We meet in the middle just as the music changes and it gets loud. But then he takes my hand and leads me out to the balcony.
We walk down the path until we’re alone and when we stop he takes both my hands into his.
“You’re here,” I say.
“I needed to cut my trip short.”
“How come?”
“Because when you said you loved me when we were kids and you still did, that should have been enough. I should have said, I love you too. Or better yet, I should have been the first one to say it.”
He holds my gaze and I can’t look away. “You sound like you’ve changed your mind.”
“Bree I have and I am so sorry. I was scared to love you and scared things might not work out between us. Going away made me realize I can’t live in fear and give up on the one thing I want the most. It’s you. It’s always been you.” He gives my hands a gentle squeeze. “I don’t want us to break up either. I want us to stay married. I want you to stay with me forever. Can you forgive me?”
“Of course, Mr. Carson.”
He cups my face. “Thank you Mrs. Carson.”
Epilogue
Ethan
One month later
“Can we wrap this up by weekend,” I ask Logan and Bryce.
We’re sitting in my office discussing a new case. It’s one of those I’ve already guessed is going to be difficult.
“Next week,” Bryce replies. “There are too many factors to consider.”
“I agree,” Logan says with a nod.
“Alright I’ll do my part and get something in motion.”
They both stand to leave. I do too. It’s finally time to head home to my wife.
“I’ll call tomorrow.” Logan dips his head and leaves first but Bryce hangs back.
He looks like he wants to talk to me about something.
He’s been a little different since Vegas and he hasn’t seen much of Denver either which is good for him. They’re a bad influence on each other.
No one has said anything but I think the cancellation of Denver’s wedding highlighted the fact that we all had some more growing up to do.
I haven’t seen Denver since either.
“What’s up Bryce? My wife is waiting for me.” I smirk shrugging into my jacket. This is the first chance Bree and I have gotten to celebrate the transfer of the business. I’ve been so busy with work but we’re going away this weekend for a getaway.
“You just love saying that don’t you?”
“Saying what?” I ask as if I don’t know what he means.
“Calling Bree your wife.”
“Yes, I do like calling Mrs. Carson my wife.”
“I hope you’ll give me some credit one day for getting you two together. If I hadn’t told her what you were really like, she’d never know.”
“You know what? Today is your lucky day. You can have the credit.”
He laughs. “Thanks. I’m happy for you. I really am.” The smile recedes from his face and he looks serious. “I’ve been wanting to say something to you for a while now but the time doesn’t always feel right.”
“What?” This is interesting.
“Thanks for the other thing you do for me every year at that time when it’s hard. I didn’t want you to think it went unnoticed. It has not.”
My hand still. I know what he’s talking about so I nod. He means showing understanding during the time he’s grieving for his sister.
“Are you okay, Bryce?”
“No. But I think I must be getting better if I’m talking to you like this. Go home to your girl. I really am happy for you.”
I watch him go and I think of how far we’ve all come.
I think of how far I’ve come and where I want to go.
It’s anywhere my love for Bree takes me. And everywhere she is, that’s where I’ll be. Nothing will be out of bounds when it comes to us.
Bree
Five months later
It’s our wedding anniversary and we’re back in the beautiful vineyard in Italy.
It’s been one whole year since Ethan and I have been married and my God what a year it’s been.
We arrived yesterday and I have news I’ve been bursting to tell him but I waited until now, right before the sunset because it reminded me of the first time we connected.
We’re sitting on a picnic blanket and he’s watching me while we share a bunch of grapes.
Mac and Diane made a feast and it feels good to just sit here together.
“Mrs. Carson, there’s something you’re not telling me,” he states with a bright smile. “You’ve been smiling to yourself since we got here.”
“That’s because I can’t believe I have a secret and I’ve kept it for so long.” I laugh. It’s time to tell him.
“What the hell secret is this? And dare you keep things from me?”
“It’s a really good one.”
“Tell me what it is, Bree.”
I lean forward and kiss him. “I’m pregnant.”
He freezes and his eyes drop from mine to my belly and his smile widens.
“Oh my God, what?”
“I’m pregnant. I found out last week and I thought I’ve save up the news and tell you today.”
He pulls me on to his lap and holds my face. “We’re going to have a child? Us?”
“Yes.”
“When?”
“Next March.”
“I’ll love you forever for this.” He presses his lips to mine for a sweet kiss that fills me with promises, hope and more dreams I want with this man.
“I’ll love you forever too, Ethan Carson.”
“Thank you Mrs. Carson.”
Out of Bounds: An Enemies to Lovers Romance (Sinful Bachelors Book 2) Page 17