Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 96037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
“We know you aren’t much for jewelry, but we thought you could wear them on occasion. I know you love Ronan’s eyes, so I thought the emeralds would suit.”
“I’ll wear them all the time.”
She laughed. “I’m quite sure my son will gift you many pairs over the years, but these can be your first Callaghan gift.”
I met her gaze. “Your son is the best gift.”
She hugged me. “And you are his.” Then she pulled back, dabbing at her eyes. “Oh dear, let’s get you downstairs before I start blubbering all over you.”
“Thank you, Cami,” I said sincerely.
“You’re welcome, Beth.” She kissed my cheek. “Welcome to the family.”
* * *
Ronan stood proud and tall at the end of the short aisle, the darkness of his tux making him more handsome than I thought possible. Liam, Paul, and Jeremy stood beside him, smiling. Gracie, Ava, and Paige walked up and took their places, and Lucy slowly meandered behind them, carrying a basket of flowers. She couldn’t toss them since we didn’t want Evan slipping, but she was happy to hold the basket of daisies. At the end of the aisle, she stopped, looking at her mother, then veering directly to Liam, who chuckled, bent, and lifted her into his arms. Everyone laughed, including me. There was no doubt she was a daddy’s girl, and Liam loved it. The papers were official now, and he was legally hers, even though in his heart he had been right away.
Evan was beside me, his shoulders straight. We would walk slowly, him using a cane, but he was insistent it was his job to give me away. He was much stronger than he had been when we moved here, working diligently with Ronan and Aiden.
“Are you ready?” I asked quietly.
He glanced at me with a smile. His face had matured, and he was getting taller and beginning to fill out. He looked more like a young man now than a kid. “Are you?” he asked. “If you’ve changed your mind, we could run, but I suggest you ditch me if you want a shot. The big guy is fast.” Then he winked. “And you’d miss a really good party.”
We shared a chuckle, knowing how true that was. This massive, blended family knew how to throw an amazing event.
“No, I’m good.”
“Whew,” he breathed. “Ronan’s got a line on a retired Lego Death Star set. I don’t get it if I don’t get you to the altar.” He gave a thumbs-up to Ronan, who returned the gesture with a big grin.
“Well, heaven forbid, I stand in the way of a Death Star. I guess we’d better get going,” I deadpanned. “The sacrifices I make for you…”
He grinned. “Love you, Beth.”
I squeezed his arm. “Love you.”
Then, slowly, we walked toward my future.
* * *
Two Years Later
I woke up leisurely, stretching. The breeze lifted the curtains, the scent of the water and the voices coming from the beach below making me happy. I sat up, looking around the room. The house had changed a lot in the past two years. Empty, plain walls now held memories, captured on film and hung on warm-colored palettes. Deep navy, brilliant greens, and warm taupes made the house cozy. Comfortable furniture filled the spaces, and the kitchen was stocked with every cooking implement I looked twice at.
I walked to the window, looking down at my favorite sight in the world. Evan and Ronan jogging together.
That was the biggest change of them all.
Through hard work and determination, Evan had overcome his injury. He walked slower than some, a slight hesitancy to his gait, but he did it without any walking aids. He had worked and pushed—Ronan, Aiden, and all the family encouraging him. Gradually, two crutches became one, then he used a cane, and finally, he walked unaided. He had grown as well—taller, filling out, his appetite rivaling that of any of the Callaghan boys. He smiled all the time, happy in life. Port Albany had been good for him. A fresh start—and he had blossomed.
Ronan had made sure we knew the three of us were in this together. He never left Evan out of anything. He was Evan’s brother, his father, and his best friend, and I adored him all the more for being so. After we were married, Ronan sat Evan down and asked if he wanted to change his last name to Callaghan. Evan asked him why, and Ronan was honest.
“I don’t want you ever to feel less than. You are a part of this family.”
Evan had hugged Ronan. “I do feel part of it. My last name doesn’t change it. I don’t want to leave my parents’ name in the past.”
Ronan nodded, satisfied. I knew if Evan ever changed his mind, Ronan would be happy to help him.
More laughter drew my attention back to the window. Ronan was teasing Evan, calling after him as Evan moved away from him toward the girl sitting on the rocks.