To Love Twice
Page 21
“Oh, Edward. I love you too. Please, please forgive me,” Kate pleaded.
“I do, though there’s nothing to forgive.” He reached into his shirt pocket and retrieved her engagement ring. “I believe this is yours,” he smiled. Gently lifting her hand from beneath Mary’s legs, he slid the ring back on her finger.
“Edward,” Kate breathed. “Thank you. Thank you for forgiving me, for loving me, for loving Mary and for bringing her back to me. I’m yours, forever.” Kate said fervently.
“Forever,” he promised as he brushed his lips over hers.
Epilogue
A month later…
“Is this the last box?” Edward asked as he hefted it in his arms.
“I think so,” Kate said as she cast one last look around her apartment. She walked over to the window in the living room and gazed out for the last time. She would miss this little apartment. It had been her home for six years and so many memories were made here. Sighing, she walked over to stand beside Edward.
“I’ll take this down and give you a minute,” Edward offered.
“No, it’s okay. I’m ready,” she said as she followed Edward into the hallway. “I’m ready to start our new life, with you.”
Brushing a kiss across her forehead, Edward smiled. “Two more days.”
“I know. I’m so excited. Do you think your mother has everything under control?” Kate asked worriedly.
“Are you kidding? She’s in heaven.”
Kate nodded. “Yeah, you’re right.” Stepping out onto the sidewalk, she felt tears sting the backs of her eyes. Her mother was hugging Mary tight and her father was overseeing the packing of the car.
“You’ll call when you get there, no matter how late?” Barbara asked.
“Of course, Mom. But I’ll see you tomorrow,” Kate said.
“Are you sure you both don’t want to just fly over with us today?” Edward asked.
“We’re sure. Georgie is being transferred to the mental health hospital this afternoon. We want to be there,” William explained.
“I understand,” Kate said. “Give her my love.”
Tears brimming in Barbara’s eyes, she hugged Kate close. “I will.”
“Time to go,” Edward announced.
A flurry of hugs and ‘I love you’s’ and ‘see you tomorrows’ went around until they were finally seated in the limo. Kate waved to her parents as they pulled away from the curb.
“Are you okay, Kate?” Edward asked.
Nodding, Kate took his hand. “I am. I still can’t bring myself to see her, but Georgie is getting the help she needs. I’m glad Tim is coming over with Mom and Dad tomorrow.”
Edward squeezed her hand. “We can come back anytime you like, Kate.”
“I know and I’m grateful.”
“Mom, do I have to call Edward, Edward?”
“Well, what else would you call him?” Kate asked.
“Dad,” Mary said rolling her eyes.
Kate and Edward gasped and exchanged looks. Edward cleared his throat. “Are you sure, Mary?”
Mary nodded. “You’re marrying my Mom in two days. You’re going to be my Dad now. It just makes sense.”
Reaching over, he pulled Mary into his arms. “I would be honored if you called me Dad,” Edward said gruffly.
Kate wiped the tears from her eyes. Life was as close to perfect as she could imagine. She was marrying a good man who loved her and Mary. They were moving to London. Edward had decided to quit acting and start directing. His plan was to take on one or two directing projects a year. He wanted to spend the majority of his days taking care of Mary, and if Kate wasn’t mistaken, a new baby in eight months. Kate was positively giddy at the thought!
Erin hadn’t wanted to lose Kate, so she created a position for her in the London office. Kate would still be in charge of marketing for the clothing lines, but she’d be focusing on the European market. Kate was thrilled with this new challenge.
Yes, life was as close to perfect as it could get.
She reached for Edward’s hand and smiled up at him. “To Fate,” she murmured.
“To Forever,” Edward replied as he leaned over and sealed his promise with a kiss.