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“Thanks, sis. I remember a time when I never thought I’d ever hear you say those words.” I laugh as we part.
She shrugs. “Me either, but you’ve grown up a lot since then.”
Niall clears his throat. “What about me? Don’t I get to congratulate my superstar little brother?” I shake his extended hand and he pulls me into his arms, proudly thumping me on the back.
Autumn shakes her head. “Men. Only they show how proud they are by hurting one another.”
Maeve laughs. “Right? I’m Maeve by the way,” she says.
“I’m Autumn. It’s so nice to meet you.”
“Oh, sorry,” I say. “I should’ve introduced you first. Niall, this is my girlfriend, Autumn.”
Niall clutches his chest. “Girlfriend? Am I dying? Is this the end of the world?”
“You might be,” I say.
“Autumn, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He shakes her hand.
“And you as well. I’ve heard a lot about both of you. I’m glad you could make it today.”
“It’s too bad Mom and Dad couldn’t on such short notice,” Maeve says.
“They called me last night to wish me luck.”
“What do you think about going out to grab a bite to eat?” Niall asks.
I glance between the two of them. “You’re staying at my place, right?”
Maeve nods. “Yeah, unless you don’t want us to.” Her gaze goes to Autumn before returning to me.
I smile. “I want you to stay with us. I don’t get to see you nearly enough any more.”
“We’ll head out to the parking lot. We parked like a mile away,” she says.
“It’s not that far,” Niall says, shaking his head.
“You remember how to get to my house, right?” I ask.
Niall taps his head and nods before they walk away. Autumn and I don’t move until they’ve disappeared from sight and then she launches herself into me. Wrapping my arm around her, I sweep her off her feet while she lays a kiss on me that short circuits my brain.
“What was that for?” I ask, breathless.
“A combination of things. One, I’m proud of you. Two, you looked so sexy out on that field. Three, that’s to tide you over until your brother and sister leave. And four, I love you.” She rubs the tip of her nose over mine, then stares down at me with a combination of pride and love that I can clearly see.
“I love you too.”
EPILOGUE
AUTUMN
ONE YEAR LATER
When I pull into Rogan’s driveway, he’s sitting on the front stoop of his house. His lips part in a wide smile as he stands and walks in my direction. He opens my car door for me and helps me from the seat.
“Well, what a fine gentleman you are,” I say, smiling.
He bows over my hand and then presses a kiss to the back of it. “I’m here to fulfill your every wish.”
