When we finally break apart, I grin."I'm having the guys help me move all your stuff in here tomorrow."
She laughs."You're ridiculous."
Then she lets out a full-body laugh, shaking her head."Gemma and Summer are going to riot when I tell them I'm moving again."
"They'll get over it."
"Maybe," she teases."But you better believe they're planning the wedding."
I grin."Then it'll be one hell of a show."
And as she curls into me, food untouched, ring glittering in the soft bedroom light, I know this is it.This is everything.
Ours.
Epilogue
Skye
3 Months Later
It'saquietmorning,the kind where the sun pours in through the café windows just soft enough to warm the table but not blind you.My coffee's almost gone, and my dad's still nursing his first cup, hoping it's going to give him the courage he needs to keep talking.
He's trying.I'll give him that.
This is our third breakfast in as many months, and while the first two were more awkward than warm, this one actually feels almost normal.Like we're two people figuring out how to rebuild a bridge neither of us expected to ever cross again.
He clears his throat."You really look happy, Skye."
He's trying.I'll give him that.
I give him a half-smile over the rim of my mug."I am."
"I wasn't...the best at showing up for you," he says, eyes cast down."But I see you now.And I'm proud of what you've built."
Those words, once they would've wrecked me.Now?They just settle.Soft and warm and healing.
"Thanks, Dad.That means a lot."
He nods, like he's not sure what to do with that.He still fumbles his way through these conversations, but at least now he's having them.
My stepmom and I have started having lunch every week, and while it's still weird to see her as something more than my father's newest wife, I've learned she's got a wicked sense of humor and a talent for perfectly cooked salmon.I'm not saying we braid each other's hair and talk about boys, but we're getting there.
Things are better.Not perfect.But better.
My phone buzzes just as I'm reaching for the check.A quick glance at the screen and my stomach drops.
Kayla:SOS.Code Red.Summer and Knox's place?Please.
Oh no.
"Sorry, Dad.Gotta run.Emergency."
He lifts a brow, but doesn't push."Tell Gage I said hi."
I kiss his cheek, throw some bills on the table, and ignore his sigh as I head out the door.Every time we meet, he tries to pay the bill, but I insist on paying my half.We've been through a lot, and since Gage took over paying for my last semester of school, I haven't taken a penny from my dad.I know it bugs him, but I'm just not ready yet.
Summer's place is only fifteen minutes away, and by the time I pull into the driveway, I can see Gemma's car already parked.Whatever this is, Kayla pulled the full girl-gang alarm.