I’m sorry for all the humiliation and disgrace you endured.
I’m sorry for lying to Trey and putting you in a dangerous situation.
But most of all, I’m sorry I’ll never get to know the amazing woman you turned out to be.
You are loved fiercely, Ember, and you deserve all the happiness in the world. I really mean that. Maybe one day our paths will cross again, but it will be on your terms.
Good luck with all that life has to offer.
Natalie
“Wow.” Aunt Chloe exhales loudly.
I don’t say anything for a second, but quietly fold it and slip it back into my bag.
“She wrote Dad a letter too, but I never asked what it said. Hopefully, it was similar.”
“Are you okay?”
Right as she asks, my phone chimes with a new text.
Robbie: Have I told you how much I love you today? One more hour and we start the rest of our lives.
I smile widely and turn to her. “I’m perfect. Absolutely perfect. Let’s get me dressed. My fiancé is waiting.”
There’s another knock at the door before Raven, Jenna, Abbi, Charlie, Cruz, and Alex barge in. The girls are dressed in their bridesmaid’s gowns, and I smile at how beautiful they look.
“Where are the babies?” I ask, referring to Raven’s newborn son and daughter.
“They’re with the grandpas. The sitter is helping, too.”
“And don’t forg
et, Declan’s less than five feet away.” Abbi rolls her eyes.
“Let’s get this show on the road!” Cruz claps. “I’ve been waiting for this day forever.”
“Me too.” My dad steps in, his eyes full of love. He kisses me briefly on the cheek.
“All right! All men out! I have a bride to dress!” Chloe waves her arms around dramatically.
The guys leave, and the room becomes a flurry of activity. Chloe leads me to the bathroom and helps me into the gown. She grins snidely at my lingerie but keeps her mouth shut. As soon as we walk out, everyone goes silent.
“My brother doesn’t stand a chance.” Raven comes to stand in front of me and puts her hands on my shoulders. Her eyes brim with tears. “You had a shitty sister growing up, but I take the job seriously. I can’t wait for you to be in my family.”
“No, no, no. No tears, Raven! You always do this shit.” Charlie fans my face to help stop the moisture building.
“She’s right, Rave. You had me crying fifteen minutes before I had to walk down the aisle,” Abbi agrees.
I look around the room filled with the women who make up my family, and realize Natalie is right. I am loved fiercely.
Robbie
“That’s the last time you’re leaving my arms tonight.” I pull Ember closer, wishing she could physically crawl into my skin.
“Are you jealous I was dancing with my dad?” she teases me.
“Yes, I freely admit to being jealous of every man who’s had their hands on you tonight.”