She’s proof that you can walk through hell

and still be an angel.

-R.H. Sin

 

Two and a half years later...

“Great Job, sweetheart.”

“So damn proud of you, baby.”

My smile’s so wide, it feels like my face might crack at some point. Both of my ol’ men lean in and kiss opposite temples, their approval making me want to burst inside. I couldn’t have done this without their support.

“You’re officially smarter than all of us and you have the paper to prove it.” Princess winks, beaming a smile.

“Ha! You have a degree, too, the last I checked.” Shaking my head, she’s next to pull me in.

“Yeah, but you just got a college degree in business. That’s the real deal, and we’re all happy for you.”

“Thanks, guys.” My happiness shines, directed at Saint, Sinner, Princess, and Bethany. They all showed up to my graduation, and I was ecstatic to see their faces in the crowd.

“Now if only you’d have gotten a degree at UT rather than in San Marcos...” She trails off, and my eyes roll.

“Oh, whatever! I did it, so you owe me a pitcher of your famous margaritas.”

Saint smirks. “You promised, P. My baby gets her favorite drink, which means you’re stuck bartending all night.”

“Ugh. Blaze is going to be thrilled having me take over his space,” she mutters as we follow her out of the auditorium where we’ve just received our diplomas. “We’ll see you guys at home.” She and B wave as they head for Bethany’s car.

“Okay, see you!” I blow a kiss in their direction, and the guys nod.

“How am I supposed to ride like this?” I ask, turning to find Sinner’s gaze.

He’s clearly amused as his eyes skirt over me from top to bottom. “I remember a time when you didn’t have enough clothes to ride,” he chuckles. “Now you have that moo-moo cape looking thing on, and it’s so fluffy you may get blown away.”

Saint laughs alongside him. The two think they’re so hilarious, teasing me nonstop over this gown. They may hoot and holler, but when I wear it later with nothing on underneath, they’ll be rethinking their comments. There’s no doubt in my mind.

Sinner grabs my hand and presses a quick peck on the top. “You got a dress on under that, right?”

I nod.

“Then hike that skirt up and scoot in tight.” He pulls me to a stop next to his motorcycle.

“What are you...” I trail off as he bends over and scoops the gown over me without hesitating long enough to make sure my other dress doesn’t get stuck along the way. “Shit, you have to warn me,” I call, with a laugh.

He hums, taking in my fitted graphite colored dress. Saint lets loose a loud, appreciative whistle, and his hands are on my back in no time, his lips on my neck. “Fucking gorgeous,” he rasps.

“Thank you.” I pull them both to me, a hand hooking around each of their hips. “I picked this color specifically for you guys,” I admit, gazing at them both

Sinner’s inky brow jumps, intrigued, and Saint smirks. “Oh yeah?”

“Yep, you know why?”

They shake their heads, peering at me like anything I may say is made of gold.

“Because it’s the only color that I’ve found that at some point in time, matches both of your eyes. Never at the same time but it was the closest I could find that was the same as you both.”

“Baby,” Saint mumbles and kisses me softly.

Pulling away from him, Sinner leans in and gruffly whispers against my lips. “I love it and you, sweetheart.”

“I love you both.” My regard flutters over them both. “So much. Thank you for giving me this life.”

They remain silent, all of us a little choked up with emotions. These past few years have been a long road. We’ve learned a lot, but the most important thing was that we love each other unconditionally.

“I couldn’t have done it without you guys,” I admit quietly, my proclamation full of sincerity.

Sinner tucks my hair behind my ear, his finger trailing along my jaw. “You did this. We just watched you grow into this strong woman.”

Tears escape. “You rented an apartment here, so we could stay here the nights I had classes, and you took turns each week driving me up here and staying with me. Not only that, but you spent so many days and nights helping me study, so I could pass my classes. None of this would be possible without you two.”

“Baby.” Saint gives my hip a squeeze. “What did you expect us to do? You are everything to us.”

A sob leaves me at the deepness of his words, of the love and patience they’ve shown me over the past few years, “You are both my everything, forever.”

They press a kiss to each of my temples, their eyes on me, full of love and tenderness. “Forever,” their gruff voices echo and pull me in to embrace me in their warmth.

I never imagined I’d find my home, one full of love and acceptance with two men. They’ve been the backbone when I’ve needed it along with the shoulder I’ve cried on. They started out as my adventure but became my forever.

“What are you doing?” Her amused gaze meets mine.

Shrugging, I round the car. “You earned it,” I reply and lean in to take her mouth. With a swift, heated kiss, I draw back, pulling her bottom lip between mine.

She hums with the enticing kiss, and I damn near press her over the hood to have my fun with her. “Earned what, daddy?” she whispers as I stare at her, entranced with her beauty.

“You get to drive this one.”

She squeals. “No! It’s an Ashton Martin; I really get to drive it?”

I nod, my lips tilted up at her excitement. “See, you even know what type it is; you’ve earned it.”

She lets out a laugh that sounds like freedom against my chest and races around to the driver seat. “How far?”

“To Oscars. You should know the way by now.” Sliding into the passenger seat, I buckle the safety belt.

“Oh my God, this is the best day ever.” She closes her door and presses the start button, the engine roaring to life. It’s a rumble that sounds like caviar and money, screaming luxury.

“Not the claiming, huh?”

Her flushed cheeks rise with her smile. “Oh no, that was definitely the best, but this...this is awesome!”

With a chuckle, I gesture forward, and she guns it. “This is me loving you, Jude.”

“Never stop, Saint,” she breathily responds, taking the curve like a madwoman, making me proud.

“Not on your life, baby. You’re my forever.”

She smiles, and I feel it in my heart. I’d give her everything that I have to keep her happy. I’d walk to the edge of the earth if that’s what took.

It still haunts me that I was the one to kill her mother. Thankfully, she hasn’t found out. I don’t think I could live with myself if she did. Instead of punishing myself for the sin, I do what I can every day of my life to make it up to her.

I’m the one who started driving her to school each week for her classes. I’m the one who got that apartment for her while she needed to study. I’m the one who trips over my own two feet to keep her smiling. I’ll do it for the rest of my life too.

“Sinner? You okay? You look lost in your thoughts?” Her kind gaze finds mine, pulling me out of my head.

“Yeah, sweetheart, just thinking about you.”

“Oh really? Anything that you feel like sharing?”

“Just that I love you and that I’d do anything I can to keep that smile in place.”

Her eyes grow soft and her palm lands on my forearm. “Sin,” she whispers.

“It’s true Jude, you own me.”

“I know.” She leans in and kisses my cheek.

“It’s coming on three years here soon, and I’ve been trying to figure out a way to show you how much you mean to me...to us.”

“You already show me, all the time. I have no doubt in my mind how you feel. You’ve been so loving and giving since you made me yours.”

I nod, glad she feels that way. “You’ve changed our lives; you’ve given us a future.”

“You are my future, you both are. You’re my home.”

Her words choke me up, and I gesture for Saint to join us and press a soft kiss to her perfect lips.

“I love you, sweetheart.” It comes out gruff with the emotions taking over my throat.

“I love you too, Baby.” Saint smiles and takes her hand in his.

“I love you, Sinner.” She kisses my cheek again and turns to Saint. “And I love you, Saint.”

He peers my way and tilts his head, waiting for me. Clearing my throat, I pull the box from my pocket and flip it open for her.

Her mouth pops open, her hand shooting up to cover it as her eyes tear up, “For me?” She chokes, surprised.

“Yes, my love.”

“A-a gray diamond?”

“To match that pretty dress you bought for us.” Saint grins.

“To show every person out there that you’re taken,” I add.

“Forever,” she whispers, and we echo the same.

Forever...