Page 59 of Enemies Under One Roof

‘Oh, Annie, I see the real you. I have ever since Ruby’s party. I’ve just been too stubborn and terrified to admit it. To myself and to you. I love seeing you in yellow, love seeing you wear anything that makes you happy. In fact—’ he flicked a glance at his watch ‘—do you still want to go to the premiere? We can make it if we rush.’

Did she?

She hesitated. ‘I know you hate the press.’ She cupped his jaw, her fingers stroking his cheek. ‘And it will be swarming with them. I’d never ask you to do something like that for me.’

‘If you want to go, and I get to stand beside you, absolutely nothing will hold me back. You’re not the only one putting the past behind them today, sweetheart.’

Her tears started again. ‘See, I told you you’re perfect.’

Then she reached up on tippy toes to prove it by kissing him with every ounce of love he deserved.

Epilogue

ETHAN CLOSED HIS eyes as moonlight peeked through the folly pillars and spilled across the floor to where he swayed cheek to cheek with Annie. Finally alone and wrapped in each other’s arms, in the spot where they’d said their wedding vows only hours earlier. It was a fitting end to a magical day, and it wasn’t over yet.

Their low-key ceremony, on a perfect summer’s day, had been followed by a reception in a marquee on the WillowGlen grounds. Loved ones, including colleagues from Annie’s newly founded production company—G&V Productions, a touching tribute to her parents—had mingled over local produce before the croquembouche had been cut. Speeches had been heartfelt and kept purposely short, including a hilarious roast from Cam and Luc.

Games of croquet had been played on the lawn by those who were keen, guided walks taken by those who were not, and loungers set up on the lawn for anyone who simply wanted to soak up the sunshine and relax to the music from the live band.

Numerous red herrings had been set for the press; false sightings in Italy, Greece and Spain. Essential to keep their nuptials private. Since turning up to Annie’s premiere six months ago, more than fashionably late and hand in hand, the media frenzy hadn’t let up. It had been the night she’d announced Ivy Flame was officially retired and revealed Annie Carson, lover of yellow and Ethan Suerte. Neither of them had been able to wipe the smiles from their faces ever since, which hadn’t helped.

With WillowGlen opening as a retreat in the following week and multiple people coming and going, the setting up of a marquee hadn’t triggered any unusual interest. As a precaution, a discreet security team patrolled the grounds to ward off any unwelcome visitors, but fortunately none had been detected.

Annie’s nails lightly scraped the back of his neck, and his low rumble of pleasure was cut short when he pressed his lips to hers, intent on showing her without words just how much he loved her and always would. The kiss deepened as they sank into each other, until reality seeped in and he eased back.

‘To be continued,’ he whispered raggedly.

Her eyes fluttered open and she looked up at him with a dazed smile. Likely similar to the one on his own face, because even after all these months together, the strength of their connection still swept him away, every single time.

‘Definitely,’ she whispered back with a wink.

He lowered his forehead to hers and inhaled her unique scent, savouring the moment, in a day full of he’d never forget.

Stepping back, he picked up a lantern, watching in wonder as its glow captured his bride, and just like the first time he’d seen her today, when she’d walked up the steps of the folly towards him, his breath caught and his eyes misted.

Crystals shimmered on her delicate ivory dress, her mother’s earrings and Ruby’s necklace twinkled, and a yellow flower clip provided a flash of her favourite colour against ebony waves. The whole outfit was dazzling, ethereal, yet nothing compared to the glow of happiness radiating from within her.

‘You’re staring,’ she said softly and brushed at her fringe, her yellow diamond engagement ring catching the light and filling him with pride. Two months ago, he’d thought his heart would explode from love and gratitude when she’d cried, thrown her arms around his neck and wasted no time accepting his proposal. He’d felt the same today as they’d said their vows and gently threaded matching gold wedding bands onto each other’s fingers.

‘Always, so you better get used to it,’ he said, his words shaking with emotion that this magnificent woman loved him, wanted to join her life with his, forever.

Her grin was pure delight as she did a twirl before taking the lantern from him.

He laughed and reached inside his jacket pocket and pulled out the surprise letter from Ruby, given to them by Les Peachey earlier in the day. He’d told them it was to be read on the first of Ruby’s birthdays after her passing. Which as it happened, was the same day they’d chosen to marry to honour her, as well as their first meeting and first kiss.

Unfolding the blue sheet of paper to reveal Ruby’s familiar handwriting, his throat thickened and he entwined his free hand with Annie’s outstretched one.

‘My Darling Ethan and Annie,’ Ethan read out loud.

‘It’s my birthday, so happy birthday to me! And it will be happy, because I’ll be with My Don and we won’t ever be parted again. Oh, Ruby,’ he couldn’t help pausing to mouth, and squeezed Annie’s hand.

‘I don’t know how she did it.’ Annie sighed. ‘All those years without him.’

Ethan shook his head, speechless at the thought of his life without Annie in it, and the remarkable resilience of Ruby, who, despite the cruel hand life had dealt her, had continued to live her life full of love. It was only now that he truly understood how she must have suffered.

‘My fervent birthday wish is that you’re both reading this together, and I do mean together, together.’

Annie gasped, and Ethan raised his brows in surprise.