A Death to Seek (Thornes & Roses 3)

I slip the rings on their fingers, which fit perfectly. But it’s then that Jarred steps up to say his vows. He takes my hand gently as he slips a ring on my right hand. Then, he takes Finn’s hand in his and holds us both.

“I spent my life running,” he murmurs, but I know the crowd can hear him. “But the moment I walked into Thorne Haven, I knew I was home. There was no more running, even though fear had held me hostage. I didn’t know why I was so at ease here, but then I found Finn,” he says as he looks at our husband. “You showed me that love is possible, even for someone who’s been hurt and left broken.” Then, those silver eyes lock on mine. “And you walked in and shattered every illusion I had of a normal life.”

The guests laugh once more, because we all giggle at that. There’s certainly no normal around here. Especially when it comes to our relationship. I mean, normal is boring, right?

“But it’s not what I wanted. I could never have a regular, old life because I would never be happy. I want the unconventional, I want the challenge, and I want the love of not one, but two perfectly imperfect people. We may be broken in our own ways, but those shattered pieces, they fit together to form a triad of the purest love I’ve come to know.”

The emotional silence that fills the air has my throat thick with tears. I swallow back the lump as the minister continues his sermon. It’s not too long, and soon enough, he’s speaking the words that cause my stomach to somersault. “And I now pronounce you husbands and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Finn is the first one to pull me into his arms and steal my lips. The softness of his touch burns a hole right through me. I may as well be naked as he tangles his tongue with mine. The whoops from the crowd surround us, causing me to laugh as I’m released from the confines of his arms, only to be stolen once more, but this time, by Jarred, who kisses me by stealing my breath.

More cheers from the guests make me smile as finally, Finn and Jarred share an intimate kiss. It’s short, nothing like the one they gave me, but there’s so much affection in the connection between them, it’s palpable.

“Time to party,” Finn shouts as we make our way down the aisle toward the patio, where drinks and snacks have been set out. We decided on dinner in the dining room, but since the weather seems to be holding out, the pre-reception drinks were set up outside.

“Congratulations,” Damien says while shaking his brother’s hand, then slapping Jarred on the back. He takes my hand and wishes me all the best with the two troublemakers, which has all of us laughing out loud.

“Welcome to the family,” Cassian says. He’s been rather quiet since he and Kalyn arrived earlier, but he pulls me into a hug, which warms my heart.

“Thank you so much,” I whisper before he lets me go. Kalyn smiles, giving me a quick hug as well. I grew up the only child, and now, I have a family, an extended family, and even a half-sister I never knew I had.

It’s strange how life can take you on a rollercoaster ride, not allowing you to see what’s up ahead. It’s as if you’re speeding through everything and suddenly, once you’re ready for it, it drops you right in the thick of things.

Looking around at the loving faces and listening to the affectionate words, I know there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. With my new family, in my new life, with my new name.

EPILOGUE

ZARIA

One Year Later

The dark ink on my wrist is still bright with the tattoo that now adorns my skin. Three hearts, an infinity symbol entwined amongst them. A reminder that I’m forever their girl, and they’re mine. Possession feels different when you want it. A deep ache in my chest reminds me that if I didn’t have Finn and Jarred, I’d be alone in this world. Not in the literal sense, but because I told my mother I want nothing to do with her.

Walking away from a life I’ve known to a new, exciting home has its perks, but it also has the reminders of what I left. My past is riddled with mistakes that will always be memories, ones that can appear at any given moment. But I have learned to breathe through the heartache and come out on the other side.

My father couldn’t do that. And even as I remember the anger I felt toward him for lying to me, knowing that I’m not his daughter, I’m thankful because he loved me. There are times secrets held are to keep those we love safe. And I realize now, that’s what he did.