My friends follow the crowd out into the lobby, eager spectators to Gabby’s demise.
Eli stays in the corner of the studio, holding me to his chest. Finally, I’m starting to cool off. “You feel better now?” he asks, trying to hide his smirk.
“Much better,” I assure him. I’m still shaking with rage but I think I’ll be okay.
Eli delicately examines my swollen fist. He presses his lips to my bruised knuckles. “Look at you. A hardened criminal. And to think, when we met, I thought you were a princess in search of a fairytale.”
I was always the soft, sweet girl but—sure as shit—love toughened me up. I guess you never really know what you’re capable of until you have something worth fighting for. Eli Kingston taught me that—through the sacrifices he made for his daughter, for his family—and since he came into my life, I’m a woman with something worth fighting for, too…Underestimate me at your own risk.
I cup his face with my uninjured hand. “Baby, the best fairytales are the ones where the princess isn’t scared to get a little blood under her fingernails.”
He chuckles at me before kissing my lips. “Then, you’re the best kind of princess…”
Epilogue Jessa
Eight months later…
This is crazy. This is crazy. This is crazy.” I mutter the words under my breath as I pinch myself.
My heart is in my throat as the heavy oak double doors of the Kingston guesthouse’s ballroom slowly swing open. The flutist begins a serenade and a grinning Callie ambles off ahead of me, sprinkling colorful flower petals along the lily-lined aisle of the all-white room.
Through the opening, I get a tiny peek at my gorgeous bridesmaids already gathered on the altar. Lexi, Penny and Iris—each sporting baby bumps of varying sizes—gaze expectantly in my direction.
The flutist changes up her tune, sliding seamlessly into The Bridal Chorus. Here comes the bride.
I guess that’d be me.
I still can’t believe this is happening…
It was barely two months ago, mere days after Iris and Jude’s wedding, that Eli proposed to me. It was a moonlit night and we were standing wrapped up in each other’s arms looking out at the dark river from our bedroom’s sliding door. He dropped to one knee with a shiny diamond in hand and proclaimed his love. I was so blissfully happy that I pulled him to his feet and planted kisses all over his face, saying ‘yes’ again and again and again. Now, here we are.
“You ready, Jessa?” Dad squeezes my arm, his huge smile beaming in my direction.
My lips move but nothing comes out so I just nod.
All of this feels surreal as my father and I stride down the aisle, past the small gathering of guests assembled to watch me marry the love of my fucking life. The only person in this room—in this world—I have eyes for.
Eli is at the altar, standing tall and handsome with his dad and three brothers forming a supportive huddle behind him. When our eyes meet, my belly swishes around.
God—the man is so handsome. And he’s about to be mine. Forever.
His gaze glides down my body before sweeping back up to my face, making me feel more beautiful than I ever have. I’m dressed in the delicate slip gown I borrowed from Diana.
The same gown Lexi wore when she married Cannon.
The gown Penny wore to marry Walker.
The gown Iris wore to marry Jude.
These women and I were friends before we were sisters-in-law, we were family before it was ever official on paper. And now, we are forever bonded together by our glittering love for the four incredible Kingston brothers. This dress is a symbol, connecting our four love stories. The significance behind it makes my heart swell.
My groom is dashing in his perfect tuxedo and clean-shaven jaw. The devoted look he gives me as I amble down the aisle—oh my god—I don’t know how much longer my knees will be able to carry me. He can’t keep staring at me with all that love. His face holds the same look of awe and reverence I feel in my heart. He sets the butterflies loose in my belly when he gives me the smallest smile. I smile back and, for a moment, I can’t believe how lucky I am.
My nose tingles and my eyeballs prickle. The ceremony has barely started and I’m already getting emotional. It’s all too much for my romantic little heart which has now dissolved into a pile of mush in my chest.
When Dad hands me off to Eli, I overhear my father mumbling to my groom through a tight smile. “If you ever make my daughter cry again, I will merrily whoop your Kingston ass all over Crescent Harbor…”
“Daddy!” I hiss, discreetly pinching his bicep.
Eli nods solemnly. “You don’t have to worry about that, sir. Your daughter is in safe hands.”
Satisfied, my father grins. “Welcome to the family, Eli.” The men shake hands.
We turn to the officiant and the ceremony begins. I completely lose my battle against my tears as we stand at the altar, declare our love for each other, state our vows and exchange rings. By the time we’re kissing for the first time as husband and wife, I am so much of a hot mess.
Then, there’s a blur of cheers and camera flashes as we hustle back down the aisle, arm in arm. Not even the handful of rice I get tossed in my face can stop my grin.
Right before we enter the reception hall, Callie runs up and hurls her little body into my arms. “I love you so much, Jessa. I’m so glad you’re my mommy now.”
I hold her to me. My affection for her is overwhelming. “I love you even more, Callie Cal. You can count on me to love you. Always.”
Eli wraps his arms around us both and there is no doubt in my mind that this is family, this is where I belong.
Moments later, my husband and
