“Wrap your arms around my waist and hold tight.”
I do as he instructs, molding myself to him. He revs the engine, and then we’re off.
It’s exhilarating.
And with every mile, we put distance between our present and our past, saying goodbye to our mistakes, to all our wrong decisions.
It’s time we move forward. No looking back.
My heart is bursting with hope and love.
It’s just the two of us, the way it always should’ve been.
epilogue
MIA
Age 23
September
My heart swells as laughter carries across the backyard of the mansion where Matt and Luna’s reception is being held. String lights hang over the heads of guests, casting a golden glow that perfectly complements the early evening light.
I’ve never seen Matt as happy as he was at the altar this afternoon. He even cried when Luna first appeared. It was beautiful and heartwarming. I actually cried too, and I’m not ashamed of it.
The love I have for my big brother grows with each year. I can’t imagine my life without him. He’s always been my constant, even when there were thousands of miles between us, and I’ll be forever grateful to him for his support.
Nearby, my dad dances with Bianca, the two of them in their own world. They flew in two days ago and plan to do a littlesightseeing before returning to Milan. Dom and I have tickets to visit Italy in December.
In a handful of days, my life has been flipped upside down, and every change is better than the last.
All because of Dominic.
I returned for closure but got a happy ending. Who would’ve thought?
He’s across the yard, dressed in a white shirt that highlights his muscular chest, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, top button undone. He’s talking to Allan, an easy smile on his face.
God, he’s so beautiful, my heart aches.
As if he feels me watching him, he turns and immediately homes in on me. His smile grows, and with a wink, he nods, inviting me to join him.
I shake my head and point at the ground.My feet are killing me, I mouth.
When he frowns in response, I wave off his concern and scan the people nearby.
Miles and Chiara sit together, laughing. I should spend time with my best friend. We’ve seen each other so little since I returned, but I need a moment to myself to clear my head and recharge.
Eyes glued to me, Dominic weaves through the guests on the dance floor with an effortless grace. He stops in front of me, snakes his hand around my waist, and pulls me to his chest. “What were you trying to tell me?”
“My feet hurt.” I shrug. “But I’m good. It looked like you were having a good time with your dad, and I was planning to join Chia and Miles in a few anyway.”
“So I should continue having a good time with Dad while you sulk alone? I don’t think so.”
Head thrown back, I laugh. “I wasn’t sulking. I was taking a break.”
“Nah, that doesn’t work for me.” With a grunt, he braces a hand just below my ass and lifts me.
I clutch his shoulders to steady myself. “And what are we doing?”
