Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 535(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 535(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Lily didn’t have any hard feelings. She already knew the two were heading in that direction. It was only a matter of time. Besides, she met her boyfriend while working reception at my shop.
Our relationship has become stranger. She has proved her loyalty more than once since that night. I think she regrets not being able to save Sean, but she doesn’t lose sleep over it.
“You guys are starting to weird me out,” I mumble.
And then we step out into the backyard of the castle, and I freeze. The place has been transformed. There is a boxing ring in the center of the grounds and bleachers on either side.
The seats are already packed with our family and friends. Logan and Cole are in the front row, where these three are now dragging me.
“What’s going on?”
“Ugh, she told ya. Ya’ll find out soon enough. The sooner ya get to yer seat, the faster ya can find out.”
I shake my head and follow them. I sit between Logan and Cole. Deja reaches across Cole to squeeze my hand as she gives me a huge smile. Taegan, Daliah, and Lily are sitting behind me.
I can feel the excitement coming off everyone around us. I look around, trying to understand what’s happening. That’s when Dylan is announced and comes into the ring. I watch on, wondering what he’s up to.
I look over and see Ciarán step behind a curtain, wearing one of those suits they wear to create video games. Then the next fighter is announced and I can’t stop sobbing. If I didn’t know I loved this man before, I’ve fallen all over again in this very moment.
“In the right corner, in the blue robe and black trunks, weighing in as an ethereal presence, we have Donny ‘Killer’ Walsh.”
I break down and begin to cry even harder. It’s my dad. They have a surreal image of my dad stepping into the ring like he’s truly alive. Laki is even in the ring to remove his robe.
I know Ciarán helped to make this happen, which only makes this that much more special to me. Cole and Logan each rub my back as I continue to cry.
I wipe at my eyes so I can see what’s going on. Dylan and the image have an actual bout. In this moment, I believe in every promise Dylan has ever made to me.
This was the one promise I wasn’t expecting him to keep because it was impossible. I should have known better. This is Dylan.
The boy who waited nearly thirteen years for me. As the round ends, everyone cheers. I glance around to see there isn’t a dry eye here.
“Ciara, I made you a promise when you were eight years old. I didn’t know then how hard it would be to keep that promise, but I knew I would.
“I’ve asked your uncles and Ciarán for your hand, but I needed to fight your da just like I said I would. I hope you can accept this version of a fight. Ciarán did say he would come out here and fight me in the flesh if this wasn’t enough for you.” He laughs and winks at me. “Come here, baby.”
I stand up on shaky legs and head to the ring. Logan and Cole open the ropes and Jamie helps me inside. Dylan pulls me into his arms and dips his head to place his forehead to mine.
“I love you more than anything in this world. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I’ll be here to protect you, love you, and take care of you. Will you marry me, Ciara?”
“Yes, I promised you I would. Yes.”
EPILOGUE
Another Promise
Brooklyn
We’re sitting on one of the cliffs around the Black castle. I have DJ sitting between my legs as my chin rests on the top of her head while we look out over the water.
I’m proud of my little brother. He promised he would do something, and he held to it. No matter how impossible it was.
I’ve done things all out of order, but I love this woman just as much, if not more. Am I happy? I guess you could say that, but I want it all. For once, my role in the Alliance isn’t breathing down my neck.
We can all take steps toward things in our personal lives. After all we’ve been through, we deserve more. It’s our time.
“What are ya thinking about, Cole? It sounds like yer trying to start an engine with all that thinking,” DJ says, breaking into the silence.
“I’m thinking about when ya took yer bat to my car.”