, but he wants someone who fits in their world.”
“I want someone smart, funny, kind and gorgeous,” Greyson says. I turn my head toward the doorway. “And you possess all those qualities.”
“That’s my cue to leave,” Camilla says. “I’ll be in the waiting room.”
She’s out the door lickety-split, and Greyson strolls over to me. I’m gazing up at him and breathing in his intoxicating post-shower scent. His hair is slightly damp, and his jeans are hanging loose on his tapered hips. I know this because his t-shirt is snug on his torso the way I love.
He brushes my hair with his fingers.
“I was supposed to be the daring one last night, not you. You’re such a weirdo.”
“I’m shot, and you’re calling me weird?”
“Yes, because only a weirdo would step in front of a moving bullet.”
“Don’t make me laugh. It hurts.” I wince. “I heard you stayed here with me last night. Thank you.”
“It was where I belonged.”
“Why? Why did you leave your party?” Dragging over a chair, he sits next to me and places my hand between his, resting them on the bed.
“I ended things with Whitney for good. I want to be with you, Sasha. Can you forgive me for being a coward?”
“You’ve been doing this dance with her for years. Are you sure you can stop?”
“You’re right. I’ve been dancing with her for years, and none of it means shit to me. I danced with you one night, and I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”
Lifting my hand, he kisses it. “She wants a fairy tale. I want forever.”
“Those are exceptionally sweet words, but I don’t know.” I crack a smile, letting on that ultimately, I’ll cave, but he must work for it first.
“I want popsicles in my freezer and Skittles in my new couch cushions. I want an excuse to watch zombie shows, and I don’t want to sleep in my cabin alone ever again. Oh, and I sure as hell don’t want to do this alone.” He pulls out a folded-up paper from his pants pocket.
“What’s that?” Opening it up, he hands it to me. I skim over the words, and my eyes bulge when I see that he ordered concert tickets. “You’re taking me to see Justin Bieber? These are front row seats.”
“Move back in with me. I’ll even let you hit the snooze button in my bedroom.”
“OK.”
His eyes light up. “That’s a yes?”
“Yes, and I won’t even abuse the snooze button.” I hold up the paper in my hand. “You spent too much money on these tickets. I’m not worth hundreds of dollars.” Greyson’s sudden laughter echoes in the room. He holds his stomach and shakes his head. “What’s so funny?”
“You’re worth way more than those concert tickets.” His dimples make their grand entrance, and I can’t believe I get to look at them forever. “Trust me, Ladybug, you have no idea the amount of money you’re worth.”
Ellis
“How is he?” Camilla asks as she strolls into the family room.
“He’s good. We built an airplane out of Legos, and I took him outside to play before lunch. I can’t believe how resilient he is, but we’re taking him to counseling regardless.”
“I agree.”
“I talked to my FBI contact. He assured me Christopher is never getting out of prison. The case will be a headache, but once he’s convicted, we can put it behind us. Anyway, I thought you’d be gone longer today.” I glide my fingers through Liam’s hair as he naps with his head on my lap.
“I felt like the third wheel. Greyson won’t leave Sasha’s side, and they’re adorable together. You’d never know she was shot yesterday since she’s by far the happiest I’ve ever seen her.”
“Good. I’m glad they worked it out.” Camilla squeezes inside the small space between me and the arm of the sofa and rests her head on my shoulder.
“It seems like the drama never ends, but I have a feeling it’s only up from here.”
“I agree, and we need to discuss the wedding again.”
Lifting her head, she looks at me. “I told you I don’t want an elaborate wedding. I thought we agreed on this.”
“Weddings are typically a big deal for the bride, so I want to be sure you’re OK with having only our family present.”
“I have almost no one to invite, and I don’t wish to see you miserable on our wedding day. You’d be the center of attention in front of hundreds of people your mother would insist on inviting.”
“I couldn’t be miserable at my wedding, and you’d be the center of attention, not me.”
“We want the same thing, so let’s set a date soon and make it happen.”
I lean my head against hers. “I can’t wait to make you mine. In the meantime, can you take my place here? I have something I need to do.”
“Absolutely. I’ve been missing him like crazy.” Camilla slides in under Liam, and as if he knows, he curls his body against hers. The nausea over yesterday washes over me again. To think I could’ve lost them both, and our future, too, is still a fresh wound.
After walking upstairs to my office, I sit at my desk. I look for a phone number on the thumb drive Lawson gave me and dial it.
“Ciao,” I say to Camilla’s grandmother. It’s time to tell her a story about her beautiful granddaughters….
EPILOGUE
Three Weeks Later
Camilla
I clasp Sasha’s hand at the dinner table.
“I’m glad you’re healing up and feeling better.”
“Me, too.” Snickering, she leans over to my ear. “Greyson is happy about it, as well. We’re finally spending quality time together, if you know what I mean.”
“Ewww, I don’t want to think about it.” She giggles, and I could burst with joy over her happiness and from having us all here for dinner as a family. Ellis is to my left at the head of the table, and Greyson and Sasha are to my right.
To the other side of Ellis is Liam, who’s trying to build something with his long green beans. Estella and James are seated next to him, and Irene’s at the other end of the table. Ellis said he had some exciting news that involved her, too.
He taps his glass with his fork. “I want to make a toast.” Everyone picks up their glasses, and I watch Liam look around. Grinning, he holds his cup up, too. “Over the last several months, I’ve become a richer man. No monetary value could ever be placed on the happiness I’ve acquired.”
Ellis clears his throat, his admission making him uncomfortable and nervous.
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br /> “I’m blessed to have found an amazing woman to share my life with, who gave me the greatest gift a man could receive, my Liam here.” Our kiddo glances around at everyone staring. “I never dreamed daddy would become my favorite word, but it has.
“I’m grateful for my soon-to-be sister-in-law, who helped save my family. As a bonus, she’s making my cousin be a less pain in the ass.” Everyone chuckles, and Greyson rolls his eyes. “In all seriousness, cousin, my life is richer with you in it, too.”
“You said a bad word, Boss-Daddy.”
“I’ll put money in your piggy bank later.”
“It’s getting so, so full.” Laughter fills the room again.
“I’m thankful for my parents, who I’ve grown to know and understand. You raised me to be an honest, decent man, and I’m grateful for that.
“Irene, I want to thank you for putting up with me all these years and for treating my family like they’re your own. I hope you’ll stick around for many years to come.”
Ellis’s eyes become glassy. “I also want to toast the family who are no longer with us. Through their flaws, we were brought together, and the good in them they lost sight of is what we’ll keep in our hearts. Cheers, everyone.”
With each one of us emotional, we clink our glasses together. “OK, now for my big announcement.” Grinning with pride, Ellis reaches inside his blazer and pulls out a stack of envelopes.
“I hate to disappoint you, Mom and Dad, but Camilla and I have decided against a formal wedding, but with that said, we want everyone at this table by our side as we say our vows.” Walking around the table, Ellis passes out the envelopes.
“What’s this, dear?” Estella asks.
“Everyone, open them.” Even Liam has one, and Ellis helps him so he doesn’t tear what’s inside.
“Ellis,” I say before I cover my mouth.
“You bought us plane tickets to Italy?” Sasha asks excitedly.
“Yes. I’d like for all of you to join us in Italy for our wedding.”
Jumping from my chair, I throw my arms around his neck.
“Thank you. This is incredible.” He kisses my head. “I was hoping you wouldn’t mind.”
“Are you kidding?”
“Irene, I’d like you to join us in Venice. Then, I’ve arranged for you to fly to Florence to stay with your family for a vacation.”
Covering her chest with her hand, she begins to weep.
“Oh, thank you, Mr. Burke.”
“I have one more surprise for Camilla and Sasha.” Ellis pushes buttons on his phone and hands it to me.
It rings a few times before a woman says, “Ciao.” I cover my face, stunned by the voice I hear.
“Nonna, is that you?”
“Si, my nipotina.” I sob into the phone, and she cries, too. “I hear you’re coming to see me. I go to your wedding.” Her English is broken, but I understand her words and can’t believe them. It’s a dream I’ve had for over a decade.
I look at Ellis. “My grandmother is going to be at our wedding?”
“Yes, baby.”
“I’m going to let you talk to Sasha.” I hand the phone to my sister, and she cries, as well, when she hears her grandmother for the first time since she was a little girl.
Grabbing Ellis, I hug him like my life depends on it.
“How will I ever thank you?”
“You already did, my Rose–twice.” Releasing me, he places his palm over my belly. “And I’m certain this one will be as beautiful as her mother.”
END NOTES
Thank you for reading The Terms Duet. I hope you’ll read The Price: Greyson and Sasha's Story (A Novel Addition to The Terms Duet).
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thank you to my amazing husband, Patrick, who didn’t hesitate to support my desire to write under an additional pen name.
Like always, he wanted to support my dream, even if it added more work to my hectic schedule. I am so blessed to have such a patient man by my side.
Family and friends, I love you, and I appreciate you lending me an ear to blab to about my books.
Readers, thank you for taking a chance on The Terms Duet. I couldn’t write full-time if it weren’t for passionate book lovers like yourselves! I feel blessed anytime someone reads a story of mine.
Samantha Wiley, I can never thank you enough for all you do. You’re a great editor and a wonderful friend. I’m happy “Ruby Rowe” gives me another excuse to talk with you every day.
If you need editing or proofreading, Samantha and Rachel can help you at Proofreading by the Page!
I want to give a big shout out to Jo-Anna at Just Write. Creations for creating the sexy cover. She always produces fantastic work!
Thank you to Meg Estey and Melissa Gartland for helping me with my Denver, Colorado, research.
Thank you to my beta readers, Jennifer Balmer, Dana Gallie, Rachael Leissner, Rachel Pugh, Karina Wade and Samantha Wiley. Your feedback is invaluable.
Bloggers, authors and readers who are sharing The Terms Duet with your followers and friends, I’m so appreciative. You have busy work schedules and personal lives, yet you use a portion of your precious time to help me succeed.
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Happy Reading!
Ruby
