Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95559 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95559 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“No way,” Ky laughs infectiously.
“Yes way,” I reply, “I told you, I plan to show you all the grand gestures you deserve and winning a cuddly toy is one of them. It’s also a rite of passage. You have not lived until you’ve tried to carry one of these things around all day.”
“Shouldn’t I be the one fighting tooth and nail to win you a toy instead?”
“Nah, it’s the 21st Century. It’s all about equality these days.”
“I’m not going to argue with that.” Ky brings my hand to his mouth and kisses my knuckles, then picks up the giant, overstuffed unicorn and proudly holds it in front of him. I quickly stop to take a photo and send it in the group chat message to the others.
Nolan
You won him a toy? I’m sooooo jealous.
Jude
Niiiiiccceee Thea. Looks like I trained you well.
Devon
First dibs on cuddling that fucker when you get back.
Millie doesn’t reply but I know she had some things going on today, so I take no notice.
After we have something to eat—hot dogs and funnel cake—and spend the afternoon on a few more rides, we make our way to the Ferris Wheel for our last ride of the day as the sun begins to set. We leave Eunice the Unicorn, as she is affectionately now known, with the attendant and take our place in the cart as it slowly begins to turn. It might be the clichéd romantic gesture of them all, but I wouldn’t change anything. Kyler’s missed out on this and I’m happy to show him all the clichés in existence if it means having him smile without a care in the world.
Since Mrs. Nelson became a frequent figure in Lacey’s life, it’s as if the responsibility and worries that sat heavily on Ky’s shoulders have been removed. As well as finding Ky’s mom a stable job, she’s helped her quit drinking all together. Ally has moved on from the diner and is now working as a receptionist at an attorneys’ office—the same attorneys who are handling Mrs. Nelson’s divorce from her husband. Apparently, she laid down the law on Mr. Nelson and was furious he kept Lacey a secret from her. Carl and Adam have been thrown out and are now living in an apartment on one of his newly-finished developments. Mrs. Nelson plans to sell the house eventually and move closer to Northport—but with enough distance so it doesn’t feel like she’s imposing on the Roses’ lives. And Lacey? Well, she’s thriving. She started her hockey lessons a month ago and by all accounts, is a demon on the ice, just like her uncle. And she loves her new grandmaw, as she calls her, and video chats with her twice a week. Lacey has her first youth ice hockey game coming up on the weekend and we’re all going to be there: Ky’s mom and sister; Mrs. Nelson, Jude, Nolan, Devon, and Millie; and Ky and me. Better believe we’ll be the best and loudest cheerleaders she could ever wish for.
I’m also relieved to say Kyler’s also given up the fighting and there are no more cuts and bruises to care for. He’s received some interest from a few AHL teams but hasn’t decided whether he wants to play now or try for another championship. Ky feels another stellar season will up his chances in the draft. He also wants to graduate and receive the diploma he’s worked hard for. And, after much persuasion, he eventually cashed Adam’s check and used the money to buy a new car. Gone is the Camry and in its place is a Toyota RAV4. As much as he wanted to get a truck or some kind of sports car, he also has Lacey to think of and needed to be somewhat sensible. The RAV4 is his compromise.
Speaking of Adam, he’s been wiped from not only my life, but my family’s life too. Jude has also blocked him and, after updating my mom and dad, they’ve done the same—cutting all ties with the Nelsons, except Andrea. In fact, my parents let Andrea stay with them while her lowlife husband and son moved out.
As our cart nears the top of the Ferris Wheel, Ky pulls me closer to him and presses a gentle kiss against my lips. I deepen it and before long we break apart, both gasping for breath.
“Thea, this is . . . incredible. I’ve had the best time. Thank you so much,” he says, resting his forehead against mine. “I am so deeply in love with you, Thea. Since I met you, my world has become brighter, and I feel like my life has begun. I can’t even begin to fathom how I got through twenty-one years of my life not knowing a feeling like this. I’ve only known love that comes with conditions but with you? You’ve shown me what it is to really be loved. Whether it’s a simple plate of food or nursing my bruises, it’s an affection I’ve never experienced before. It’s overwhelming and addicting and all-consuming and I never want to be without it. I never want to be without you. You’ve awoken me, Thea. A lifetime of loving you will never be enough to convey how truly grateful and yet unworthy I am to have you in my life. You’re everything to me. You’re my purpose. And I will do everything in my power to give you the world, whenever and wherever you need it. Jesus,” he breaks off with a laugh and a shake of his head, “who’s being the clichéd one now?”