“What about the woman that gave birth to me?” I’ve never called her my mom, because anyone willing to leave their infant child isn’t a parent and doesn’t deserve the title.
He sighs and presses his lips together. “I’m not ashamed that she ran out; that was her choice. I feel sorry for her that she didn’t get to see how wonderful her son is, and she missed out on the joy of raising you.” He smiles softly. “No, I’m not ashamed that she left me, and making that public wouldn’t embarrass me either.”
“Okay.” I nod in understanding, still trying to decipher what Shy meant.
“There aren’t skeletons in my closet, Apollo. I don’t have a single regret because it all made me the person and father I am today. If someone believes that they can shame me publicly for my past, then let them go for it. I have nothing to hide.”
I stare at him for a long moment and see the complete truth in his eyes. It wasn’t as if I needed him to say the words, but they give me comfort nonetheless.
“Thanks, Dad.” I stand up, and he gives me a hug. We’re almost the exact same size, but I hope I’m never too big for this.
Shy may have rocked my boat today, but there’s no storm we can’t withstand. Next time he tries to pull this shit, I’m calling his bluff. And maybe I’ll get him back for that sucker punch.
After I say goodnight to my dad and Anna, I go back upstairs to my bedroom. Celeste is still sleeping, but one of her arms has reached out to my side of the bed. It looks like she was searching for me in her sleep. Taking off my clothes, I get into bed beside her and pull her body against me.
“Mmmm,” she hums softly as she cuddles against my chest.
I kiss the top of her head and close my eyes. “I love you.”
“Love you,” she mumbles, and then I hear the sounds of her even breathing, letting me know she’s fast asleep.
There are still questions ahead, but the only thing that matters is this right here. The two of us and our lives together. That’s the only thing I plan on focusing on from here on out.
Epilogue
Apollo
Many months later…
* * *
“You really didn’t bring a date?” I ask Jackson, and he shakes his head.
“Listen, Crew, I wanted to keep my options open. You know some idiot is going to fuck up tonight and leave a girl in tears. That’s when I’ll swoop in and be the hero.” He adjusts his bowtie like he’s the smartest guy on the planet, and I look over to Celeste to see her hiding a smile. “Am I right, Celeste? Tell Apollo I know what I’m doing.”
“Sure thing,” she says and then winks at me when he’s not looking.
We’re in the limo on the way to the prom, and Jackson begged to ride with us. Normally I would have said no, but Celeste offered to pick him up, and I can’t say no to anything she wants.
“Any big surprises planned for tonight I should know about?” I ask her, and she shrugs.
“Emerson planned everything. I just basically nodded at all his suggestions.”
“He said you had some great ideas.” I lean in close and place a kiss on her neck.
She looks incredible tonight in her mint green dress. It’s a halter top, and I love running my hand up and down her bare back. It gives me all kinds of ideas for the after-party.
“He should take all the credit, because I know this is going to be epic.” She smiles brightly as we pull into the front of the place where the prom is being held.
Emerson must have had a hell of a budget, because as soon as we step out of the limo, I can tell Celeste is right. He’s rented out a ballroom, and outside there are gold balloons everywhere, along with balloon and flower arches to walk through. I take Celeste by the hand and wave goodbye to Jackson as he goes ahead of us.
“Wow,” is all Celeste says as I slip her hand through my elbow, and we walk under the arches.
Along the way inside there are spots where people are posing for photos. Some are even doing selfies at the places indicated, and this is just so extra it’s kind of awesome.
“Over the top is an understatement,” I say, and Celeste nods.
“I think that describes Emerson perfectly,” she agrees.
“Let’s get a photo,” I say as I walk over to one of the empty areas in front of a wall of white beads.
The photographers have us stand facing each other with our hands held in the middle. First we look at the camera and she takes a couple of photos, but then when I look at Celeste, I hear the camera keep clicking. When she realizes I’m staring at her, she looks up and into my eyes.