"Is this everything you imagined it to be?"
"And more," I reminded him.
Rhylie laughed and then groaned. "What?" I asked looking back at him.
He was supposed to be helping me get ready. Bailey had run out to stop Kingsley from getting into the cake. "Connor--he's down there causing trouble. I can tell."
"Oh?"
"Yeah oh. But whatever. If he gets punched he gets punched." He ran his fingers through My tresses and smiled. "I can't believe you're getting married."
"Me neither." I stared at the suit. It was simple, white, and I looked older wearing it. I was twenty now, after all. "What time is it?"
"Do you really want to know?"
"Is it completely horrible that I'm scared?" I asked in a whisper. "I love Scott. We've been together for years... Why am I afraid?"
"Because it's a huge commitment," replied Rhylie easily. "But I know that you and Scott are in it for the long haul. You'll love a good life together. And, I suppose, I should be glad things went the way they did with Connor."
"Wow." I speculated briefly on what my life would have looked like but stopped myself. There was no way to know and no reason to want to. "I think we ended up with those we were destined to be with."
"Ready?"
"So it is time." I gulped quietly.
"Yes. Come on."
He held my hand comfortingly as we went down the stairs. Scott told me could get married anywhere in the world but I wanted to do it at home.
The crowd was surprisingly intimidating. I knew all these people--or at least most of them. It never seemed like many in paper but seeing them in those white chairs made it a dizzying reality. Bailey had appeared--he was my best man. Ironically enough Scott had selected Kyle. Bailey took my elbow--Scott had already walked up. My face burned as walked.
The emotion was indescribable: fear, excitement, joy, sadness... "You look so good," Bailey whispered regretfully. "I wish I could have stayed."
"You're here now."
Feeling all the eyes on me was intimidating. It only took one look from Scott for it all to melt away. Connor caught me eye on the side. He was holding Rhylie's had with a glass of champagne in the other--we hadn't served yet so I assumed he came prepared with his own. He winked at me and Rhylie hit him hard in the shoulder. "Careful! I almost spilled my drink," Connor growled lowly.
I passed them and faced off at Scott. He was wearing a sharp black suit and a white tie. He smiled warmly and the justice of the peace began the ceremony.
We repeated the lines we were given and, to my amazement, didn't trip over a single one. "And now Scott would like to add something."
My eyes widened and laid he took my hands. His eyes bore into mine. "Charlie I can't describe properly how much I love you. But I can assure you that I will cherish every moment we spend together. At one point I thought I'd never find love again--but you healed my heart."
"I love you Scott."
"And I love you Charlie."
***
The reception was held at the country club.
The pool was an unfortunate reminder but Scott and I found humor in it. Scott and I went around, thanking people. Bailey was off preparing something while Kyle kept Kingsley away from the refreshments and various treats laid out pre-meal.
"Thirsty, baby?" His hand hadn't left mine and I didn't want it to.
"Not really. I want to introduce you to someone."
She was sitting the back, away from everyone else. She was a stranger to them and me as well. I watched Scott's face closely, waiting to see if he recognized his own sister. "Is she a friend of Bailey's?" He asked quietly.
"Not quite."
She stood as we neared and gave us a dazzling smile. She was dirty blonde with a Domme's build. "Scotty--long time no see."
It hit Scott all at once and he squeezed my hand. "Hanna?" He whispered somewhat stressfully. Uncertainty filled his eyes and I questioned my actions. Perhaps this should have been done privately?
"Hey big brother. Long time no see."
Scott just stared blankly. "I tried to find you. Hired a PI--I was looking for Scott Dunne. I should have known you'd take his name." Her tone wasn't accusing. It was somber. "I missed you. Mom wanted to see you one last time."
"I'm sorry. I couldn't--"
"I know. And mom knew. She left this for you. I've had it on my kitchen table for seven years now. I've wanted to read it for ages..." she picked up a small worn letter.
Scott was written on its front in sloping green ink.
His fingers trembled a bit as he broke the seal. I smiled at Hanna who returned it warily. It had taken ages to find her but I felt like it was what Scott needed to feel okay about his past. Scott put down the letter and tears glistened in his eyes.
Fear gripped me and even Hanna looked worried. "What'd it say?"
"I forgive you. I never stopped loving you."
It was like an invisible burden had been lifted from his shoulder and he hugged his sister tightly. "I missed you so much!"
"I missed you too! But you've made a good life for yourself here--and gotten yourself a great sub."
"You found her? All by yourself?"
"Not quite. I hired a private investigator. Finding your old last name took the most time," I replied sheepishly. "Is this okay?"
"Perfect." He kissed me hard. "Thank you for this Charlie. I love you so much."
"And I love you."
*five years later*
"Daddy! Daddy watch!"
Bailey turned in exasperation as his Kingsley had the filly jump over a stick he'd laid out. "Be careful." He said instantly.
"That's only a ten thousand dollar horse," teased Scott as he fed Adeline.
Luna watched protectively on the side, staring at the newest addition to our family. She treated her like her own daughter, sleeping in by her bed every night. When Adeline cried, Luna was the first one there, whining and licking away her tears. She was three now, a wild spirit if I had ever seen one. "Not hungry. I wanna play with horsies."
"Eat your applesauce and then you can." Scott replied evenly.
She huffed dramatically. "I guess Dad!"
She took the spoon and began to feed herself, watching Kingsley steer the horse closer to the picnic table. "Daddy guess what!"
"What?" Bailey asked tiredly.
"Yesterday while you were working Dad took me to McDonalds and we ate a whole 20 piece nugget--each! And had milkshakes and fries."
"You little tattle-tale!" Kyle cried, feigning anger.
"Great Kyle. Thank you."
"We were having a Dad-Kingsley day. We're allowed fast food." He argued stubbornly.
"Great. I've got two children now Charlie."
"Eat your food Addy and we'll go on a ride!"
"Not on Peanut," Scott replied. "I'll get a big horse if you both wanna ride--she's still little remember?"
"Yeah, yeah okay. I can still ride her at the fair right? Imma beat everyone!"
"He wants to be a jockey when he grows up." Bailey sighed. "It's dangerous though. I still think he's too young to ride alone..."
"You'll always think that," countered Kyle. "He's tough--he's my boy."
"So it's been confirmed he's in the growth chart of a Dom?" Scott asked.
"Yup," smiled Bailey. "I'm not surprised. He's got an out going personality--he hardly listens to us already!"
"So far Adeline's in the Domme growth chart but the pediatrician says it'll fluctuate a bit until she's six or seven." I replied.
"Indont care what she is." Scott stated. "Sub, Domme, or neither. She's my little girl and she'll always find her place." He looked at me. "I know I did."
"All done!" Adeline proclaimed.
She got up and brushed off her green romper before turned sassily to face her father. "We gotta get the other horse!"
"Okay, okay."
"Can we ride Charcoal Daddy?" Kingsley asked, sliding from his mount and taking Peanut's reins.
"Yes but he's older. You can't run him." Bailey got up but Scott waved him away.
"I've got it."
"Thanks."
Luna circled around to the table and rested her massive head on my thigh. She really was a beautiful creature. She was fiercely protective and, thanks to the part of her that was a husky, more than comfortable talking back to us. I ran my fingers through her fur and her eyes follow Adeline's as she head toward the barn on her father's heels. She whined a bit and I laughed. "Go on."
She quickly caught up and I turned back to my sandwich.
As I watched Kyle kissing Bailey's head tenderly I realized that we had all found our happiness. What would happen next was anyone's guess. But for now, things were perfect.
And I knew that they would remain that way.
Through thick and thin I had what I always wanted: love.
Friends, family, and a beautiful daughter. I had a life I never seemed possible. My dark days in a kennel were almost forgotten at this point. I was twenty five and happy. "What are you so smiley about?" Scott asked as he lowered himself beside me. He groaned a bit. "My back's killing me."
"I'm just happy." I replied leaning against him. "All of this... Thank you."
"You're my happiness too," he replied, kissing my temple. "It's you I should be thanking."
"You guys are going to make me sick," Kyle proclaimed sarcastically. "So ridiculously cheesy..."
Bailey swatted his arm and Scott chuckled. "Regardless, I think everything turned out alright."
"Not alright," I corrected as I watched Kingsley and Adeline taking laps on the grass. The sky was a vast blue sea, not a cloud in sight. The day was mild and there were not pesky insects. Charcoal's black fur shimmered majestically as it caught the afternoon sun. "Perfect."
Pic: Adeline
The End
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed this story. I loved all the support and comments I got from you guys. ❤️ I hope you all enjoyed Good Boy and Heal My Heart. If you're interested, feel free to check out my other works.
Ta-Ta for Now,
~Kate~