Ridge helped Creed to a seat at the dining room table, then he came back toward me.
He leaned in, cupping my face before he kissed me quickly.
I smiled against his lips, then he led me to the table and went to the kitchen to bring over the food we had made.
He set it on the table in the middle and handed out the plates.
We served ourselves, then talked, while joking and laughing with each other. Even Creed joined in.
It was the first time in years that I had seen Creed smile so much.
It made me happy to see him finally free from the ghosts that haunted our past. It had been much too long. Creed never really had much reason to smile but knowing it was because he finally let everything go was something else.
And it was all because of Ridge and his family. I would be forever grateful to Ridge for bringing my brother and me together and for ending our sadness and heartbreak.
After we finished eating, we sat out on the patio, which was heated, and Liam sat down beside Ridge and me.
I could see why Ridge was as good-looking as he was.
Liam looked the same, just older, with more silver in his hair.
They had different-colored eyes, but that was it. Liam had blue eyes, where Ridge had dark brown eyes.
Liam looked over at me, “I’m glad you are here. Ridge has been in love with you for so long.”
I smiled at him, “I have been too.”
Liam winked at me, “He picked a beautiful one. You be good to him, okay?”
I nodded, “I have no problem with that. I waited for years to be with him. I won’t waste it now.”
Liam smiled, “Good.”
Ridge put his arm around me, kissing my temple. “Don’t worry dad. She is the best woman I know.”
Liam let out a sigh, “I love it. I just worry.”
Ridge pulled me in tighter, “I know dad.”
I looked up at Ridge, who smiled down at me, “My mom didn’t want me. She gave up her rights after I was born. My dad raised me alone.”
Carol snorted, and Ridge chuckled, “Well, alone, with my grandparents help.”
Carol lifted a brow, “You are dang right.”
Patrick laughed, pulling Carol in for a hug.
Creed watched us from the couch, and I smiled over at him, knowing our quiet life was finally over. We had a family that loved us and accepted our flaws.
I started to fall asleep on Ridge’s chest, his fingers playing with my hair, and Liam stood up, “Come on. It’s been a long day for everyone. We will see you all soon.”
He helped his parents off the couch, waving to us before Carol walked over to me, hugged me, and then kissed my cheek.
“We are thrilled you are with Ridge. He is the best man there is.”
“One of the best, grandma. Creed is pretty great too.” Ridge said, and Creed snorted, making me laugh.
Carol smiled over at him, “You are absolutely right.”
