The Loyal Groom (Groom 1)

“I want to move on. To heal. I think my grandpa would have liked that.”

“I think he would have too.” Darian leans down and kisses me again. I dig my fingers into his shirt.

“Did you already have a talk with my father?” I ask against this mouth. He smirks. I had a feeling. Darian is protective of all the girls in his family.

“Like I said, everything is going to be fine. I think they’ve changed.”

“Thank you.” Hearing him say that makes the rest of the worry fade away. No one is better at reading people than Darian. Okay, maybe Lindsey.

“They’re here!” I hear Maddy scream. Then their little feet are running toward the front door. I pick up all the cards my parents have sent me over the years and put them away. Darian takes my hand and leads me toward the front door.

Darian gives Megan a nod, letting her know she can open the door. She flips the lock and swings the door open. There is not a shy bone in either one of our girls' bodies. They don’t hesitate to run out to them. My parents both drop down to hug them.

I lean into my husband and watch them fighting tears. Darian kisses me on top of the head. My dad stands with Maddy in his arms. She’s talking a mile a minute. Mom holds Megan’s hand as they walk over toward us.

Darian lets me go to give them both a hug. Mom holds on to me for a moment, her hand going to my stomach. “I’ve missed so much.”

“There is time to change that,” I say back.

“We shouldn't get that chance, but you have always been a sweet soul,” she says. “I’m glad you had someone like Darian to protect that.” I watch as my dad and Darian shake hands.

“We have to show you our rooms.” Megan drops her voice to a whisper. “There is a secret door. I can show you cause you're family.” She pulls on my mom’s hand.

“And then the tree house!” Maddy says.

“Go on. I’m going to get things ready for lunch,” I tell them so they can have a moment with the girls. I watch them head into the house together. I turn in Darian’s arms.

“I don’t know how you did it, Darian, but you managed to give me everything I ever could have wanted. Even things I was sure were impossible.”

“Never doubt a man who will do anything for the woman he loves more than anything in this world.” My heart melts.

“Never.” I smile up at him.

He gave me more than a happily ever after. He gave me everything and more.

* * *

THE END!